Goddards facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Goddards
Type	Country house
Location	Abinger Common, Surrey
Built	1899
Architect	Edwin Lutyens
Governing body	Landmark Trust
Owner	Lutyens Trust
Listed Building – Grade II
Official name: Goddards
Designated	7 February 1972
Reference no.	1028841
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Ground floor and first floor plans, after the wings were extended in 1910

Goddards is a beautiful country house located in Abinger Common, Surrey, England. It's a special place with a rich history, designed by a famous architect named Edwin Lutyens.

This unique house was first built over 120 years ago, between 1898 and 1900. It was created as a peaceful place for women who needed an affordable holiday or a break. Later, it became a private home. Today, you can even stay there for a holiday!

Discovering Goddards: A Special House

Goddards is more than just a house; it's a piece of history. It was designed by the well-known architect Edwin Lutyens. He is famous for creating many beautiful buildings. The house was built for a wealthy shipping businessman, Frederick Mirrielees.

The Original Purpose of Goddards

When it was first built, Goddards had a very kind purpose. It was meant to be a "Home of Rest." This meant it was a place where women who didn't have much money could go for a relaxing holiday. It offered them a chance to rest and enjoy themselves.

How Goddards Changed Over Time

In 1910, the house was made bigger. Edwin Lutyens himself came back to extend the building. At this time, it was changed from a holiday home into a private residence. It became the home of Mrs. D. Mirrielees.

Unique Features of Goddards

Goddards has some really cool and unusual features that make it stand out.

The Skittle Alley

One of the most interesting parts of Goddards is its built-in skittle alley. Skittles is a game similar to bowling. Imagine having your own bowling alley right inside your house! This shows how unique and fun the house was designed to be.

The Beautiful Gardens

The gardens around Goddards are just as special as the house itself. They were designed by a very famous garden designer named Gertrude Jekyll. She was known for her amazing ability to create stunning and colorful gardens. Her designs often used different plants to create beautiful patterns and textures.

Goddards Today: A Place to Visit

Today, Goddards is looked after by the Landmark Trust. This organization helps to preserve important historic buildings.

Goddards as a Holiday Let

The Landmark Trust now offers Goddards for holiday lets. This means that families and groups can rent the house and stay there for their own holidays. It's a fantastic way to experience living in a historic home.

Headquarters of the Lutyens Trust

Goddards is also the main office for the Lutyens Trust. This trust works to celebrate and protect the work of Edwin Lutyens. They make sure his amazing buildings are cared for and remembered.

A Protected Historic Building

Goddards is recognized as a Grade II* listed building. This is a special status given to buildings that are very important to England's history and architecture. It means the building is protected and must be kept in good condition.

Visiting Goddards

If you're interested in seeing this amazing house, you can arrange a tour. Tours are available by contacting the Lutyens Trust beforehand. It's a great chance to learn more about Edwin Lutyens and the history of this unique home.