Saint Hill Manor

Saint Hill Manor is a Grade II listed country house at Saint Hill Green, just outside East Grinstead in West Sussex. Completed in 1792, it has had a varied history, from a Sussex gentry home to the residence of an Indian maharaja and today the UK headquarters of the Church of Scientology. For visitors it is an architectural and historical landmark to notice while exploring the area, not a stately home with regular opening hours.

What is Saint Hill Manor?

This is a late 18th-century country house in landscaped grounds on the edge of East Grinstead, close to where West Sussex meets Surrey and Kent. Grade II listing means the building is of national importance and protected for its architectural or historic interest. Over more than two centuries it passed through several owners, and its story is unusually colourful for a provincial Sussex house.

Who lived here?

In 1947 the estate was bought by Sawai Man Singh, Maharaja of Jaipur, and it was under him that the house came to be known as Saint Hill Manor. In 1959 it was purchased by the American author L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology, reportedly for around £18,000. He lived here until early 1966, and the house served as the centre of his organisation until 1967. A mock-Gothic building known as Saint Hill Castle was added to the grounds after 1968. The property remains in the hands of the Church of Scientology, which uses it as its British base.

Can you visit?

Saint Hill Manor is a working church site rather than a museum, so there is no regular touring scheme like those run by the National Trust or English Heritage. Access rules are set by the owner, so check current arrangements with the organisation before travelling. The surrounding lanes allow an exterior look, but the grounds are private and restrictions apply.

How do you get there?

The manor lies about 2 km from the centre of East Grinstead. The town is the terminus of the line from London via Oxted, and the journey from central London usually takes around an hour. From the station you can reach Saint Hill Green by taxi, bus or car. By road, East Grinstead sits on the A22 between London and the Sussex coast.

What else is nearby?

East Grinstead is known for its High Street, lined with timber-framed buildings several centuries old. Ashdown Forest stretches out to the south, and the heritage Bluebell Railway operates in the area. The manor works well as a short stop in a day that also includes a stroll through the town or a walk on the heath.

When should you go?

Late spring and summer offer the greenest grounds and the longest days. Autumn brings colourful foliage. In winter bare trees give better views from the road, but days are short and often wet.

Frequently asked questions

Is Saint Hill Manor a listed building? Yes. The house, dating from 1792, is Grade II listed.

Who owns it today? It belongs to the Church of Scientology, which uses it as its UK headquarters.

Can I go inside? It is an active church property with no standard visiting hours. The owner sets access rules, so enquire before you travel.

Where exactly is it? At Saint Hill Green near East Grinstead in West Sussex, around 2 km from the town centre.