Epic views, land and a ballroom to die for at a Surrey Hills home created by one of the greatest architects of the Arts-and-Crafts movement
Greyfriars is a beautiful 19th century home with an impeccable pedigree, designed by Charles Vosey and with gardens laid out by Gertrude Jekyll. Now, it's looking for a new owner.

'Charles Voysey was a key figure in the English domestic revival,' runs Country Life's entry on Voysey in our series back in 2010 on Britain's greatest architects. In the past 15 years, the Arts-and-Crafts houses designed by men such as Voysey and Edwin Lutyens have only become increasingly sought-after, and the piece makes it clear why: 'Carefully sited in the landscape and created with close attention to the design and craftsmanship of every detail, [Voysey's designs] combined elements of the cottage vernacular with a simplicity of decoration and a rationality of plan that was refreshingly new. "We cannot be too simple," he believed, and his interiors, conceived in harmony with furniture and fittings, convey a feeling of quiet domesticity.'
Such places are rare finds on the markets, and in the case of Greyfriars — for sale via DDRE Global at £6 million — there is the added attraction of gardens that were laid out by legendary designer (and Country Life contributor) Gertrude Jekyll. This is a home with elegance, beauty and grandeur — and it's also blessed with an outstanding location, just off the main A31 Hogsback route which runs from Guildford to Farnham.
It's an enormous property. 15 bedrooms, nine bathrooms and over 14,00sq ft of floor space set in a plot of 27 acres on the south side of the Hogsback itself, the house has magnificent views across the Surrey Hills and beyond to the South Downs.
The whole thing has been sensitively restored by the sellers, who've furnished it with a mix of modern furniture and a few original Voysey pieces.
On the ground floor the highlight is probably the fabulous drawing room which makes the most of the views, but there is also a music room, movie room, home office and more.
A second drawing room sits upstairs, getting the full benefit of this glorious location, with the bedrooms set on the first and second floors.
Outside, there are lawns, pond, orchard and tennis court, as well as stables and a swimming pool — the latter in need of repair. There's even a squash court, which isn't currently in use, but could be reinstated or (subject to permission) be converted for different use.
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
In its time the house has been a home to novelists, composers and even the sugar magnate Philip Lyle, of Tate & Lyle. With so much space, though, there are a huge number of options for Greyfriars beyond life as a spectacular private dwelling.
The current owners have rented it out for weddings, but — again, subject to permission — there are surely all sorts of other possibilities.
Greyfriars is for sale via DDRE Global at £6 million — see more details.
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
Toby Keel is Country Life's Digital Director, and has been running the website and social media channels since 2016. A former sports journalist, he writes about property, cars, lifestyle, travel, nature.
-
The birds of urban paradise: How to get twitching without leaving the city
You don't need to leave the concrete jungle to spot some rare and interesting birds. Here's a handy guide to birdspotting in Britain's towns and cities.
By Richard Smyth Published
-
The 'breathtakingly magnificent' English country gardens laid out on the Amalfi Coast, and the story of how they got there
Kirsty Fergusson follows the Grand Tour to Campania in Italy, where the English combined their knowledge and love of plants with the rugged landscape to create gardens of extraordinary beauty.
By Kirsty Fergusson Published
-
Harts House: A home straight out of a fairytale for sale in Kent
We try not to use cliché too often, but sometimes only cliché will do.
By James Fisher Published
-
In search of Arcadia at Ayot Bury, the Georgian home and estate that's 30 minutes from central London
With 40 acres and glorious gardens, Ayot Bury might be the perfect country home for those looking for the best of both worlds.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
The most expensive postcodes outside of London have been revealed
Some are not so surprising. Some are quite surprising. Most are still quite close to London. All are costly.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
A £1.5 million flat on the street where wig and pen once met
It doesn't get more central London than Fleet Street.
By James Fisher Published
-
A spectacular coastal estate in Dorset set on its own private peninsula
This 160-acre estate is part nature reserve and part country home, with a beautiful Arts-and-Crafts home at its heart.
By Arabella Youens Last updated
-
A converted bothy on the shores of Loch Tay from which to enjoy the fresh tastes of Spring
Waterfall Cottage offers four bedrooms and a garden that stretches right down to the lapping waters.
By James Fisher Published
-
An idyllic home in Hampshire that's perfect for the musical mind
Lyewood House sits in 3.5 acres and comes with a purpose built recording studio and an outdoor heated pool.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
A well-connected rural playground with 23 acres on the edge of the South Downs National Park
Old House Farm is an impressive family home with a wealth of amenities that would inspire any rural passion.
By Arabella Youens Published