Built in 1610 and extended in the 1670s, Ham House is one of the most outstanding Stuart houses from that period.

It was home to the extravagant Duchess of Lauderdale, who was renowned as a political schemer. During the 17th century, the house was at the heart of Civil War politics and Restoration court intrigue.

© National Trust

The beautiful gardens include the much photographed Cherry Garden. It features lavender parterres flanked by two berceaux (vaulted trellises) of pleached hornbeam and a statue of Bacchus at its centre.

There are also eight grass plats; a south terrace border with clipped yew cones, hibiscus and pomegranate trees; a maze-like wilderness and a 17th-century Orangery.

© NTPL / Andreas von Einsiedel

Walnut and chestnut trees in the outer courtyard act as roosts and nesting sites for a large flock of green parakeets. The formal listed avenues are formed by more than 250 trees.

It is said that the Duchess still haunts the house today, along with a number of other ghostly inhabitants.

Find out more about the garden.