Photo source: Mertbiol, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
St Mary's House & Gardens is a Grade I listed historic house in West Sussex, and a member of Historic Houses. Read about its history, architecture and gardens, plus how to visit and what's nearby.
About St Mary's House & Gardens
St Mary's House was built around 1470 on land once held by the Knights Templar in the downland village of Bramber, West Sussex.
It began life as a pilgrim inn and later developed into a timber-framed manor house with connections to both royalty and literature.
The house contains an Elizabethan trompe l'oeil Painted Room and a Victorian music room that continues to host concerts.
Peter Thorogood and Roger Linton purchased the derelict property in 1984 and undertook extensive restoration work, for which both received MBEs.
Following Thorogood's death in 2024, Linton has continued their shared mission to preserve the house and secure its future.
The property remains in private ownership but is open to the public through the dedication of its owners and volunteers.
History of St Mary's House & Gardens
The current owners, Peter Thorogood and Roger Linton, bought the house in 1984 when it was derelict and spent the following decades restoring it, work recognised with MBEs from Queen Elizabeth II. Peter Thorogood died in 2024 at the age of 98, and Roger Linton, now 85, continues the restoration and the pair's long-stated aim of securing the house's future for the nation.
Architecture of St Mary's House & Gardens
The house is a timber-framed medieval building with later Elizabethan and Victorian additions, including the painted room and the music room, much of it brought back from dereliction during the 1984 restoration.
Worth knowing
The house has a literary link to Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, and one of its rooms was used as the landing spot for the TARDIS in an episode of Doctor Who.
Gardens & grounds at St Mary's House & Gardens
The five acres of gardens include animal topiary and a series of themed garden rooms such as a rose garden and a Victorian walled Secret garden.
Facilities
Plan your visit to St Mary's House & Gardens
Address: Bramber, BN44 3WE
Nearest station: Shoreham-by-Sea (Sussex) Rail Station (3.8 miles)
Open May to end September, Thursdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, 2pm to 6pm, last entry 4.30pm
Admission
- Adult
- £16
- Child
- £9
- Concession
- £14
- Family
- £40
Privately owned, volunteer-run. Future custodianship under discussion following the death of co-owner Peter Thorogood in 2025; ownership status may change. Free entry to Historic Houses members (show valid membership card).
Prices from our records, checked November 2026. Check the official website before you travel.
Places to visit near St Mary's House & Gardens
Historic places nearby
Within 5 miles of St Mary's House & Gardens (BN44) there are 1 historic properties, including 1 archaeological site.
Within 10 miles of St Mary's House & Gardens (BN44) there are 2 historic properties, including 1 archaeological site and 1 historic house, across English Heritage and Historic Houses sites.
Within 20 miles of St Mary's House & Gardens (BN44) there are 17 historic properties, including 9 historic houses and 5 historic buildings, across Historic Houses, National Trust and English Heritage sites.
Stay nearby
Make more of your visit with an overnight stay near St Mary's House & Gardens.
Find places to stay nearby Affiliate link. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.Facts
A derelict pilgrim inn turned private house, restored by its owners and still being fought for as a gift to the nation.
- Type
- historic house
- Location
- West Sussex, England
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