Marble Hill House is the last complete survivor of the elegant Thames-side villas that lined the river between Richmond and Hampton Court in the early 18th century. Built between 1724 and 1729 for Henrietta Howard, mistress of George II, it is a perfect small Palladian villa: compact, beautifully proportioned, white, and surrounded by grounds that run down to the river. English Heritage manages the house and has restored the interior to its original appearance.
The house is best visited in the context of a walk along this stretch of the Thames. Ham House is across the river (a short ferry ride from Orleans House), Richmond Park is a few minutes by foot, and Strawberry Hill is within walking distance to the west. The grounds of Marble Hill are freely accessible year-round and are popular for picnics in summer; the house itself charges admission and has seasonal opening hours.