Conan Doyle's former home up for grabs

Joining forces with many of the 400 societies devoted to Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes around the world, the Victorian Society successfully fought plans to subdivide Undershaw into 13 dwellings last year. It is also pushing for its listing to be upgraded to bring the house where The Hound of the Baskervilles (1902) was written and guests such as Virginia Woolf and Bram Stoker entertained into line with historic buildings associated with other significant literary figures.

‘The historical importance of Undershaw is indisputable,’ said Heloise Brown, Conservation Adviser of the Victorian Society. ‘It was the home of one of the best-known authors in the English language. Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes are world-famous figures and people around the world care deeply about the house that played such a part in their existences. We expect it will have wide appeal.’

Over the last eighteen months, the Victorian Society has been contacted by numerous people concerned about the future of the house and interested to know whether it might be available to buy. Run as a hotel until it closed in 2004, Undershaw, has been seriously neglected by its owner. Earlier this year, Waverley Council sent in workmen to carry out urgent repairs after the property was left inadequately boarded up, at the mercy of vandals and the elements.

‘It’s vital that the right buyer comes forward now,’ continued Miss Brown. ‘This is not just a charming and intriguing historic house, but a nationally and internationally significant building, too. In the hands of the right owner, it could be a wonderful asset again. We hope it gets that chance.’

To make enquiries about buying Undershaw, please contact Lambert Smith Hampton (01483 538 181).