Pooles Cottages

Pooles Cottages off Sandpits Road mark one of the boundaries of Petersham with bright white walls and pretty gardens.

Avenue of trees

As Ham Lands passes in front of Ham House there is a grand avenue of trees to guide you towards the house and on towards Petersham.

Harrington Lodge

This is another of those occasions when I happened to walk past a lodge when the main gate was open and so was able to capture an image of a usually hidden place. Harrington Lodge is far from the grandest lodge in Sudbrook Lane but it is certainly worthy of its place there.

Bare wall

I find it hard to believe that I have not posted a picture of the rear wall of Ham House before but I cannot find one so it must be true. The reason I've taken one now because the wall has been cleared of greenery which reminds us just how great the bricks are.

Full lock

The fairly high tide meant that even with the downstream gate open the water in Teddington Lock was almost at the top of the embankment.

Petersham porch

Petersham is more of less defined by the distinctive decorative porches on most of its cottages. This fine example is made the prettier by being set off by the recently painted wall.

Wayside

Looking rather like a converted Victorian school, Wayside is an unusual but charming house hidden off Petersham Road.

Large extension

This little house in Petersham Road is being practically doubled in size with a single story side extension (seen here) and a double storey rear extension. I will go back later to see what it looks like when finished.

Cottage garden

I've shown pictures of these cottages next to the New Inn before but this colourful display is a justifiable excuse to show another one. Simply gorgeous.

Selby House

The previous picture that I took of Selby House was from close up and was framed by the hedge but the house looks good from a distance too thanks to its classic proportions and neatly arranged windows.

Langham ivy (2009)

Langham House is well worth photographing at any time of the year and Autumn leaves are worth photographing in, er, Autumn, so getting the two together is always going to work well.

Autumn glory

At this time of year there are few places that I would rather be than buried in the heart of Ham Lands savouring the Autumn colours.

Wild apples

Possibly originating from some previous orchard, wild apple trees can be found in Ham Lands on the North side of Thames Young Mariners where their fruit falls unwanted and uncollected.

New opticians on Ham Parade

What was until recently half of Southcroft Pharmacy and, before that, the Tudor Wool Shop, is now Eye Care Opticians. It is good to have no empty units on the parade again and as a wearer of glasses, I could well be visiting the latest arrival before too long.

Flowering Lock

Autumn may have rolled in quickly but a welcome respite from the grey can be found at Teddington Lock where the keepers' garden is a colourful reminder of brighter times.

Land clearance at Thames Young Mariners

An otherwise enjoyable walk in an around Ham Lands was rather ruined by the discovery of major works at Thames Young Mariners that have cleared a large area of trees and bushes.



The cleared area is a brown scar on the edge of the lake where trees used to be.



The extent of the clearance can be seen through this charming but wonky gate. The gate used to be hidden too but part of Ham Lands was cleared to make an entrance to the site.



The main entrance makes a very depressing view with large mature trees cut down and surrounded by destruction. This is not a pretty sight.