Descending from a long-distinguished line of Scottish architects responsible for building large areas of Belgravia, from Eaton Square to Wilton Crescent, Ernest Seth-Smith designed Broadoaks Mansion and grounds as the ultimate country retreat in 1876, for his elder brother Charles Edward. The mansion was substantially extended between 1905 and 1906 under the ownership of the wealthy industrialist and patron of the arts, Sir Charles Tennant, who, after passing away in 1907, left the house and grounds to his wife Marguerite, who later married a Major Geoffrey Lubbock. The brewery owning Charrington family owned Broadoaks from 1911 to 1946 when it was sold to the Ministry of Supply. In 1948 it housed the Army Operational Research Group and was in military occupation until 1996. It was sold in 1998 and had been empty ever since . Apart from some very ornate firplaces and some beautiful wood carving and of course the drawing room the rest of the manor wasnt very photogenic ... still it was good to see it
