"The Vyne was built in the 16th century for Lord Sandys, Henry VIII's Lord Chamberlain. It then became home to the Chute family for more than 300 years. Through the artistic and aesthetic interests of its various owners, it has been at the cutting edge of the development of country house architecture, interior design and taste.

The house has a long and subtle history, which has been respected and imaginatively re-interpreted by a succession of owners over the last five centuries. Like many medieval foundations, The Vyne stands on low-lying ground and near water. The Shir brook was transformed into a spectacular lake setting for the north front in the 18th century."

(With acknowledgements to the National Trust web site)