Help to Save Undershaw

The Jane Austen's House Museum

2011-10-12T21:51:00.004+01:00

A meeting with Louise, Curator at the Jane Austen's House Museum in which several interesting points were raised at running a successful business. We learned much and took away with us several valid ideas and with the knowledge the Museum is fully behind us with their morale support in all our endeavours.

Out of this meeting, we have several avenues to follow up on.

The picture shows the original table where Jane Austen wrote her famous novels.

Hindhead Councillor - Christiaan Hesse

2011-10-12T21:35:00.003+01:00

For the regeneration of Hindhead, Undershaw could play a very important part for tourism and education. Councillor Hesse who is mediator between the Trust and Waverley Borough Council agrees that Undershaw should be part of the regeneration plan and gave the following statement:

"As a local councillor representing Hindhead I am passionately concerned with the 'success' of Hindhead as a whole. There is no doubt that Undershaw could be a major part of the Hindhead 'brand' - after all who hasn't heard of Sherlock Holmes around the world? As such, Undershaw could significantly reinforce social, cultural economic factors in the Hindhead Regeneration plan. However, a funded plan must be found - in cooperation with the current owner - to find an alternative to the current development plan for which planning consent has been approved. This will break the existing building up and render the Conan Doyle/Sherlock Holmes link lost in the same way as has happened to other Hindhead buildings.

I admire the save Undershaw team and their aspiration and I support it wholeheartedly. They have worked extremely hard to and I am delighted to provide a bridge between The Undershaw Preservation Trust and Waverley Borough Council in order to improve cooperation in this endeavour . I wish them every success - but it all comes down to money. Concerned readers should get ready to put their hands in their pockets!"

The Tunnel Walk Through

2011-10-12T20:53:00.003+01:00

Going back to our Undershaw Day on May 14th which we decided to run concurrently with the Hindhead Tunnel Walk Through which incidentally was a great success for the tunnel and Undershaw.

It was tremendous fun with a variety of reps and supporters giving their Saturday up to spread the word of UPT's work to some 7,000 visitors to the area.

Deerstalkers were provided by Guy Marriott (President of the Sherlock Holmes Society of London) and John Gibson, FRICS (Chairman of the Undershaw Preservation Trust) and were handed out to many the many walkers of the tunnel.

Our helpers were the jolly Marie, Kristina and Katherine (our rep for York) better known as our fabulous Baker Street Babes. Vicky (our rep for Haslemere (helped by members of her family). Supporters Linda Eades and Cassie Parkes. Our fabulous colleague and Trust member Sue Meadows and her family also did a grand job with spreading the word in Grayshott. Several visitors made the journey to Hindhead to soak up the fun and an opportunity to come along and say hello.

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The Mayor of Haslemere

2011-10-12T20:43:00.006+01:00

The recently appointed Mayor of Haslemere is Councillor Jim Edwards who incidentally was the only councillor who voted against the planning application for development. Councillor Edwards said at the meeting on the 9th June 2010 when he spoke out against the development:
"Undershaw has got tremendous historic importance and the local people are really against this development and I can understand why, it is over development and I know my learned friends have said they don't really believe what the Town Council say, but it really is a massive development in my opinion unacceptable". Here is a Councillor that spoke with the local people in mind. I know who I am voting for at the next election, don't you? Well done at becoming Mayor Cllr Edwards.

Undershaw Christmas Card

2011-10-12T20:33:00.002+01:00

This is a sneak preview of our 2011 Christmas Card (the card has been purposely cropped to give it a that slight touch of mystery) which will be available in the next couple of weeks. You can purchase them in packs of 5 (all one design) for £10.00 per pack. Available from: http://www.saveundershawshop.com

Designed by Jennifer Hunt from the USA who has indicated that she would be happy to oblige with next year's Christmas Card regardless of the outcome of the Judicial Review.

Who know's it could become a regular yearly project - I wonder if Jennifer is up for it?

The Hindhead Golf Club

2011-10-12T20:18:00.003+01:00

Also in September I had the greatest of priviliges to meet and chat with British golfing champion, BBC broadcaster and presenter and golf course designer, Peter Alliss at a flag raising ceremony and black tie dinner in honour of Conan Doyle who founded the club in 1904 and was it's first president.

The Undershaw Preservation Trust was invited to put on a display of Conan Doyle's time in Hindhead.

Richard Doyle and his wife were guests of honour at the dinner. In the picture l to r Richard Doyle, Wing Commander Nigel Nugent (Club President), Jack Buchanan and Peter Alliss.

