Garrick's Villa

Garrick's Villa is an English country house with yellow brick construction connected to riverside gardens through an underground tunnel that passes beneath Hampton Court Road. The building features a Corinthian columned portico and extends across the grounds with formal garden layouts.

The property was acquired between 1753 and 1754 by the celebrated actor, who then commissioned architect Robert Adam to undertake substantial alterations during 1756 and 1775. These renovations transformed it into a notable example of 18th-century neoclassical design.

The Temple to Shakespeare in the gardens is an octagonal brick structure with a lead dome built around the middle of the 18th century. This building reflects the resident's admiration for the playwright and shapes how visitors experience the garden today.

The temple section opens to visitors on Sunday afternoons from April through October, while the riverside gardens are accessible daily from early morning until dusk. Plan your visit during warmer months to fully experience the outdoor grounds and landscape features.

A private tram track was built into the grounds in the early 1900s when a transportation company manager owned the property, making it one of few country houses with such a feature. This unusual railway installation shows how wealth and connections shaped personal estates during that period.

Location: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

GPS coordinates: 51.41260,-0.35870

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:06