Warren House, Kingston Hill

Warren House is located on the Coombe Estate, which has been one of the wealthiest and most exclusive area in the Royal Borough of Kingston since the reign of Queen Victoria.

Now Warren House is "one of the finest meeting venues in Britain, dedicated to conferences and training, as well as weddings and private dining."

I cannot comment on the facilities but a tour of the house and gardens proved to be an excellent way to spend a sunny afternoon.

The house is very much of its time, and if you have been to conferences at country houses you will know exactly what I mean, but the garden is a delight providing a range of different settings of sights, sounds and smells.

Water is a common theme and I can recall at least four significant water features, including oriental style ponds and an Italian style fountain.

A lot of attention is paid to the planting too, as this little courtyard garden by the old stable block shows. It's the plants against the backdrop of the period brickwork that makes Warren House well worth a visit.