Avon Tyrrell House

Avon Tyrrell House is an Arts and Crafts manor in the parish of Sopley, Hampshire, on the edge of the New Forest near Christchurch. Designed by W. R. Lethaby, it ranks among the finest houses of the movement and holds Grade I status on the National Heritage List for England, the top tier of protection.

How did the house come about?

Lord Manners, John Manners-Sutton, commissioned it in the early 1890s. The story goes that he bet he could buy, train and ride the winner of the 1882 Grand National. He won by a short head and put the prize money into a new country house. Sources disagree on completion: 1891 or 1892.

What makes the architecture special?

Lethaby planned it as a "calendar house", with numbers echoing the year: 365 windows, 52 rooms, 12 chimneys, 7 external doors and 4 wings. It is generally described as the last house of this kind built in England. The brick-walled forecourt, also by Lethaby, is listed separately at Grade II, and so is the surrounding park and garden in the Register of Parks and Gardens.

What has it been used for?

During the First World War it served as a convalescent home for wounded New Zealand soldiers. In the Second World War the army took it over, using it as an intelligence post and hospital among other roles. In 1946 the property was placed in trust for young people, with the body now called UK Youth as custodian. Princess Elizabeth, later Elizabeth II, opened it in 1949.

Can you visit?

This is a working residential and outdoor activity centre for young people and groups, not a museum. There are no regular public opening hours, so going inside normally means arranging it in advance with the centre. Most visitors admire it as part of a day in the New Forest area, and it is worth checking the centre's website for current access rules before travelling.

How do you get there?

The house stands near Sopley, a short distance from Christchurch on the western side of the New Forest. A car is the easiest way to reach it; confirm access to the grounds beforehand.

Frequently asked questions

Who designed Avon Tyrrell House? William Richard Lethaby, a leading Arts and Crafts architect, for Lord Manners.

What does Grade I mean? It is the highest category in the English listing system, reserved for buildings of exceptional national interest. The house was listed on 12 March 1987.

Why is it called a calendar house? Its windows, rooms, chimneys, doors and wings match the number of days, weeks, months, days of the week and seasons.

Is it a private home today? No. A charity-run centre uses it for education and outdoor activities for young people.