Witley Park is a beautiful estate with a rich history. It was built in the 18th century and features a stunning Georgian mansion.
The mansion has undergone several renovations over the years, with the most significant one being in the 19th century. This renovation added a new wing to the house.
Witley Park is surrounded by 100 acres of parkland, which is perfect for walking and exploring.
Witley Park
Witley Park is an estate located in the south-west of Surrey, between Godalming and Haslemere. It's a beautiful place with a rich history.
The estate was formerly known as Lea Park and was purchased by the noted swindler Whitaker Wright in 1890. He developed the estate into a 32-bedroom mansion adjacent to one of three artificial lakes.
Wright's vision for the estate included an underwater conservatory and smoking room, which is still a remarkable feature today. The conservatory has aquarium windows and a statue of Neptune, giving the appearance that it's floating on the water.
The mansion burned down in 1952, but the landscaped park remained intact. In 1961, a new Modern movement home was built on the estate, designed by Patrick Gwynne.
Witley Park House is now the main residence on the estate, but the park remains a beautiful and historic feature. The estate has undergone several changes in ownership over the years, including being purchased by the Leigh family and later by Sir Raymond and Lady Brown.
Here's a brief overview of the estate's ownership history:
- 1890: Purchased by Whitaker Wright
- 1982: Purchased by Sir Raymond and Lady Brown
- 2002: The Brown family sold 450 acres of the estate
Features
Witley Park is a beautiful estate with a range of impressive features.
The estate's gardens are a highlight, with a mix of formal and informal areas to explore. The gardens feature a variety of plants and trees, including a large collection of roses.
Witley Park also has a number of walking trails that allow visitors to explore the estate on foot. These trails range from easy to challenging, making them suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities.
The estate's historic mansion is a must-see, with its impressive architecture and beautifully decorated interior.
Featured Images: pexels.com
