I first saw my home back in the winter of 1993/1994 when it was semi derelict and a more than a little unloved but knew that it completely captured my imagination.
The house was built by Surrey County Council as a small holding in 1911 as part of a serious attempt by local authorities across England to encourage people on to the land and produce food. Then, as now the problem with new start farmers being able to afford property was evident. The smallholding remained productive till the 70s (I think) when the larger part of the land, over 4 acres was absorbed by the surrounding farm which was also owned by SCC.
Probably because of the original purpose of the house and the longevity of its setting it has a wonderfully peaceful setting and atmosphere despite being on the edge of Guildford and on a lane sandwiched between 2 busy main roads. The house sits as the only house on its side of the road surrounded by farmland and hedgerows.
What was the bigger farmhouse burnt down in the late 80s or very early 90s but the land was already being used by Merrist Wood Agricultural College for hay and silage production as well as being autumn grazed by their herd of cattle. In 1993 the farmland was formally transferred to Merrist Wood as a result of a decision by the Education Assets Board who decided what assets would be handed over to colleges who ceased to come under the authority of SCC (or indeed other local education authorities). It should be noted that the land was handed to Merrist Wood as an “educational asset” essential to the function of an agricultural college which in light of the last 20 years and the changes which took place in the 90s at Merrist Wood could be seen as rather ironic.
Already vacant by 1993 the house and the site of the farmhouse were retained by SCC. The house occupied by me in June 1994 as a countryside staff house and the empty plot sold off for redevelopment (my neighbours across the field!).
Working with a budget from SCC and employing our families as labour my then wife and I peeled back layers of neglect both in the house and the large garden. I doubt that there had been any money spent on the property in 30 years and the last tenant, Mr Newman, had clearly found it all a little too much. It was also clear though that the house had been a happy home for him and his family for at least 30 years and I still discover plants or buried treasure in the garden that must date from their time.