The Lodge to open its doors

It comprises a tour of the house and gardens at The Lodge, the magnificent Victorian mansion which is now the UK headquarters of the RSPB.

A council spokesman said: “We will see the elegant reception rooms, including the former drawing room, library, dining room, billiard room and impressive main staircase.

“Each room is in an 18th Century style with important marble fireplaces, Elizabethan panelling and mantelpieces of stone.

“We will see the former bedrooms and marble bathroom, together with the kitchens and numerous servants’ rooms.”
He added: “We will walk in the gardens which were re-landscaped by the Stewarts in a simple Italianate style, as well as hearing about the history of the house and its owners.”

Lord Stewart was chairman of the London Brick Company and during Word War Two much of the land – originally bought by Captain William Peel in 1851 – was requisitioned by the military.

> To book email [email protected] or call 01767 681491. The cost of the guided walk is £5.50.