Tigbourne Court

Tigbourne Court is an Arts and Crafts villa in Wormley built from Bargate stone, notable for its clear architectural composition and handcrafted appearance. The three-story building features paired chimneys, curved screen walls, and a central triple-gabled section with brick accents throughout its honey-colored stonework.

Architect Edwin Lutyens designed the villa between 1899 and 1901 for Edgar Horne, a businessman and chairman of Prudential Assurance Company. The house emerged during a transformative period in British architecture when traditional craftsmanship was being celebrated.

The house reflects Arts and Crafts ideals in its design and materials, emphasizing handcrafted details and natural elements that create a lived-in elegance. Visitors notice how the architecture was meant to feel part of the landscape rather than separate from it.

The building sits roughly 1 mile (2 km) south of Witley within the parish of Hambledon and is straightforward to locate. Keep in mind that this is a private residence, so views are from the exterior and the surrounding grounds are not open to casual visitors.

Actress Maggie Smith owned the property from 1968 to 1981 and had it divided to suit her family's needs. This ownership connected the house to one of Britain's most respected performers during that era.

Location: Wormley

Location: Hambledon

Architects: Edwin Lutyens

Made from material: Bargate stone

GPS coordinates: 51.13250,-0.63389

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:00