Known for his masterful synthesis of traditional rural forms and brilliant, inventive use of Classicism, the reputation of Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944) was founded on the many vernacular country houses he designed throughout his 50-year career.  He was considered the leading British architect of his generation, and today is widely admired by architects and designers alike.

The Institute of Classical Architecture and Classical America in conjunction with Classical Excursions has arranged an exclusive six-day tour with access to privately owned country residences by Lutyens in southeastern England, including some not normally open to the public.  The privately guided tour will include an introductory lecture by author and Lutyens scholar Gavin Stamp and a talk by Margaret Richardson, a scholar of both Lutyens built work and drawings.

Along the way, there will be stays in charming country inns and hotels and meals in equally atmospheric rural restaurants.

Tour Highlights

A private tour of Millmead (1906), Bramley, Surrey, a collaboration of Lutyens and England�s great garden designer, Gertrude Jekyll. Here one finds an informal Classicism, with the use of local rubble stone, red tile and bricks.  The house was first opened to the public in 2004 during an ICA&CA Lutyens tour.

A major highlight of the tour is Munstead Wood (1896), near Godalming, Surrey, Gertrude Jekyll�s house designed by Lutyens and considered the most complete  blend of their talents. The use of indigenous materials form an overall Arts and Crafts picturesqueness.

A visit to Goddards (1899), Abinger Common, Surrey, discloses a splayed U-shape, which is symmetrical overall with asymmetrical elements following Arts and Crafts ideals.  The courtyard garden was designed in collaboration with Gertrude Jekyll.

A morning at Great Dixter (1910), Northiam, Sussex, reveals Lutyens� work at joining two extremely fine and original Tudor houses with additions of his own design. We will tour the house and the famous garden created by the late owner and prominent landscape designer Christopher Lloyd.

A tour of the privately owned Salutation (1912), Sandwich, Kent, shows a unique Lutyens interpretation of early Georgian architecture. With the advent of the Edwardian era, renewed interest in the eighteenth-century style took hold.

Privately owned Folly Farm (1901-1912), Sulhamstead, Berkshire, is Lutyens� combination of an initial symmetrical composition in the manner of William and Mary Classicism and his later romantic additions of sweeping roofs, colossal chimneys and weather-boarded gables.

An exclusive tour of Berrydown Court (1898), Ashe, Hampshire, introduces the visitor to a complex Arts and Crafts fa�ade that gives the impression of add-ons built over several generations.  The owner and architect will join the group for a discussion of the recently completed restoration.

(Subject to some changes and additions.)