Fenton House

This beautiful 17th-century merchant's house is a hidden gem in London, a place of unique charm and ambience.Lady Binning bought the house in 1936 and filled it with her highly decorative collections of porcelain, Georgian furniture and 17th-century needlework.

Known primarily for its collection of early keyboard instruments, this National Trust property also contains an interesting array of furniture, textiles, art and 18th-century porcelain. Interior design students will be intrigued to learn that the house was 'done up' by renowned decorator John Fowler in 1973, and was one of his last commissions for the National Trust.

The bold tangerine coloured decorative scheme by Fowler in the Dining Room forms a vivid backdrop to a group of no less delectable paintings by Sir William Nicholson, newly loaned by the Bacon family. A bequest of 55 paintings, drawings and watercolours from the collection of the late actor Peter Barkworth are an additional draw; on permanent display in the house they include paintings by the Camden Town School and 18th and 19th centuries watercolours by the likes of Constable, Cox and Collier.

A late 17th-century merchant's house, Fenton House has clung on to a number of original features and is still surrounded by a large walled garden, with orchard, making it an idyllic haven from Hampstead's bustling shops. Classical concerts are put on here throughout the year but if you're lucky you might hear a music student playing on one of the old spinets or harpsichords during your visit.