Uppark House and Garden

Uppark House is one of West Sussex’s most elegant 17th‑century mansions, poised high on the South Downs with sweeping views that once inspired visiting writers and artists. Built in 1690 for Sir John Fetherston, it later became famous for its connection to H.G. Wells, whose mother worked at Uppark and whose childhood visits shaped scenes in The Time Machine and Tono‑Bungay. Inside, Uppark is a masterclass in refined Georgian taste. The Saloon and Red Drawing Room glow with rich fabrics, gilt mirrors and fine furniture, while the Picture Gallery displays portraits and landscapes collected by generations of owners. The house’s most dramatic story is its near‑destruction: a devastating fire in 1989 left Uppark a smoking shell. The National Trust undertook a meticulous decade‑long restoration, rebuilding rooms using original techniques and conserving thousands of objects—an achievement now studied worldwide. The Servants’ Quarters are among the most atmospheric in any country house. The Housekeeper’s Room, Still Room and Servants’ Hall reveal the routines of the staff who kept Uppark running, offering a vivid contrast to the opulence upstairs. The restored Grand Staircase, with its sweeping balustrade, is another highlight.