Built / Designed For: John Rowe

House & Family History: Kingston House was built for the wealthy wool merchant John Rowe, whose family had owned the Kingston Estate since 1502. The marble Entrance Hall has a floor of Ashburton Marble, which was laid by members of the Coulson family; the Coulsons later emigrated to America, where they were worked, together with other craftsmen, on the marble in the White House in Washington. The marquetry staircase is regarded by English Heritage as the finest example of its kind in Britain; it was created from six different woods, all indigenous to Britain; they are: English Oak, Brown Oak, Olive Ash, Yew Wood with the Sap, Sycamore, and Holly. Chimneypieces in the Saloon at Buxted Place, Surrey, are from Kingston House. In May 2011 the House and 10 acres were listed for sale for £2.75 million.

House Listed: Grade II*

Park Listed: Not Listed

Past Seat / Home of: John Rowe, 18th century. Rendell family, 1816 until 1936. Corfield family.

Current Ownership Type: Unknown

Primary Current Ownership Use: Holiday Rental

House Open to Public: By Appointment

Phone: 01803-762-235

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.kingston-estate.co.uk

Awards: Included in "England's Thousand Best Houses" by Simon Jenkins.

Historic Houses Member: No