A derelict mansion steeped in history has been saved from demolition by a £1.2m grant.

Dollis Hill House, inside Gladstone Park, has been awarded the money from Heritage Lottery Fund which will help transform the delapidated grade II listed Regency villa into tearoom and restaurant.

The building, which has housed guests including 19th Century prime minister William Gladstone and American author Mark Twain, has stood empty for nearly 20 years and has been subject to several arson attacks.

Once opened it will also be used by community groups to carry out projects in the borough.

For more pictures of the inside of the house see our gallery .