The History of The Homewood
The Homewood is a modernist house located near Esher, Surrey, in England. The residence was designed by Patrick Gwynne for his parents, Alban and Ruby Gwynne. The construction of the house took place in 1938, and the project reached completion in the early summer of that same year.
The site was originally occupied by a Victorian house and garden. As the noise from the adjacent A3 road increased, the family chose to build a replacement dwelling on a new site on the northern part of their land. The family hosted a housewarming party at The Homewood in July 1938.
The property was donated to the National Trust in 1999. Since then, the house has remained a private home, though it is occasionally opened for guided tours. The building was restored by Avanti Architects for the National Trust between 1992 and 2002.
Architecture and Design of the House
The Homewood is a modernist residence designed by Patrick Gwynne. The structure is built using reinforced concrete and follows a floor-plan shaped like a capital "J". The building is elevated by pillars to first-floor height, creating a distinct separation between the levels. The exterior is characterized by a solid brick ground floor topped by a white concrete upper floor.
Inside, the design utilizes specific materials to define the living spaces. The interior features terrazzo, marble, and gold leaf. Principal rooms are located on the upper floor, which is accessed via a spiral staircase. The layout places the living area within the vertical part of the J-shape, while the kitchen and staff quarters are situated in an adjacent annexe.
The Gardens and Surrounding Grounds
The grounds encompass six acres of landscaped terrain, including a woodland area. This wooded section contains silver birch, firs, heathers, rhododendrons, and Japanese maples. The southern portion of the garden features a bog garden and a tributary of the River Mole, which has been widened into three distinct ponds.
The property is situated on the west side of the A307 Portsmouth Road. While the house remains a private residence lived in by tenants, the surrounding landscape is maintained as part of the National Trust's stewardship. The garden's layout reflects the original vision of Patrick Gwynne, who landscaped the site himself.
