Cranbrook Castle folly (demolished) on the Valentines Estate. From a 1905 postcard.
House & Family History: For much of the 20th century the house was used as offices by Redbridge Council.
Garden & Outbuildings: The water garden and the cascade (probably designed for Robert Surnam) sit within a park of 130 acres. An 18th century folly on the estate, Cranbrook Castle (see "Images" section), was used by the British Admiralty during World War I as an early observation station for air raids on London. In the 1920s the vandalized folly was demolished and the land around it developed for housing.
Title: Burke's & Savills Guide to Country Houses, Volume III: East Anglia
Author: Kenworthy-Browne, John; Reid, Peter; Sayer, Michael; Watkin, David
Year Published: 1981
Reference: pg. 77
Publisher: London: Burke's Peerage
ISBN: 0850110351
Book Type: Hardback
House Listed: Grade II*
Park Listed: Grade II
Past Seat / Home of: Elizabeth Tillotson, late 17th-early 18th centuries. Robert Surnam, 1724-54. Sir Charles Raymond, 1754-88. Sarah Ingleby, early 20th century.
Current Ownership Type: Government
Primary Current Ownership Use: Visitor Attraction
Ownership Details: Since 1912 owned by Redbridge Council; the house are grounds are open to the public.
House Open to Public: Yes
Phone: 02087-088-100
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://valentinesmansion.com/
Historic Houses Member: No