Photo: Hammerwood Park by Zadradr (talk) (Uploads), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Hammerwood Park is a Grade I listed historic house in East Sussex, and a member of Historic Houses. Read about its history, architecture and gardens, plus how to visit and what's nearby.
About Hammerwood Park
Hammerwood Park stands three and a half miles east of East Grinstead in East Sussex.
Benjamin Henry Latrobe built it in 1792 as his first independent commission before emigrating to America, where he became known as the father of American architecture.
The house is one of the earliest Greek Revival buildings in England and holds Grade I listed status.
After requisition during the Second World War, it fell into disrepair and stood empty for years.
Led Zeppelin purchased it in 1973 with plans to convert it into a recording studio.
The Pinnegar family has owned and restored the house since 1982 and opens it to the public during summer months.
Read more on WikipediaHistory of Hammerwood Park
Latrobe built Hammerwood between 1792 and 1795 as his first independent commission before emigrating to the United States, where he became known as the father of American architecture. The house was requisitioned during the Second World War and left to decay afterwards, standing empty and vandalised through much of the 1970s despite Led Zeppelin's 1973 purchase and plan to convert it into a recording studio. Since taking it on in 1982, the Pinnegar family has carried out the restoration and opened the house to visitors.
Architecture of Hammerwood Park
The house is regarded as one of the first Greek Revival buildings in England, its Doric order drawn from the temples at Paestum. Latrobe later reused the same distinctive order for the Supreme Court Chamber in the US Capitol.
Worth knowing
Led Zeppelin bought Hammerwood in 1973 intending to turn it into a recording studio. Its architect, Benjamin Henry Latrobe, went on to design the White House's north and south porticoes and the United States Capitol.
Gardens & grounds at Hammerwood Park
The parkland was laid out in the 1790s, probably under the influence of Humphry Repton, and centres on a lake with views across the valley; it carries its own Grade II listing on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.
Plan your visit to Hammerwood Park
Nearest station: Cowden Rail Station (2.8 miles)
Open June to September on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Bank Holidays; check official website for opening times and special events.
Admission
Historic Houses members must pay for entry
Historic places nearby
Within 5 miles of Hammerwood Park there are 3 historic properties, including 1 historic building, 1 castle and 1 historic house, across Historic Houses and National Trust sites.
Within 10 miles of Hammerwood Park there are 9 historic properties, including 4 historic houses and 3 historic buildings, across Historic Houses and National Trust sites.
Within 20 miles of Hammerwood Park there are 37 historic properties, including 14 historic houses, 13 historic buildings and 3 gardens, across Historic Houses, National Trust and English Heritage sites.
Facts
The house where the architect of the US Capitol first tried his ideas, later owned by Led Zeppelin.
- Type
- historic house
- Location
- East Sussex, England
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