Our thanks to the Hindhead Golf Club for being so supportive with our efforts to Save Undershaw.

The British Library Publishes the Narrative of John Smith

2011-10-12T14:23:00.007+01:00

It was quite an honour to be invited to the British Library at the end of September in celebration of the publication of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's new book: 'The Narrative of John Smith. There were several highlights to the evening, one being meeting the charming actor Robert Lindsay, and the other to view for the first time the original manuscript of the said book that Doyle wrote when he was in his early twenties.

It was a 'lost' first novel by Arthur Conan Doyle which the British Library published on 26th September 128 years after it was written.

The book's manuscript written in 4 black notebooks along with other documents was bought by the British Library for £1M. The 130 page work as now be transcribed and typeset for worldwide release to accompany an exhibition of Conan Doyle-abilia at the British Library.

Many years after writing the Narrative, Conan Doyle said he would be horrified if the book ever appeared in print.

Conan Doyle was living and working as a doctor in Portsmouth when he embarked on the novel in 1883. His father had been ill due to alcholism, and the 23 year old had to fund his mother and fund eduction for his 10 year old brother.

Doyle was frustrated by the Victorian practice of omitting the author's name especially when one of his works 'The Cornhill' was hailed as being by Robert Louis Stevenson's. For this reason, he attempted a novel, which would have his name on the front cover. Then came a major blow when the Narrative was lost in the post, never to be found again. Doyle then wrote the entire story again from memory the results being with the British Library today.

Our Apologies

2011-08-24T16:37:00.005+01:00

My main reason for writing this post, is that I have been rather lapse of late in keeping you all up to date with my blog. I apologise for this and hope that you're all still following our efforts with keen interest.

The blog is an all too important record for the Undershaw Preservation Trust in that dates and happenings are all included here - a kind of diary for us.

Well, what have I done today? I am actually on holiday, but have decided to spend a little of that holiday dedicated to Undershaw. I have been in contact with the National Trust to ascertain as to what degree they support the campaign. I would like to see a meeting organised to include the NT and have put this to them in a telephone message.

I have also contacted Grayshott Archives to ask permission to include several of their old photo's of the Hindhead area on our website. The picture above is taken from the Petersfield Post (courtesy of Grayshott Archives) showing the Hindhead Crossroads. Undershaw was not built until 1897 and would have been situated behind the trees on the right.

Meeting with Hindhead Councillor Christiaan Hesse

2011-07-23T09:02:00.011+01:00

The first of many meetings with our local new councillor Christiaan Hesse was held yesterday to discuss ways forward in our efforts to save Undershaw. Many realistic ideas were discussed which we hope will be followed up in the immediate future ahead of the Judicial Review (which incidentally we still await a date).

Replies to Comments

2011-07-23T01:35:00.005+01:00

We're currently having problems answering comments in the correct way. Therefore we will answer them for now via this post until we can rectify the problem.

In reply to: MsO

"Thank you for your comment. We agree, you would have thought somebody somewhere with a passion for Doyle and Holmes would be interested in the building. After all, there has been a great deal of media attention which includes London TV, articles in the Times, Telegraph, Daily Mail, Independant and a front page slot in the LA Times. There is no doubt that this has generated substantial recognition, but obviously not enough. We intend to amp up the noise in the coming months".

A National Disgrace

2011-06-30T22:27:00.004+01:00

A recent walk found me at Undershaw, a grade II listed building which has lain derelict and in a shameful state for several years. Why have the owners and our local authorities been allowed to let this building of immense historical interest fall into such an embarassing state of repair?

Echoing our Patron's sentiments and we agree entirely; it's a national disgrace.

Our Song

2011-05-22T07:45:00.002+01:00

A song entitled 'Arthur' written and sung by Caitlin Obom from the US has kindly donated it to the Undershaw Preservation Trust in a bid to raise awareness of Undershaw's importance to be preserved as a lasting tribute to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

The song, performed on Youtube, in time for the great man's birthday who was born on this day 152 years ago is a lovely ballad dedicated to the man himself.

You can listen to the song and view the video at the following link: http://youtu.be/hNJFuFmhlXM
Enjoy and should you feel the need to leave a comment - then they'll be most welcomed.

Remember to check out our website at www.saveundershaw.com

Thank you to all those offering their voices of support to the cause.

Undershaw Preservation Day - 14th May 2011

2011-05-13T18:47:00.002+01:00

Support our cause and wear something Sherlockian on this day whilst spreading the word to Save Undershaw.

