The Homewood National Trust
A stunning 1930s modernist home by Patrick Gwynne, offering a unique architectural journey through its preserved interiors and enchanting gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, fresh start
The Homewood National Trust
Best Time
Fewer crowds, fresh start
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning 1930s modernist home by Patrick Gwynne, offering a unique architectural journey through its preserved interiors and enchanting gardens.
"An incredible experience—an intimate, in-depth tour of a unique Modernist house in Esher that I never even knew existed."
🎯 Bookings Open Thursdays!
Tickets are precious and go quickly! Check the National Trust website on Thursdays to book your Friday visit.
🚗 Ample On-Site Parking
Plenty of parking is available at the property, making it easy to access.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Patrick Gwynne's Modernist Masterpiece
The House
Explore a stunning 1930s modernist home designed by Patrick Gwynne, featuring ingenious interiors and exquisite furnishings.
Meandering Garden Landscapes
The Gardens
Wander through 8 acres of beautiful gardens with streams, waterfalls, and unexpected vistas.
Architectural Vision
Exterior
Admire the cubist-inspired exterior of the house, a testament to early 20th-century architectural innovation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Visit Early!
Prepare for a Guided Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bookings Open Thursdays!
Tickets are precious and go quickly! Check the National Trust website on Thursdays to book your Friday visit.
🚗 Ample On-Site Parking
Plenty of parking is available at the property, making it easy to access.
🚫 No Photos Inside
Capture the exterior's angles, but remember no photography is allowed within the house itself.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring both the house and extensive gardens, so comfy footwear is a must.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bookings Open Thursdays!
Tickets are precious and go quickly! Check the National Trust website on Thursdays to book your Friday visit.
🚗 Ample On-Site Parking
Plenty of parking is available at the property, making it easy to access.
🚫 No Photos Inside
Capture the exterior's angles, but remember no photography is allowed within the house itself.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring both the house and extensive gardens, so comfy footwear is a must.
🚻 Facilities Elsewhere
There are no toilets or cafes on-site; head to nearby Claremont Gardens for these amenities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about The Homewood National Trust, calling it a 'hidden modernist gem' and an 'amazing experience.' The meticulously preserved house and its innovative design, coupled with the beautiful gardens and knowledgeable guides, make for a highly recommended visit. Some find securing tickets challenging due to limited availability.
"A hidden modernist gem – well worth the effort!
This was an incredible experience — an intimate, in-depth tour of a unique Modernist house in Esher that I never even knew existed, despite being a lifelong Surrey resident.
A few tips: bookings open on Thursdays, so it’s essential to book early — spaces are limited and precious!
There’s plenty of on-site parking, clear signage, and a very warm welcome from the volunteer team. The tour itself was superb — around two hours in total, split between the house and gardens. We weren’t allowed to take photos inside, but the exterior is fair game and full of lovely angles to capture.
The house is beautifully preserved, full of striking design features, and brought to life by the knowledgeable guides. I was particularly impressed by the way the National Trust has worked to honour Patrick Gwynne’s vision — he bequeathed The Homewood to them, and the restoration has clearly been a labour of love.
It’s a fascinating place — calm, elegant, and unlike any other National Trust property I’ve visited. I left with a real sense of discovery and couldn’t recommend it more highly to anyone interested in architecture, design, or hidden histories."
Melanie Hardman
"Wonderful Modernist house near Claremont gardens. The house is situated in 8 acres of wonderful gardens. There is parking at the house. The house is only open on Fridays for a few months of the year. You have to book in advance and tickets go really quickly. Our wonderful guide Joyce was very informative. No toilets or cafe on site. You have to go up the road to Claremont gardens for those. You're not allowed to take photographs inside but you can outside."
Nick Levy
"Amazing experience. The house and garden are beautiful. The design of the house inside and out is wonderful, so modern with clean lines and exquisite furniture and fittings. The garden is on the edge of Esher Common and you feel like you're in the middle of the countryside. The design takes you meandering through shrubs and trees, there is a stream running through which drops over little built waterfalls. You never know what is around the corner.
The guides we had in the house were so knowledgeable and they obviously loved the property. The history of the family who built it and lived there was really interesting. The garden guide was able to complete the picture viewing the property from the garden and explaining what the architect/owner envisaged when designing this property.
Well worth booking a visit."
susan mayhew
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Homewood is located in Esher, Surrey. If traveling by public transport from London, you can take a train to Esher station and then a bus or taxi. Driving is also an option with on-site parking available.
