Osterley House & Park on a winter's day

I used to visit Osterley quite a bit when I lived nearer so I was lovely to return today.

It was very very cold but the Mandarin Ducks ( 5 males & 2 females) didn't seem to mind at all

First visit was to the Stables Cafe where we had a warming cuppa and a lovely fruity scone..

And then off for a walk around the gardens..

Mr Ponders decided to brave the cold and have a look over the gardens..

The Orangery

and the walled garden..

Magnolia in bud.. it will look wonderful when the flowers fully open

and then inside the house.  Many of the artefacts are missing as they were not given to the NT when the house was.. but the rooms are wonderful...

Ivory..... :(

 
Mr Ponders gave a 'beak' with the cooking.. ;)

And although we were out for only the morning, given the bitter cold and that we're off to a concert this evening, we decided to head off home

Lovely to have visited again after all this tie though....