An Entirely New Country, Arthur Conan Doyle, Undershaw and the Resurrection of Sherlock Holmes

2011-05-03T20:40:00.005+01:00

A few words from Alistair Duncan the author of a new book due for release in December this year.

"I just thought now would be a good time to give you all an update on my next book "An Entirely New Country". I also like to clear up some misconceptions about it.

Firstly, it is not a book about Undershaw per se. Instead the book looks at Conan Doyle's life both locally and nationally during the period he resided in his Hindhead home (1897 - 1907). In many respects I use the house as a chronological anchor more than anything else. You can expect events described that took place away from Undershaw as well as those that took place within it.

The decade that Conan Doyle resided in Undershaw was an eventful one both professionally and personally. He lost his first wife to tuberculosis and married his second. He resurrected Sherlock Holmes and saw the first serious stage dramatisation of his famous creation. He also stood twice for Parliament and spoke out both in person and through the press on a variety of local and national issues.

Inevitably, with a man as written about as Conan Doyle, you will find things in my book that you have read elsewhere. This problem has affected all of his biographers since Hesketh Pearson who wrote the earliest (that I know of) in the 1940's. However, I have done my best to present these facts from a different perspective and have thrown in a few new ones where I have been able to unearth them. I also indulge myself in a little speculation here and there about how events in Conan Doyle's life affected his writing and vice versa.

The book is currently going through the editing stage. This is where the first draft is checked for errors - both factual and typographical - and changes are suggested. These may cause whole new sections to be composed and some to be taken away. Rest assured though that we are on course for the launch date of December 5th 2011".

Undershaw Postcards

2011-03-13T08:15:00.006Z

The Undershaw Preservation Trust postcards are now being bid for on ebay. The cards depict 8 of the 12 coat of arms that appear in the larger of the heraldic windows at Undershaw. The main ACD card is signed by our Patron Mark Gatiss. All proceeds of the sale of these cards will help with our campaigning, printing, stationery and purchasing further merchandise.

The Undershaw Presevation Trust Pin Badges

2011-03-13T08:02:00.004Z

Our pin badges are now on sale on ebay Please support our cause by purchasing yours today. Temporarily withdrawn from ebay, will reappear shortly.

Howard Burnham as Dr Watson

2011-02-20T16:56:00.008Z

Several months ago, I was contacted by Thomas Ryan Ward from the US who kindly offered to volunteer to design the Undershaw Preservation Trust logo which he did and his most fabulous design is now used on all of our stationery and internet sites. He was also at the time going along to see Howard Burnham as Dr Watson. He approached Mr Burnham with the idea of capturing the talk on video for the UPT to show on their internet sites, for which Mr Burnham kindly agreed. We would like to thank Mr Howard Burnham for his marvellous talk and for agreeing to allow us to use these for this purpose.

1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWP0Da90uNg

2. http://youtube.com/watch?v=GvSPEmcQReE

3. http://youtube.com/watch?v=W8eDpNkSc_g

4. http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ci2spJaGw3Q

5. http://youtube.com/watch?v=tAj5-GJxVsc

Our Patron's visit to Hindhead

2011-02-13T15:27:00.010Z

The day was Friday 11th February and the weather may not have been good, but the rain stayed away long enough for us to trundle around the Hindhead area and speed off for lunch to a rather fitting location in Grayshott.

We met Mark in the Devil's Punchbowl Hotel, Undershaw's contemporary where he was given a lengthy spill by Mr Gibson of it's history, and there is an awful lot of history that goes with this great house. Mark was very attentive whilst John Gibson reeled off dates, events and names directly from the top of his head, where Mark showed great interest and passion towards his role as Patron and to the information that was being fed to him.

He felt sure that if we had been the owners of this house, monies could be raised through several of his ideas as fundraising schemes, but of course we don't own it and this is what changes the whole situation.

As far as the media attention is concerned I believe Mr Gatiss will promote the campaign wherever possible linking it to the next series of 'Sherlock'. He did a short interview for us which we may use as a possible press release or just for our benefit on the website and was happy enough to sign the 50 cards that will make up an 8 postcard set due for release to coincide with the Judicial Review. These will be auctioned off on e-bay. The content of the card is a close kept secret until their release.

The meeting was very successful and Mark is very much the gentleman that I had imagined him to be. Instantly you feel as though you have known him for years, feeling very relaxed in his company.

It was unfortunate but the meeting took most of our time and visits to Doyle's family graves had to be aborted until Mark's next visit.

