Cannizaro Park sits on the edge of Wimbledon Common and above is a picture of the house, now a hotel (Hotel Du Vin). However the conservatory is open to the public as a cafe (though obviously not at the moment, sadly). The park is free to visit.
It was a fair walk for me to reach here, and a trek uphill. My only thought was how easy it would be going back downhill afterwards! But it was worth the walk, for this is a beautiful park, and larger than I remembered. The spring flowers having faded, the summer ones are not yet at their peak, but the woodland walk is peaceful and shady with little quirky diversions.
The name Cannizaro dates back to 1832 when Count St Antonio was occupant of the house, then called Warren House, became Duke of Cannizzaro in Sicily. But he didn’t hang around. He went off with his mustress to Milan leaving behind his Scottish wife who kept the house and gardens until her death in 1841.
Later, the second ‘z’ was dropped from the name, and after other occupants, Cannizaro became known as a country retreat whose visitors included Lord Tennyson, Oscar Wilde and Henry James. In the early 20th century the Wilson’s bought the entrie estate and lived in it from 1920 to 1947. The estate was finally sold to Wimbledon Corporation and Surrey County Council. Seperate conditional covenants to the sale meant that some of the lands was be used for housing, while other parts became the Royal Wimbledon Golf Course, allotments and so on. The house was destined to be an old people’s home.
Haile Selassie, who once visited
The house, as I have said, is now a hotel. If you want to see what the inside of the hotel is like click here. You can book a room for around £120 per night through TripAdvisor!
The park is set out with different areas, the large main grassed area, the woodland walk, a rose garden as well as a sunken garden by the side of the house. There are many benches to relax on and enjoy the peace, plenty of space to picnic, as well as a couple of statues to find on your walkabout.
Diana Statue
The houses close by in this part of the world are massive with gates and entry codes. Some are now apartments. There are also a couple of lovely pubs (when they re-open), The Crooked Billet and Hand in Hand. And of course, over the road is Wimbledon Common. What more could you ask for?
The pet graveyard (below) was a real unusual find. Hidden away off the main path, and yes, there does look like there are badger setts there.
Millennium Fountain, entrance – Canizzaro Park
My London+ 