A somewhat peculair mansion inside of Kew Gardens
Cherrypond Mansion, colloquially known just as Cherrypond, is a large mansion situated just north of the Queen's Cottage Grounds in Kew Gardens. Well accesible by carriage from either the Unicorn Gate, driving past King William's Temple through the Arboretum following the Lake, or from the nearby Isleworth Ferry Gate.
Construction on the large three-storey mansion itself was completed in 1832. Attached to the mansion is a greenhouse, constructed in 1842, two years after the founding of Kew Gardens.
The mansion's unique location inside Kew Gardens comes with a legal obligation to maintain the greenhouse, open it up to the public on an agreed-upon schedule, and to hire a greenhouse gardener with the necessary qualifications. Furthermore, there is the expectation that the owners of the estate donate a yearly sum to cover the labour costs for the maintenance of the part of Kew Gardens surrounding the estate.
Traditionally, at least for the past 30 years, the greenhouse has been opened to the public on all days that Kew Gardens is open to the public, with the exception of the second Saturday and Sunday of each month. During this weekend the greenhouse is traditionally closed to the public for private viewing at the discretion of the estate. As part of buying the estate, Lady Gallorett agreed to honour this tradition.
Staff
Cherrypond Mansion shares staff with Halpine House, with Mr. O'Connel in charge of making sure that staff, supplies, and other things are moved between the two locations in the proper manner and order.