A spectacular renovation opportunity in Surrey with romantic sweeping gardens and a magical stilted tree house
Buyers looking for a project will be delighted to stumble across Drummond House and the opportunity it presents to create a really special home surrounded by mesmerising gardens.


In the village of Charlwood near Horley, Drummond House — currently on the market via Knight Frank at a guide price of £2.5 million — provides a unique opportunity in that the vendors are already halfway through renovations and planning permission for a significant extension and remodel is in place, including heat pumps and solar panels, not to mention a new pool house next to the existing swimming pool.
The task in hand is by no means small: rooms have been gutted and the debris is currently piled up in the garden.
However, it doesn't take a trained eye to see the potential that this house has, and a transformation into something really special seems easily attainable — budget permitting, of course.
Once complete, it will be a handsome and sizeable family home, with five bedrooms and five reception rooms on four acres of sweeping lawns, specimen trees and a pond with a fantastic tree house.
The romantic gardens and surrounding landscape are already breathtaking. Willow trees stoop over the lawn and the pièce de résistance is without a doubt the magnificent stilted tree house that stands over the large pond.
Then there's that outdoor pool, in a beautiful setting, and the views. This is an already special property that is half way through its journey into becoming a sensational home.
Drummond House is currently on the market via Knight Frank at a guide price of £2.5 million — see more pictures, or enquire with the agent for further details.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Norwood Hill: What you need to know
Location: The rural hamlet is located in-between Dorking, Reigate (approximately 6.7 miles) and Horsham (approximately 11 miles). Central London is just over 30 miles and trains run into London from Norwood Hill station via the Gatwick express and from Redhill station. London Gatwick airport is less than five miles away and Heathrow is 32 miles.
Atmosphere: The quiet hamlet enjoys a peaceful, rural atmosphere whilst benefiting from excellent transport links into the capital and further.
Things to do: The nearby towns of Dorking, Horsham and Reigate provide excellent shopping and recreational facilities. A range of sporting facilities can also be found in the surrounding area and further afield with racing at Brighton, polo at Cowdray Park, golf in Dorking and for sailing and water sports, head to Chichester or Brighton.
Schools: Downsend School, Reigate Valley College (rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted), Charlwood Village Primary School, Reigate Grammar School, St Bede's School and Epsom College are amongst the vast list of schools in the area.
See more property for sale in the area.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
Annunciata is director of contemporary art gallery TIN MAN ART and an award-winning journalist specialising in art, culture and property. Previously, she was Country Life’s News & Property Editor. Before that, she worked at The Sunday Times Travel Magazine, researched for a historical biographer and co-founded a literary, art and music festival in Oxfordshire. Lancashire-born, she lives in Hampshire with a husband, two daughters and a mischievous pug.
-
A one-of-a-kind waterfront estate with two private beaches is for sale on the same storied American island that Jackie Kennedy, the Obamas and Princess Diana have all visited
Beach Farm on Martha’s Vineyard — a favourite summertime holiday destination with prominent American families — is a perfect melding of New England and Scandinavian design styles.
By Rosie Paterson Published
-
Snakes alive! Country Life Quiz of the Day, July 15, 2025
Napoleon's downfall and two of James Bond's most memorable villains in Tuesday's quiz.
By Country Life Published
-
A one-of-a-kind waterfront estate with two private beaches is for sale on the same storied American island that Jackie Kennedy, the Obamas and Princess Diana have all visited
Beach Farm on Martha’s Vineyard — a favourite summertime holiday destination with prominent American families — is a perfect melding of New England and Scandinavian design styles.
By Rosie Paterson Published
-
The architect who created the MI6 building only designed a tiny handful of houses — and one of them is now up for sale in one of London's most bucolic spots
Sir Terry Farrell designed the beautiful, light-filled, T-shaped Drum House in Petersham, with gardens laid out by John Sallis Chandler, who has won multiple RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medals.
By Toby Keel Last updated
-
'True waterfront homes are finite... miss one and it could be years before you see another like it again': Why the best waterfront property always hits the spot
There’s no denying the appeal of waterfront property, which now sells for some 51% more than its inland equivalent, finds Knight Frank. Annabel Dixon explores the shore.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
19 charming homes for sale, from picture-perfect cottages to beachside retreats, as seen in Country Life
This week's selection of some of the best homes to come to the market via Country Life this week.
By Toby Keel Published
-
Tim Burton is selling the house he shared with Helena Bonham-Carter, a sublime home on the Thames that comes with three private islands
Mill House in Sutton Courtenay, Oxfordshire, might just be the perfect English country home.
By Rosie Paterson Last updated
-
A spectacular tower for sale that's a blend of Victorian folly, architectural marvel and 21st century family home
Hadlow Tower has space, and a back story of love, jealousy and intrigue.
By Toby Keel Published
-
A spectacular, light-filled home on the Isle of Wight where you can see the water from practically every window
Penny Churchill takes a look at the grand and impressive Fishbourne Quay House.
By Penny Churchill Last updated
-
The former stables — and recording studio for the Pet Shop Boys — transformed with a magical blend of city and country aesthetic, now seeking a new owner
In the heart of Clerkenwell, what was once a Victorian industrial unit is now a beautiful home.
By Toby Keel Last updated