Foxwarren Park

Foxwarren Park is a Gothic Revival country house built in red brick with polychromatic designs, terracotta ornaments, and blue diapering characteristic of its Victorian architecture. The estate also encompasses a separately listed Model Farm that adds to the architectural significance of the entire complex.

Architect Frederick Barnes designed the estate in 1860 for Charles Buxton, a brewing magnate and Member of Parliament. The construction reflected the wealth and influence of a prominent Victorian family during that period.

The estate inspired E.H. Shepard's illustrations of Toad Hall in Kenneth Grahame's classic children's novel The Wind in the Willows. Visitors can still observe the Victorian architectural details that shaped this literary connection.

Access is limited to the exterior as the estate remains privately owned and not open for interior viewings. Visitors can admire the red brick walls and ornamental details from outside and explore the grounds surrounding the main house.

Between 1919 and 1955, Alfred Ezra transformed the estate into a private zoo housing rare bird species. Among the most notable residents were the last pink-headed ducks documented there in 1939, before this species vanished globally.

Location: Wisley

Inception: 1860

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

GPS coordinates: 51.32860,-0.45212

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:06