
We were shown round rooms containing fine furniture and paintings
A second visit to West Horsley House entitled ‘Nooks and Crannies’ revealed a house within a house, as the guide explained how Carew Raleigh, son of Walter, built a false façade in 1645 to cover up an old timber-framed house from the 15th century.
Despite still needing much repair, the mansion inherited by the late Bamber Gascoigne in 2014 from his great-aunt Mary, Duchess of Roxburghe, contains a treasure trove of paintings including a van Goyen and a Reynolds portrait, more than 7,000 books and fine furnishings.
This grand old house, full of history and royal connections, came to life as our guides ushered us from room to room revealing secret fresco panels, secret bathrooms and wattle and daub-lined corridors which delighted u3a members.

The group enjoyed a beautiful spring day in the grounds of West Horsley Place
Beryl Sinclair