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T18:55:00.002Z

The Trust would like to wish all our supporters a very Happy New Year. We hope that 2011 will be the year for Undershaw.

Those of you following our efforts on this blog, please be aware that there is also our website and facebook page. You can access the facebook page from our website http://www.saveundershaw.com/

Welcome to Mark Gatiss - Patron/Sponsor The Undershaw Preservation Trust

2010-12-21T11:17:00.007Z

I can confirm that Mark Gatiss, actor, screenwriter and novelist has officially confirmed that he would be honoured to accept his patronship and sponsor for the Trust. A move that we have welcomed with great honour and much gratitude.

Mark recently very kindly carried out his first radio interview as the Trust's patron for BBC Radio Surrey serving Sussex and Kent for their Drivetime. You can listen to his interview on our website http://www.saveundershaw.com/ under 'Media Coverage' which is situated in the right hand margin.

The Trust hope to meet up with Mark sometime in January to discuss various issues relating to Undershaw. It would be a step in the right direction if the developers agreed to join us for these dicussions. Of course this is a very unlikely scenario, but one that would be welcomed by the Trust and its Patron.

Public Announcement

2010-12-09T12:48:00.010Z

The UPT are keeping close to their hearts an overwhelming announcement which will hopefully be made in the next day or two after further discussions. The UPT are a small team of individuals campaigning to save a very important part of history, a landmark in Hindead, Surrey for the last 113 years. Best known to the locals and worldwide as Undershaw, the former residence of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

We have campaigned for almost 3 years, prior to that many have tried and given up. The Trust was set up in August 2009 by John Gibson, author of 5 books on Doyle and between us we have managed to promote the cause in many different ways making all the national papers, the front page of the Los Angeles Times, ITV and BBC London, ITV Meridian and BBC South Today and now our greatest goal is for a TV documentary on Doyles time at Undershaw and our efforts to save it.

The Trust at long last maybe blessed with a sponsor/Patron to head the campaign and promote the cause, and whats more it could be a joint sponsorship. An announcement will be made pending a statement from this influential gentleman who has great connections with Doyle and Sherlock Holmes. The twist is, could they be the Trust's very own Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson?

Thank you to Mark Gatiss

2010-12-06T19:50:00.004Z

Mark has re-tweeted some of our tweets on Twitter for which we are truly grateful. He has asked if there is anything he could do to help. We must now aim for big big exposure and get our campaign out in the open once and for all.

Christmas Cards

2010-12-01T22:12:00.005Z

Christmas cards showing Undershaw in the snow will be available for sale at the end of next week in packs of 5, same design at £10.00 per pack. Please support us by ordering your Christmas cards now. The cards will incorporate our new UPT logo that was designed by Thomas Ryan Ward.

Thank you Warner Brothers

2010-11-22T15:04:00.008Z

I wish to thank Warner Brothers, in particular Alex who very kindly agreed to meet with me, who kindly listened with interest as I rattled off the story behind the founding of the Undershaw Preservation Trust, our efforts, goals and our battle with developers. More importantly, and hopefully it was one step forward to better exposure and the opportunity to be able to leave the details with Alex who kindly offered to pass them on.

This is none other than a coincidence, or is it! Sherlock Holmes the sequel being filmed on my doorstep and the opportunity to be able wander in, albeit under very strict and tight security, explain the very essence of me being there, being escorted from A to B and back again but having the opportunity to be on the very site with it all happening around me. One amazing experience if nothing else.

I have since heard from Alex who sent the following e-mail: "Good morning Lynn". Your e-mail has been forwarded to the Producers. As yet, I have not heard back, but will now follow up and report back to you. If you have not heard from me by Tuesday of next week, please get back in touch again as the crew will be filming at another location I am managing and I will have all the 'bosses' in one place and readily available! All the best Lynn.

Undershaw Website

2010-11-15T22:17:00.001Z

Should you have been directed straight to this blog then you may not realise that we now have a website which is: www.saveundershaw.com

The Judicial Review

2010-11-04T22:50:00.002Z

Our solicitor has confirmed that paperwork pertaining to the Judicial Review has now been received by Mary Orton, Chief Executive at Waverley Borough Council. WBC have got until 14th November to comment on our representation.

My Short Pilgrimage to Undershaw

2010-10-18T15:22:00.011+01:00

I took a stroll down to Undershaw yesterday. To my disappointment, the building still appeared to have no real security as I noticed bottles and beer cans strewn in the driveway. A clear indication of unwanted visitors. Broken windows still hadn't been boarded up thus allowing the winter elements to attack the building for another stretch. It was most apparent that signs of development had not commenced.

