Wotton House

Wotton House is a historic country house near Dorking in Surrey, today run as a hotel, wedding venue and conference centre. It was built in the early 17th century and extended in the decades that followed. Both the house and its gardens carry a high heritage listing (Grade II*).

Why visit?

The place combines architecture, garden history and the landscape of the Surrey Hills. Wotton matters in the story of English gardening because it was the birthplace, in 1620, of John Evelyn, the diarist and writer on landscape gardening. Evelyn created the first Italian garden in England on the estate.

Who built the house?

The estate belonged to the Evelyn family from the 16th century. George Evelyn bought Wotton in 1579 from Henry Owen, a descendant of Owen Tudor. The house that stands today was built by the family in the early 1600s and enlarged later in the century. For generations the property stayed tied to that family.

The gardens

The gardens date to the mid-17th century and are linked with the work of John and George Evelyn. They were altered in the 19th century. The grounds include terraces, grottoes and small garden temples, and the whole layout is entered on the national register of historic parks and gardens. A Grade II* rating for a garden is relatively unusual.

A turbulent 20th century

During the Second World War the estate served as a Canadian army base. In 1947 the Home Office leased the house and set up the Fire Service College there, which ran until 1981. From 1981 to 1986 British Telecom leased the property before it returned to the Evelyn family. After a period standing empty and a thorough restoration, it reopened in 2003 as a hotel with conference facilities. Sources differ on exactly how long it lay unused.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Wotton House?

In Wotton, Surrey, in south-east England, close to Dorking. The coordinates are roughly 51.21 N, 0.40 W.

Is it the same as Wotton House in Buckinghamshire?

No. There are two well-known houses of that name in England. The one described here is in Surrey and is associated with the Evelyn family.

Who was John Evelyn?

A writer born here in 1620, famous for his diary and his knowledge of garden design. The first Italian garden in England was created at Wotton.

Can you stay overnight?

Yes. The house currently operates as a hotel, wedding venue and conference centre. Check conditions directly with the property.

Are the house and gardens protected?

Yes. Both the house and the gardens are Grade II* listed, and the estate sits on the national register of historic parks and gardens.

Who is it for?

Fans of garden history and English country houses, readers interested in John Evelyn, and guests looking for a stay or event in a historic Surrey Hills setting.