Lauderdale House was one of the finest county houses in Highgate. It lies just off the High Street (which can be seen in the background, and was originally built in 1582 with a timber frame. In 1645 it was inherited by the Earl of Lauderdale (hence its name) and in 1666 it was visited by Charles II and Samuel Pepys, while Nell Gwynn is said to have lived there briefly in 1670.

It was converted to a neo-classical style in 1760, and John Wesley preached here in 1782, and in 1882 the then owner, Sir Sydney Waterlow, the famous printer, gave it 'for the enjoyment of Londoners'.

However in 1963 it was badly damaged by fire  and though it has been re-built, the interior has not been refurbished, and it is used as a  for temporary exhibitions.

However if the house is disappointing, the gardens are magnificent.

Here is a view in the opposite direction taken from the park looking across the artificial lake, with the house peeping through in the distance