To the west of Richmond Park, overlooking the Thames and nearly opposite the oddly named Eel Pie Island, the house was built in 1610 by Sir Thomas Vavasour, knight marshal to James I, then refurbished later the same century by the Duke and Duchess of Lauderdale, who, although not particularly nice (a contemporary called the duchess "the coldest friend and the most violent enemy that ever was known"), managed to produce one of the finest houses in Britain at the time. It's unique in Europe as the most complete example of a lavish Restoration period house, with a restored formal garden, which has become an influential source for other European palaces and grand villas. Produce from the garden can be enjoyed in the café in the Orangery. After considerable restoration, the library has been filled with 17th- and 18th-century volumes; the original decorations in the Great Hall, Round Gallery, and Great Staircase have been replicated; and all the furniture and fittings, on permanent loan from the V&A, have been cleaned and restored. The gardens and outhouses (Ice House, and Still House) are worth a visit in their own right, and are more conveniently open year-round. A tranquil and scenic way to reach the house is on foot, which takes around 30 minutes, along the eastern riverbank south from Richmond Bridge. COST: House, gardens, and outhouses £6, gardens and outhouses £2. Tube: Richmond, then Bus 65 or 371.