Children go free this Easter at Chiswick House & Gardens Trust (CHGT) which earlier this week marked an historic day.
Images show the lavish interior and spectacular exterior, including black and white photos, provide a glimpse of the sights, as the house and gardens celebrate coming together under one management for the first time in almost seven decades.
The Easter hunt is the first event to be held following the change and the team need help to find 10 lost chicks scattered around the House and Gardens in Chiswick .
Children are invited to hatch a plan to see how many then can find.
A trail sheet will take families around the grounds in the hunt for the chicks while providing the chance to discover the fabulous interiors and old paintings in the House and downstairs to see if the lead Sphinx - creatures of wisdom and protection - can help in the search.
Outside the House in the Exedra, copies of antique statutes of Caesar, Pompey and Cicero, may also be able to guide you in finding the chicks.
On Monday (April 10) the grand estate celebrated as it assumed operational management of both Chiswick gardens and the main house, which has been under the care of English Heritage.
The move brings together the estate under one team for the first time in nearly 70 years.
CHGT chairman Andrew Fane said: “This landmark agreement unites the villa and its gardens for the first time in almost 70 years.
"Uniting the management of the villa and gardens is true to the original vision of Richard Boyle, 3rd Earl of Burlington and 4th Earl of Cork, who created this wonderful estate from 1727-32.”
Both the London Borough of Hounslow and English Heritage will continue to support CHGT.
Kate Mavor, chief executive of English Heritage, added: "Placing the house and gardens under the care of one single team makes complete sense as it will allow for the site’s overall story to be better told and make for a better visit.”
Plans are in motion to apply for funding to restore the House and improve visitor facilities as well working closely with schools, universities and the public.
Chiswick House is an 18th century villa set in landscaped gardens in west London.
Special Easter opening times from Friday (April 14) to Monday (April 17) are from 10am to 6pm.
Children go free when accompanied by a paying adult - just quote 'Happy Easter'.
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