It’s not everyday you get to stroll around an architectural gem with some of your favourite people, followed by a killer roast lunch all within 15 mins of your front door.

So many of our friends in the design world have told us about Eltham Palace, but it’s always harder somehow to take time out and see the beauty right under your nose. When we finally took a moment away from work to stroll around this English Heritage property in south east london, we felt like we were back in Milan on a pilgrimage to one of our biggest design inspirations, Villa Necchi. (we’ve told you before to watch ‘I Am Love’ starring Tilda Swinton – do it immediately if you haven’t already and you will know what we mean).