 By the late 19th century, this part of London had become urbanised and increasingly shabby, but the estate remained a rural island – containing fine views, historic trees, roses and kitchen garden.By 1918, the Boston Manor estate had become untenable and the Clitherow family decided to sell it.Estate agent's particulars described an estate containing glasshouses for growing melons and cucumbers, grapevines and a 200-yard herbaceous border.