National Trust - Clandon Park — Attraction in Guildford

Clandon Park House is an early 18th-century grade I listed Palladian mansion in West Clandon, near Guildford in Surrey. It stands in the south east corner of Clandon Park, a 220-hectare (540-acre) agricultural parkland estate which has been the seat of the Earls of Onslow for over two centuries. The house and gardens were given to the National Trust in 1956, but the park remains in private ownership. Some of the house's contents have also been acquired by the Trust in lieu of estate duty.

Construction of the house, designed by Italian architect Giacomo Leoni, began about 1730, and the interiors were finished by continental sculptors and plasterers in the 1740s. It replaced an Elizabethan house. The park was landscaped by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown in 1781, and there are two formal gardens on either side of the house. Nearby is a Māori meeting house, one of only four outside New Zealand, that was brought to England in the late 19th century. After being transferred to the National Trust, the house underwent restoration before it was opened to the public, and later became a wedding venue and filming location for period dramas.

The house was badly damaged by fire in April 2015, probably caused by an electrical fault in the basement, leaving it "essentially a shell", with only one room, the Speaker's Parlour, intact. Thousands of historic artefacts, paintings, and items of furniture were lost in what has been described as a national tragedy. In January 2016, the National Trust announced that some of the principal rooms on the ground floor would be fully restored to the original 18th-century designs, and upper floors will be used for...

This review actually refers to the Coffee Shop cafe situated in the adjoining garden centre.... Clandon House is undergoing extensive rebuilding after a disastrous fire. Popped in for quick homemade lunch and was not disappointed. Husband enjoyed the broccoli and Stilton quiche (generous portion) with side salad and chips, whilst I enjoyed their thick and delicious soup of the day with crusty bread. We also indulged in the home baked cakes on offer (8 different varieties!) and can certainly vouch for the chocolate and coffee slices we chose. Wide choice of teas available and excellent quality of coffee. Prices are quite high (hence 4 stars, not 5) but seating area is pleasantly laid out and the staff are friendly & efficient. Needless to say, I was also delighted by the retail opportunities on site (!!!!) and bought a couple of the cut price books as well as some bird food and a wind chime tree ornament for a friend's birthday gift..... all reasonably priced. We live relatively close by and find this a perfect place to visit, not just for garden needs but also when l couldn't be bothered to cook!!!! :-) Well worth a visit. (Please press "like" if you found this review...

We last visited in the late 1980s and saw the site in its original condition. Main building had some stunning and unusual displays, many now irreplaceable. Excellent grounds and gardens back then with the New Zealand Māori house tucked under some trees. Sadly even this looks rundown and forlorn in the published photos and should be properly restored as a separate entity as it has a very interesting history and association with the Onslow family. See the book “The House with the Golden Eyes” At least there would something different to see as well as the renovations and gardens. The 2015 fire was a disaster and so depressing after having seen the main house in all its glory with so much of interest within. No plans to re visit and our occasional bike club meetings at the nearby Bulls Head pub have a tinge of...