Standen & Saint Hill Manor – May 2019

Departure from APMH is at 9.10.

STANDEN

We arrive at Standen at 10:30 for an introductory talk on the coach before entrance to the house at 11:00/11:10/1120/11:30 in groups of ten, using timed tickets. There are guides in each room and Blue Books also in each room with detailed information.

Gardener designer: G. B. Simpson

Philip Webb designed four zones

The Main Terrace – Mrs Beale worked on this
The Lawn around the house & Quarry Garden
The Croquet Lawn
The Kitchen Garden
When Mr Beale was thinking of moving in with his family he bought land from Saint Hill Manor in 1890 (see picture above). He chose the area because of the situation close to the newly opened East Grinstead railway station.

Time for lunch (not included).

Depart 14:00

SAINT HILL

Saint Hill Manor is located on the outskirts of East Grinstead and is reputed to be the finest 18th century sandstone building in Sussex. It has had a succession of notable owners, each family leaving behind a part of its own unique history, with a fascinating blend of Eastern and Western cultures.

L. Ron Hubbard, the final owner, purchased the estate in 1959, establishing it as his family residence. Best known as prolific author and founder of the Scientology religion, Hubbard carried out much of his research into the mind and the spirit of man at Saint Hill. Hundreds of students came from around the world to study under him. In the impressive library, his 560 published works can be seen, in subjects ranging from fiction, photography and art of philosophy, education and even drug rehabilitation, earning him hundreds of international awards.

Hubbard had extensive renovations carried out at the manor and personally oversaw much of the work – his aim was to restore the house to its original beauty.

The numerous marble fireplaces and floors have been expertly restored and polished, and original woodwork rejuvenated. Wood cabinetry that had been hidden for a century has been unmasked and newly brought to view.

As a result, the manor today is in outstanding condition.

Tour of the Manor House followed by cream tea (included).

Depart: approx 16:30