The Homewood - Magnificent Modernism

Back in the summer of 2009, not long before we left our Frensham life behind and returned to Australia, we visited The Homewood, one of only two modernist buildings in The National Trust's portfolio.

Entrance to the house

This delightful property was designed and built in 1937-1938 by Patrick Gwynne, a young architect who at the age of 24 somehow persuaded his parents to demolish the family home, a Victorian villa, and replace it with this very fine example of 20th century modernism. Three cheers for the Gwynnes and their parental indulgence.

The swimming pool, adjacent the outdoor entertaining area.
This must have seemed very 'Hollywood glamour' in the 1930s

That creeping vine obscures an external spiral staircase that leads to an
entertaining space on the roof of the building

This glorious home made a deep impression on me. As much as I love grand historic buildings and cutesy cottages, there's definitely something to be said for the modernist way of living - far more practical in many ways, and it's a style of architecture that makes the most of surroundings, characterised as it is by expansive glazing. 

The Homewood is no exception to this, set in a beautiful woodland garden in Esher, only about 30 minutes from Epsom. The windows that run the full length of the front of the building provide breathtaking vistas across the garden and it must be wonderful to watch the seasons change throughout the year.

View from the landing atop the spiral staircase

View from the main living area

What a groovy pad this is, and oh! can you imagine the hoo-ha from the neighbours when it was built? Of course being surrounded by woodland it's not visible to neighbours or visible even from the road, however at the time of its construction it contravened all the standard building regulations - too large, flat roof etc. The rules had to be torn up and reinvented to allow The Homewood to be built.

The house was designed to provide Gwynne's mother with adequate space for entertaining (she was something of a socialite), and the main living area boasts a sprung maplewood floor intended for dancing as well as a fully fitted bar with tables and shelves that magically extend. There are cleverly designed niche cupboards in wall cavities that ensure clutter is kept out of sight. 

It's filled with furniture designed by Gwynne himself, as well as iconic pieces by Saarinen, Eames, Le Corbusier, Bertoia and Mies van der Rohe.

Image: cafeurbanite.yuku.com

Photo: Dennis Gilbert

The property has featured in two excellent ITV series from 2013/14 - Endeavour ('Rocket' episode) and Agatha Christie's Marple ('Endless Night)'. 

This is truly a house for living in, which renders its history a little sad. The Homewood was completed in 1938 and the family only lived here together for just over a year. When war broke out Patrick and his sister joined the forces, and the house was let to tenants. Gwynne's parents both passed away during the war.

However Patrick returned and lived here until his death in 2003. Being a true modernist, changes were made throughout the decades to embrace technology and new ideas - this is not a museum from the 1930s.

Deck area leading from the dining room down to the pool

The Homewood was bequeathed to The National Trust under the condition that it be open to the public at least one day a week for six months of the year, and that it be tenanted to a family. Oh lucky, lucky Scott family, who successfully made it through five rounds of interviews in 2007 and have lived here ever since. 



The Homewood merges the light and functionality of modern architecture with the beauty of the Surrey countryside. It is perfection.

Me want  :-(

Yours truly enjoying the gorgeous colours of autumn in The Homewood's garden

Until next time,
- Maree  xo