Earlier Houses: It's likely that there was an 11th century manor house called Deneslai that was owned by King Harold II before the estate came into the ownership of the Knights Templar. The Templars were first given land here by King Stephen in 1142, which was followed in 1147 by an even larger grant of land made by Bernard de Balliol. In 1312, after the dissolution of the Templars, the buildings were occupied by the Knights Hospitallers, who were here until 1542, when they too were dissolved as part of the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The 17th century house (demolished in the 1790s) built by Edwin Sadleir possibly incorporated Medieval monastic elements.

Built / Designed For: Benedict Ithell

House & Family History: In 1908 Temple Dinsley was hugely enlarged by Edwin Lutyens, who returned in 1911 and extended the service wing. In 1935 the house became the Princess Helena College for girls, a purpose it served until the school closed in 2021. In 2025 construction commenced to convert the house into 43 flats, with 24 homes to be built in the grounds.

Garden & Outbuildings: The gardens were laid out in the early 20th century by Gertrude Jekyll. Local legend says there is a treasure hoard of the Knights Templar hidden on the estate.

Country Life: XXIX, 562 plan, 1911.

House Listed: Grade II*

Park Listed: Grade II*

Past Seat / Home of: SEATED AT EARLIER HOUSES: King Harold II, 11th century. Sir Ralph Sadleir (Sadler), 16th century. SEATED AT CURRENT HOUSE: Benedict Ithell, 18th century; Ithell family here until 1767. Thomas Harwood, 18th century; Joseph Harwood, 18th century. Joseph Darton Jr., late 18th century; Darton family owned the estate until the late 19th century. Henry Crabbe (tenant), circa 1818 until 1830. Thomas Halsey (tenant), 1839 until circa 1845. John Weeks (tenant), 1869-79. James Barrington-White, until 1908. Herbert George Fenwick, 1908-17; Violet Edith Fenwick, until 1918. Douglas Vickers, early 20th century.

Current Ownership Type: Flat Owners Company / Condo Association

Primary Current Ownership Use: Flats / Multi Family

House Open to Public: No

Historic Houses Member: No