Modern Elfland: Architects of a Cumulative Landscape
Rowhurst Forge, Oxshott Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 0EN
'Rowhurst' is not a neat historic house designed by one architect and placed in a simple setting moulded to suit it. It is a complex survivor in a confusing landscape, shaped by thousands of years of human activity and natural events. In its 31st year as a Heritage Open Days participant, this atmospheric building has already caused hundreds of extraordinary stories to come to light, and it undoubtedly has many more gems to offer.
Many things created this wonderful place: geology, topography, nature, agriculture, trade, war, industry, disease, accident, fashion, passion, serendipity, wealth and poverty, and so on. The noisy, fast-paced modern world has very rapidly encroached on what was, in living memory, a quiet farm with fields stretching out to rivers and woodland. A closer look and a careful listen, however, will be rewarded with the comforting realisation that the beating heart of something much older and more fundamental is still going strong here. Come and experience the mood of the site.
Visit the house at your own pace, still lived in by owner Lucy Quinnell, and enjoy a rare chance to see live blacksmithing inside the adjacent working forge. Enjoy the private garden, which - in response to the depletion of Britain's biodiversity - Lucy is gradually nurturing as what she calls the 'Tree Museum'. Fire & Iron Gallery will also be open as usual next door, with a special exhibition of metal tree-inspired art.
Timings & Tours
- Wednesday 17 September:
- 1100-1600
- Thursday 18 September:
- 1100-1600
- Friday 19 September:
- 1100-1600
- Saturday 20 September:
- 1100-1600
Location & directions
Rowhurst Forge, Oxshott Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 0EN
- Directions:
- Rowhurst is located at Fire & Iron Gallery immediately south of the M25 bridge on the B2430. SatNav may take you north of the M25, and KT22 0EG is often a better postcode when using SatNav. Fire & Iron Gallery is signposted with brown and white signs from the A244 and the B2430. There is a bus stop close to the end of our driveway.
- Contact on day:
- Lucy Quinnell and Tom Quinnell
- Telephone number:
- +441372386453
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Rowhurst is a Listed Building with steps and uneven pathways. There is a ramp to Fire & Iron Gallery and the forge is on one level. There is a superstore 200 metres to the south with an accessible toilet.
