Gravetye Manor

Gravetye Manor is a historic building located in West Hoathly, originally constructed in 1596 by Katherine Compton and Richard Infield, an ironmaster. The property is now owned by the Forestry Commission and operates as a hotel and country club. The manor features two storeys and an attic, with four windows and four gabled dormers that have kneelers, coping, and finials at their apex. The exterior is made of ashlar stone, topped with a Horsham slab roof, and includes casement windows with stone mullions and dripstones. A gabled porch, adorned with similar finials, was added around 1640 by Henry Faalconer, who was married to Agnes Infield, the daughter of Richard and Katherine Infield. The west front of the manor displays two gables. Inside, there are 17th-century fireplaces and panelling. Between 1885 and 1887, a matching wing was added to the north-east by William Robinson, known for his book "The English Flower Garden." This addition, designed by architect Sir Ernest George, features five windows, two large gables, and three gabled dormers. William Robinson lived in the manor until his death in 1935 and transformed the garden into one of the most renowned gardens in England.