The 1989 fire was caused by a plumber's blowtorch during roof renovations.
Firefighters rescued a massive 18th-century mahogany desk by sawing its legs off to fit it through a doorway.
The house contains a collection of dollhouses, one of which dates back to the 1730s and reflects the architecture of the house itself.
H.G. Wells spent his childhood here while his mother was the housekeeper, and he later featured the house in his work.
The restoration project took six years and cost over £20 million, utilizing traditional Georgian craftsmanship.
The servants' tunnel, originally built for privacy, remains a key feature connecting the house to the laundry and dairy.
Uppark House is a 17th-century Georgian mansion situated atop the South Downs in West Sussex. The interior was famously restored following a major fire in 1989 that destroyed the upper floors, allowing visitors to see both the original collection and the reconstruction techniques. The house features a rare contrast between the opulent, art-filled upstairs living spaces and the utilitarian servants' quarters downstairs. The grounds include formal gardens designed by Humphry Repton, featuring sweeping lawns and yew hedges. The house holds a significant collection of 18th-century furniture, paintings, and grand tours souvenirs collected by Sir Matthew Fetherstonhaugh. The site is part of the National Trust and offers extensive views of the surrounding countryside from its high elevation.
The south-facing terrace offering a wide-angle view of the landscape framing the Georgian architecture.
Explore the basement area fully to understand the 'downstairs' life that contrasts sharply with the formal drawing rooms.
Check the National Trust app for pre-visit updates on specific room availability, as conservation work can occasionally restrict access to certain areas.
Walk the perimeter of the gardens to reach the designated viewpoint for panoramic photography of the South Downs.
Do not rely on off-road GPS shortcuts in the surrounding farmland, as many paths are private; stick to the main approach road.
The house and gardens operate on seasonal patterns, often reducing capacity or closing certain interior areas during winter months.
No flash photography inside the house to protect historical pigments and fabrics; avoid touching the furniture.
