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John Julius Norwich has written that West Green House "must be one of the most totally desirable Georgian houses in the country". It is a warm red brick house built in the first quarter of the 18th century. Thanks to the high panelled Saloon, rising two stories and occupying virtually all five bays of the west front, this facade has one row of windows only, punctuated by its glazed door with a strongly emphasised 'Gibbs surround'.

The house was occupied in the 1980's by Sir Alistair McAlpine, the Treasurer of the Conservative Party under Margaret Thatcher. During this period the large formal gardens were elaborated by structures created by the neo-classicist architect Quinlan Terry. Quinlan Terry's aviaries form centre-pieces of elaborate kitchen-gardens inspired by those at Villandry in France. The architect also created a nymphaeum which is currently under restoration. West Green Gardens have recently been opened to the public by Marylyn Abbott, who leases the property from 'The National Trust'.

 

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