Historic Lutyens mansion hits market after half-century
A magnificent 12-bedroom Grade II-listed Victorian mansion designed by world-renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens has come onto the market for the first time in more than fifty years, carrying a price tag of £1,995,000. The stunning detached residence, located in Godalming, Surrey, represents a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of British architectural history, but prospective buyers have been left genuinely perplexed by one particular interior design choice.
Architectural masterpiece with puzzling floor coverings
The property, known as Red House, was constructed at the end of the nineteenth century for the Master and Honorary Chaplain of the neighbouring Charterhouse School. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, celebrated as one of the foremost architects of the Arts and Crafts movement, the residence features gardens originally planned by internationally acclaimed horticulturalist Gertrude Jekyll. Despite these prestigious credentials, attention has shifted to the unusual carpet arrangement that has baffled observers across social media platforms.
Photographs from the Rightmove listing, which is being marketed by Curchods inc. Burns and Webber Godalming, reveal a curious mix of wood and tiled surfaces throughout the property, accompanied by what appear to be numerous small rugs positioned strategically across various rooms. These distinctive floor coverings can be seen scattered across two of the bedrooms, ascending the grand staircase, and even within one of the bathrooms, creating a patchwork effect that has generated considerable online discussion.
Social media reacts to unusual interior feature
When images of the property were shared on Reddit with the heading "Carpeting the WHOLE house would be too expensive so I have an idea...", users responded with both humour and bewilderment. One commenter quipped: "Local carpet shops are wondering where their sample books went," while another joked: "This is actually the training camp base for the Team GB hopscotch squad." A third user offered a more imaginative perspective, suggesting: "You joke, but imagine playing the floor is made of lava but you're allowed to jump between those squares of carpet. That would have been my dream as an eight year old."
Despite the focus on the unconventional carpet arrangement, many commentators expressed genuine admiration for the property itself. One person remarked: "Don't care about the weird carpet... what a house!!!" while another observed: "Clearly a wizard lives here." A third added nostalgically: "What a wonderful house to be a child in! So many places to run and hide and climb."
Architectural significance and renovation potential
The Rightmove listing describes Red House as "a historically important landmark house created at the end of the 19th century by one of Britain's foremost Arts and Crafts architects Sir Edwin Lutyens, with descending gardens and wooded slopes originally designed by Gertrude Jekyll." The current owners purchased the property in 1975, when it required "substantial renovation," and while significant work has been completed, the listing notes that "the property still offers an exciting opportunity for a new owner to further enhance and complete its transformation into a truly magnificent home."
This Grade II-listed residence provides extensive accommodation arranged over three principal floors, with additional half-levels that create the impression of up to six storeys. The interior is centred around a striking square staircase, which forms an impressive architectural focal point with its diagonally-set balusters, square newels, and traces of original leaf-trail painting on the handrail. There are a total of sixteen rooms that allow for flexible use as either reception areas or bedrooms to suit individual requirements.
Two rooms stand out as principal reception spaces—the drawing room and dining room—both distinguished by their rare and impressive early Lutyens fireplaces. The kitchen and breakfast room is located on the lower ground floor and retains an original Lutyens-designed dresser, complemented by traditional quarry-tiled flooring. Adjoining the kitchen are a practical utility room and a workshop or gardener's room, enhancing the functionality of the space. The property features timber-framed leaded-light windows, complete with wooden mullions, set within striking Flemish bond red brickwork and finished with a plain tiled roof.
Despite the architectural significance and historical value of this remarkable property, it is the unconventional carpet arrangement that has captured public imagination and generated widespread discussion among potential buyers and architectural enthusiasts alike. The unusual floor coverings have become an unexpected talking point for a property that represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Britain's architectural heritage.