Yes, there is plenty of on-site parking available for visitors.
Yes, it's possible to reach The Homewood via public transport, though it may require a combination of train and bus/taxi.
While the gardens offer varied terrain, the house tour is guided. It's advisable to contact the National Trust directly for specific accessibility information regarding the house and gardens.
The nearest train station is Esher, which is a short taxi or bus ride away from The Homewood.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets must be booked in advance online through the National Trust website. Bookings often open on Thursdays for Friday visits and are very popular.
Tickets are typically released on Thursdays for the following Friday's visits. Due to high demand, it's essential to book as soon as they become available.
Yes, visits to The Homewood are primarily via pre-booked guided tours, which are highly recommended for understanding the house and its history.
The guided tour typically lasts around two hours, encompassing both the interior of the house and the surrounding gardens.
No, advance booking is essential as tickets are limited and sell out quickly. On-the-day purchases are not usually possible.
📸 📸 Photography
No, photography is not permitted inside The Homewood house to preserve the interiors and the visitor experience.
Yes, you are welcome to take photographs in the gardens surrounding The Homewood.
The exterior of the modernist house offers many interesting angles, and the gardens provide beautiful vistas and details to capture.
Generally, drone photography is not permitted at National Trust properties without prior permission. It's best to check with the National Trust directly.
Tripod use may be restricted, especially inside the house (where photography is banned anyway). Check with the site staff if you plan to use one in the gardens.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no catering facilities on-site at The Homewood. Visitors will need to go to nearby Claremont Gardens for refreshments.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to consume picnics in designated areas if available, or at nearby locations like Claremont Gardens.
Yes, the nearby Claremont Gardens has facilities, and there are likely cafes and restaurants in the town of Esher.
Claremont Gardens usually offers a cafe or tea room with light refreshments.
Picnic spots are not a prominent feature at The Homewood itself. It's recommended to enjoy a picnic at Claremont Gardens.
🎫 💡 Onsite Experience
The Homewood is celebrated as a unique modernist country residence designed by Patrick Gwynne, offering an intimate glimpse into 20th-century architectural design and family life.
Expect an in-depth, two-hour tour led by knowledgeable guides who bring the history of the house and its architect, Patrick Gwynne, to life.
No, there are no toilet facilities on-site at The Homewood. Visitors need to use the facilities at Claremont Gardens.
Built between 1938-1939 by architect Patrick Gwynne for his family, The Homewood was later bequeathed to the National Trust, which has meticulously restored it.
While children are welcome, the two-hour guided tour and the focus on architecture might be more engaging for older children and adults.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families:
* Ensure children are comfortable with guided tours and can remain engaged for the duration.
* Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the gardens.
* Plan to visit Claremont Gardens afterwards for refreshments and play areas.
🏛️ Architecture & Design Enthusiasts
Don't miss the chance to explore the cubist-inspired exterior and the surrounding gardens, which were designed to complement the house's modernist principles. The meticulous restoration by the National Trust ensures an authentic experience, making it a truly illuminating visit for anyone interested in 20th-century design.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Recommendations for solo/couples:
* Book your tickets well in advance, as they are highly sought after.
* Take your time exploring the gardens after the house tour.
* Consider combining your visit with a trip to nearby Claremont Gardens for a fuller day out.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Vision of Patrick Gwynne
The National Trust has undertaken a significant restoration effort to preserve Gwynne's original vision, ensuring that visitors can experience the house as he intended. This commitment to authenticity is a key reason why The Homewood is considered such a special place. The intimate guided tours are crucial for understanding the nuances of Gwynne's design and the stories behind the family who lived there.
Visitors often remark on the striking design features and the ingenious interiors, highlighting how the house feels both historically significant and remarkably modern. The preservation of the original furniture and fittings further enhances this immersive experience, offering a rare glimpse into a specific era of architectural innovation.
Exploring the Gardens and Landscape
The garden design complements the modernist architecture, offering vistas and views that connect the house to its natural surroundings. The layout encourages a sense of discovery, with paths leading through different areas, revealing new perspectives of the property. The garden guide often helps visitors understand the architect's original intentions for how the house and landscape should interact.
Many visitors are surprised by the feeling of being in the middle of the countryside, despite its proximity to Esher. The gardens provide a peaceful retreat and a beautiful contrast to the geometric precision of the house, making the overall experience at The Homewood a well-rounded exploration of design and nature.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit