The Vyne was built in the early 16th century by William Sandys, later Lord Sandys of the Vyne, who was Henry VIII's Lord Chamberlain.
Henry VIII visited the house several times and Elizabeth I was also a visitor.
During the Civil War the house was a Parliamentarian stronghold. However, that struggle reduced the family's fortune considerably and the 6th Lord Sandys was forced to sell the house in 1653 and retreat to his other home at Mottisfont Abbey.
The Vyne was bought by Chaloner Chute a wealthy barrister who later became a Member of Parliament and Speaker of the House. He carried out various alterations to the house before his death in 1659 including adding the portico.
This was probably designed by John Webb and when it was added in 1654 was the first of its kind in England. Chaloner Chute's grandson Edward was responsible for the collection of Soho tapestries and Queen Ann furniture on display in the house.
Edward's son John designed the magnificent Paladian Staircase Hall. He was a friend of Horace Walpole and the Strawberry Parlour was named after Walpole's house Strawberry Hill. This room was reserved for Walpole's use on his visits to The Vyne and today it displays drawings and prints relating to the two friends.
The whole of the ground floor of the west wing is taken up by the Stone Gallery which contains a collection of busts and statues.
The Further Drawing Room has a fine plaster ceiling. The Ante Room houses a collection of porcelain and china and the Large Drawing Room has a carved fireplace painted to imitate stone.
The Dining Room retains the original Elizabethan wood panelling. The Tudor Chapel, with its Renaissance glass, is one of the most perfect private chapels in England.
In around 1770 John Chute built the tomb chamber as a memorial to his ancestor Chaloner Chute. The house remained in the Chute family until it was bequeathed to the National Trust by Sir Charles Chute who died in 1956.
In the grounds wide lawns stretch down from the house to a lake.
The beautiful gardens contain herbaceous borders, a wild garden, lawns, lakes and woodland walks.
2009:HOUSE:14Mar-1Nov 13:00-17:00 Mon-Wed & W/E (11:00 at W/E),12Dec-20Dec 11:00-15:00 Mon-Wed & W/E.GROUNDS:14Mar-1Nov 11:00-17:00 Mon-Wed & W/E,7Nov-29Nov 11:00-15:00 W/E,30Nov-23Dec 11:00-15:00 Mon-Wed & W/E.Open GoodFri&BankHol Mons.
Tel: 01256 883858 The Vyne Website
