On Saturday I made a trip with my family to a stately home in Surrey. Polesden Lacey was purchased in 1906 by Mrs Greville and her husband and was transformed into an Edwardian country home that hosted many a party and royal guest. She was second only to the Queen in riches at the time. The house is set in acres of countryside and has stunning views over Surrey. Check out the website for more of the history.

On of the best parts of the estate is during a tour of the house they give you a chance to actually try things out. Most houses are look but never touch – here you can play music on an original gramophone, play billiards on a full size table, play air billiards, sit down and pretend you’re a lady or have a go on the piano. The music room is the most stunning room in the house decorated in lavish gold with a sparkling chandelier in the centre of the room.

The gardens are a mixture of formal displays including roses and lavender and a border of gorgeous coloured flowers surrounded by parkland that stretches as far as the eye can see dotted with trees that are hundreds of years old.

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