Heard this was explorable after someone whored out the pin so popped by one day on my own. Discovered a door had been smashed open and there was an ear splitting alarm continuously going off. I spent a couple of hours here on my own, no one came. The house is on a public footpath so when I was outside getting some shots I wasn’t bothered by anyone going past. The following week I went back with my friend and the place had been sealed and has them shouty voice sensor things.
Speaking to someone last week they told me that the portraits above the fire had been stolen. I really hope this isn’t the case.
I always assumed it was a care home but it was some kind of events venue. There is a care home next door but that was tightly sealed.
History -
In the summer of 1953 Latvian Scouts came across an abandoned manor and the idea arose to use it as a social centre for Latvians. The London Latvian Lutheran congregation signed rental contracts on 1st November 1953. The 29 acre property, with a 100 year old wood, man-made lake and lawns is located relatively close to London, in Sussex. The timber framed manor house was constructed in the 15th century, but 100 years later was rebuilt in brick. The entrance hall contains portraits of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, alongside those of former owners, and, above the chimneypiece – the date 1597. Some rooms still contain oak beams taken from ships that were among the first to cross oceans. The manor house has a chapel where the first Latvian church service was held in 1953.
Over time this became a popular and beloved place for Latvian activities: holidays, midsummer festivities, harvest festivals, national commemorative occasions etc. The rental agreement came to an end in 1961 and the owner offered up the property at an advantageous price. Thus, on the 14 April 1962, purchase contracts were signed. The chapel's altar painting was replaced by a huge wooden cross made by the Latvian sculptor Zigfrīds Sapiets, a wooden pulpit was erected with carvings using Latvian ornamentation, and the chapel premises generally enlarged. In 1977, 1900 fir trees were planted beyond the lake, the stables were converted to provide a home for five pensioners; later the roof was raised and a further 18 rooms were added. In 1978 a beekeepers’ group was created. On 12 July 1982, the final payment was made on the manor and the property belonged fully to the Latvians. The property was sold in 2020.
Speaking to someone last week they told me that the portraits above the fire had been stolen. I really hope this isn’t the case.
I always assumed it was a care home but it was some kind of events venue. There is a care home next door but that was tightly sealed.
History -
In the summer of 1953 Latvian Scouts came across an abandoned manor and the idea arose to use it as a social centre for Latvians. The London Latvian Lutheran congregation signed rental contracts on 1st November 1953. The 29 acre property, with a 100 year old wood, man-made lake and lawns is located relatively close to London, in Sussex. The timber framed manor house was constructed in the 15th century, but 100 years later was rebuilt in brick. The entrance hall contains portraits of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, alongside those of former owners, and, above the chimneypiece – the date 1597. Some rooms still contain oak beams taken from ships that were among the first to cross oceans. The manor house has a chapel where the first Latvian church service was held in 1953.
Over time this became a popular and beloved place for Latvian activities: holidays, midsummer festivities, harvest festivals, national commemorative occasions etc. The rental agreement came to an end in 1961 and the owner offered up the property at an advantageous price. Thus, on the 14 April 1962, purchase contracts were signed. The chapel's altar painting was replaced by a huge wooden cross made by the Latvian sculptor Zigfrīds Sapiets, a wooden pulpit was erected with carvings using Latvian ornamentation, and the chapel premises generally enlarged. In 1977, 1900 fir trees were planted beyond the lake, the stables were converted to provide a home for five pensioners; later the roof was raised and a further 18 rooms were added. In 1978 a beekeepers’ group was created. On 12 July 1982, the final payment was made on the manor and the property belonged fully to the Latvians. The property was sold in 2020.
