Great Tangley, Wonersh Common, Guildford, Surrey, GU5

Magnificently historic and beautifully presented 5 bedroom wing in romantic gardens.

Description

Great Tangley Manor, which is listed Grade I, is described by Pevsner in The Buildings of England as 'the most impressive of Surrey’s moderate collection of half-timbered houses.'

There has been a dwelling on the site of Great Tangley Manor since 1016. Some of the garden walls are of Saxon origin. It was reputedly Prince John’s hunting lodge in the twelfth century and was rebuilt as a Medieval Hall house in the fifteenth century. The Tudor frontage, upper floor and some of the panelling was added in 1582. In 1885 the house was bought by Wickham Flower, a founder member of the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Buildings and part of the Arts and Crafts Movement. He commissioned Philip Webb, the famous architect, to extend it.

Today, the property is divided into two exceptional wings. Upper Tangley Manor is the east wing of the building, the major part of which was designed by Webb. It extends to approximately 5,000 sq ft, set over two floors, and comprises 4 wonderfully generous reception spaces, a kitchen/breakfast room (which won the New Building's Category of the Waverley Design Awards in 2007), 5 double bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Every room exudes character and fascinating architectural detail from the medieval period through to the Art Deco. Upper Tangley Manor has mixed use Class C3 and Class D2 and has been used as a holiday let and wedding reception venue by the current owners. It has two independent entrances affording extra flexibility of use.

The gardens are a major feature of the property, structured by Wickham Flower at the end of the 19th century. Characteristic of the Arts and Crafts Movement, the integration of house and garden is at the centre of the design, with the house spilling out into the garden in a series of out-door rooms. The walled garden and formal lawn to the South West epitomise the romantic English country garden with gloriously full borders, rich in texture and colour. The moat, which encircles the property is one of its most spectacular, defining features.

Beyond the formal gardens, the grounds extend into a wilder, natural setting which features an array of important specimen trees. Of particular note is the King John Oak and a magnificent tulip tree. The lake hosts an abundance of wild life and is surrounded by a variety of beautiful trees and planted with irises and bullrushes. The Bog garden, which has been described as one of the most successful of its kind in the country, is planted with white bells, candelabra primulas, azaleas and bamboo and enclosed with stunning rhododendrons in shades of pink and red in the Spring. Adjacent is the wisteria walk, which has featured in several books, and which runs almost the entire length of the lake.

Within the grounds there is also a garage with electric car charging point.

Location

The attractive and ancient village of Wonersh lies some 3.5 miles South-East of Guildford and is surrounded by The Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Wonersh has a parish church, surgery, public house, village shop and Post Office. Whilst these amenities provide for daily needs, nearby Cranleigh and Guildford provide a more comprehensive range of shopping, leisure and cultural amenities.

The main line station at Guildford offers a fast and frequent service into London, with journey times from around 36 minutes.

The A3 provides access to London, the South coast, airports and the national motorway network via the M25 interchange at Wisley. Good schools in the area include St Catherine’s, Lanesborough, Tormead, Guildford High School, Royal Grammar School, Cranmore, St Teresa's, Cranleigh, Charterhouse and Prior's Field.

Recreational opportunities include golf at several local clubs; The Spectrum Sports and Leisure Centre; racing at Epsom and Sandown Park; and polo at Ewhurst. In addition, the surrounding countryside, including The North Downs Way and the Downs Link paths, offers excellent walking and riding.

All times and distances are approximate.

Square Footage: 4,993 sq ft


Acreage: 3.95 Acres

Directions

From Guildford, head South on the A281 towards Horsham. Continue for 1.7 miles, then at the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Kings Road/A248. After 0.9 miles, continue on to Wonersh Common/B2128. In 240m, turn left onto Great Tangley and continue until you reach the entrance for Great Tangley Manor.

All distances are approximate.