Esher Place, Grade II listed mansion in Esher, United Kingdom
Esher Place is a mansion built in French Renaissance style that sits on ten acres of grounds in Elmbridge. The building combines elements from different periods, including a late 15th-century gatehouse and materials from 19th-century renovation work.
The estate served as a royal refuge when Cardinal Wolsey was held under house arrest before King Henry VIII seized the property. It later held captured Spanish admirals for several years following the defeat of the Spanish Armada.
The property reflects changing uses across generations, from royal residence to children's home to vocational training center. These transformations show how grand estates often found new purposes to remain relevant in their communities.
The grounds are best explored on foot, allowing time to walk around the expansive estate and observe the building from different angles. The open parkland makes it easy to move at your own pace and take in the architectural features and landscape setting.
The property holds a little-known chapter from the time of Spanish invasion, when high-ranking enemy prisoners of war were held there. This episode ties the house to a dramatic moment in English history that rarely receives attention.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
