Explore Nymans house

Piano topped with framed photos, and lots of tables and chairs in The Garden Hall, Nymans, West Sussex — The Garden Hall, Nymans, West Sussex | © National Trust Images/Andreas von Einsiedel

Part ruin, part house, this medieval style manor is not as old as it seems. Ravaged by fire in 1947, the once Gothic mansion is now romantic ruins and unexpectedly charming rooms last occupied by Anne Messel in 1992.

What to see in the house at Nymans

Inside the house you will see small, intimate rooms furnished with tapestries, antique furniture, works of art and other treasures collected by Leonard and Maud Messel.

Paintings by their younger son, the renowned theatre designer Oliver Messel, are also on show. His sister Anne spent her last years here and was keen to preserve the unique feel of her parents’ home.

Although much of the house was lost to fire in the winter of 1947, surviving rooms include the Garden Hall, Dining Room, Book Room and Library.

Look out for paintings by stage designer Oliver Messel, family photographs and a collection of books, many of which relate to gardening.

Anne Messel's desk beneath the window in The Library, Nymans, West Sussex. Anne, later Lady Rosse, was the the granddaughter of Ludwig Messel, who bought the Nymans Estate in the 1890s, extending the house and founding its stunning gardens. — Anne Messel's desk beneath the window in The Library at Nymans | © National Trust Images/Andreas von Einsiedel

Throughout the year the Broadwood piano in the Garden Hall is played by volunteers, filling the intimate spaces of the house with atmospheric music.

Some of the rooms are dark, which helps protect the original textiles and paintings.

The house and gallery close for short periods throughout the year for conservation cleaning.

The Forecourt Garden at Nymans, West Sussex in June

Discover more at Nymans

Find out when Nymans is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

Path leading to delicate red brick structure with borders for hot summer blooms on either side

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Visiting Nymans garden

Romantic ruins, intimate gardens and internationally recognised plant collections all set against a backdrop of woodland and far-reaching views.

View of woodland and lily pond at Nymans in winter, West Sussex

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Explore Nymans’ woodlands and wider estate

Nymans’ ancient woodland is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), nature reserve and home to a variety of plants and wildlife. Here’s what to look out for.

A child looking at a Christmas tree in the house at Nymans

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Family-friendly things to do at Nymans

Join us for a Nutcracker Christmas at Nymans with an imaginative garden trail inspired by this classic tale and a house filled with dazzling festive ornaments, laid out for a sweety banquet in the Garden Hall. Meet a giant nutcracker soldier and the Sugar Plum Fairy on the 16, 17 & 18 Dec and see Matthew Bourne’s costumes from the ballet Nutcracker! on display in the Gallery. Join a family workshop for willow weaving and share photos of your day with us @NymansNT.