Goddards, Arts and Crafts country house in Abinger Common, Surrey, England
Goddards is an Arts and Crafts country house in Abinger Common, Surrey, designed with symmetrical wings connected by a central room and chimneys rising from roughcast stone walls. The building sits on extensive grounds and features clay-tiled roofs typical of the region.
Frederick Mirrielees commissioned Edwin Lutyens to design this building in 1898 as a rest home for women nurses and governesses of limited means. The project reflected a desire to support working women facing financial hardship.
The house uses local materials like Horsham stone tiles and oak timber, reflecting the Arts and Crafts movement's commitment to honest craftsmanship and regional building traditions. You can see this philosophy in every room, where materials and details celebrate local skills rather than industrial production.
The property is managed by the Landmark Trust for holiday rentals accommodating up to twelve guests with a kitchen, multiple bathrooms, and extensive grounds. The spaces are fitted for extended stays, combining historic character with practical modern amenities.
The building houses a preserved skittle alley from 1900 serving as a recreational space alongside the courtyard garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll. These two features together create a complete leisure area for those staying here.
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