Holland Park is a 22-hectare park in west London, which is situated around the ruins of Holland House. The house, originally known as Cope Castle was once a great house that served as the home of diplomats and powerful families throughout its history. It was built in 1605, but was destroyed during the Blitz in 1940. The grounds were bought by London County Council in 1952 and today they serve as a large park, which includes various gardens, an open-air theatre, a cafe, a restaurant and various sports facilities.