National Trust properties:

One of the most extraordinary National Trust properties in the country lies in our area: Waddesdon Manor. We frequently fly over the Manor, which was built for the Rothschild family in the late 19th century to house the family’s enormous collection of art treasures. The furniture contained in the house rank in importance with the Metropolitan Museum in New York and the Louvre in Paris. The art collection is wonderful, and includes pictures by both Gainsborough and Reynolds. The house is surrounded by large and immaculate gardens, which contain an aviary of rare exotic birds. Other nearby National Trust properties include Cliveden, with its spectacular estate overlooking the river Thames, and West Wycombe Park – one of England’s finest Italianate houses. West Wycombe Park was home to Sir Francis Dashwood, founder of the notorious Hellfire Club.