LONDON, ENGLAND.- Chiswick House in South West London and its gardens and park is set to return to its former splendour with the establishment of a new charitable trust to oversee the restoration, management and protection of this important national icon. Widely considered the birthplace of the English Landscape Movement, Chiswick House was designed by William Kent for the previous owner the 3rd Earl of Burlington.

The Trust, set up between English Heritage and the London Borough of Hounslow will focus on funding for the proper maintenance and protection of this outstanding Grade I villa and its gardens, which have been enjoyed as a public park since 1929.

Widely regarded as the birthplace of the English Landscape Movement, Chiswick House and its gardens were designed to impress and flaunt the great wealth and refinement of its owner, Richard Boyle, 3rd Earl of Burlington. It is considered one of the world�s most glorious examples of neo-Classical design, of exceptional architectural purity.

Mr Rupert Hambro, the Trust�s first Chairman, said today: �This celebrated site is an icon of history at the heart of the local community. It has been enjoyed by generations of Londoners as the embodiment of Lord Burlington�s pioneering vision. My Trustees and I are determined that the House and its park and gardens of 65 acres will be restored to its former glory.�

Simon Thurley, English Heritage�s Chief Executive, said: �Chiswick House is of exceptional historical significance and its park is much loved and used. English Heritage is delighted to see the stewardship of both Chiswick House, run by English Heritage, and the gardens and park, run by The London Borough of Hounslow, combined into a single Trust.�

Councillor John Chatt, London Borough of Hounslow Councillor and Trustee, added: �The Trust represents an important commitment to the community and has been specifically set up to spearhead the regeneration of Chiswick House and gardens for the enjoyment of future generations.�

The Chiswick House Project has lodged a funding application with the Heritage Lottery Fund to support phase one, encompassing the landscape regeneration elements. The project was given a significant boost by �600,000 in funding from the Wolfson Gardens Challenge Fund in September 2004, a figure English Heritage has matched.