I was armed with a camera and took several general photo's within the grounds, but nothing of great importance. The biggest surprise was a massive plant that I found in amongst the overgrown trees. It looked like some sort of bog/pond plant, probably put there by the hoteliers. I can't imagine it being there in Conan Doyle's time although it towered above me like some sort of giant octupus, it could be several years old, but how many?

Stephen Fry and Twitter

2010-10-03T09:06:00.012+01:00

He has done it again! Not only the statement he supplied us back in March, which incidentally can be seen on our website www.saveundershaw.com but Mr Fry has backed us with a tweet on Twitter: http://twitter.com/stephenfry/status/25681586867 which has caused a massive response to the website and our Facebook page. The tweet actually caused the flow of traffic to the site to increase in a couple of days by 1,500% which apparently was a mega occurence and totally unheard of. When I received this piece of news from my web designer I automatically went into overdrive and thought 'Guinness Book of Records' and what publicity for Undershaw this would be. Sadly my thoughts were dashed when I received an e-mail saying although this was mega, it was not enough to make the record books. Whilst on the subject of the lovely Mr Fry, he has been cast as Mycroft in Guy Ritchie's sequel.

Since Monday of last week the Facebook page has increased from 77 to 552 which was all down to the help from Mr Fry. We held an Awareness Day on Facebook on 1st October calling on all our friends to post the link. In response to this we had a further 52 visits to the Facebook page.

The comments on the website were also incredible, since Monday we received over 100 comments from all over the world. Your comments on this site are very valuable to us so please continue to let us know what this building actually means to you and your thoughts on Waverley's decision to allow the development.

The Judicial Review

2010-09-15T14:12:00.008+01:00

The Trust has today received confirmation from Waverley that full planning approval has now been granted for the development of Undershaw. This is a clear indication that the owners have complied with the conditions set out by the Council.

Since hearing the news the Trust have been in urgent discussions with the barrister dealing with the case. An application applying for a Judicial Review in the High Court will be submitted and we hopefully anticipate that it will be granted.

Also paperwork is being prepared for an investigation by the Local Government Ombudsman as to the dreadful way in which Waverley have presided over the complete dereliction of Undershaw for the last 5 years. (The two photographs show here Undershaw in its hey day and several years later its demise under the care of the local authorites and its owners).

Should we be successful or unsuccessful whatever the case, at least we will know that justice was sought and the right decision was made. If we stand back and do nothing - we will never know.

ITV London News - Follow-up

2010-09-13T12:08:00.003+01:00

I heard from the ITV reporter today who informed me that the International Library Sales Department loved the news item recently shown on ITV London News (which incidentally can be viewed on our website: http://www.saveundershaw.com/) and that they will be checking to see how many countries this broadcast went out to. At the moment the link can only be viewed within the UK. I will endeavour to find out whether the link can be made available to those following the twists and turns of the Undershaw campaign outside of the UK and perhaps a feature on YouTube.

ITV London News

2010-09-09T00:23:00.008+01:00

The Trust were interviewed and filmed yesterday for a feature on ITV London News which may be shown as early as tonight. I will keep you all updated. We spoke about the pending Judicial Review which incidentally we have instructed our barrister to proceed. We have reasons to believe that Waverley Borough Council are now fairly happy that the owners have complied with all conditions that were attached to the planning approval.

It was distressing to see how easily it is for vandals to get in and destroy what little there is left of this iconic building. There were signs that vandals had been in recently and trashed the site even further. Again no security on the building and the gate at the top of the drive left open for anyone to enter the grounds. We have tried on numerous occasions to alert Waverley Borough Council of this and sadly the owners are not protecting this site or the building sufficiently to counteract further acts of vandalism. It is a total disgrace on our English Heritage to allow such a dreadful crime to be committed to what should be our heritage and something that should prosper for another 100 years or more.

Alistair's visit to Hindhead

2010-09-07T11:36:00.016+01:00

I mentioned in a post previously that Alistair Duncan is writing a book about the Undershaw Years. I had the privilige of meeting him last week and in his blog he described his visit to Undershaw as a pilgrimage which I believe many would consider as just that.

Conan Doyle gained the respect of many people during his life time through his books and what he did for society. His popularity grew not only here in England but to all corners of the globe. The respect for his work is still evident even 80 years on since his death in 1930. Through the Sherlock Holmes character played by many actors, he has remained one of our best known literary icons and continues to attract fans from every generation since his passing.

His house is worthy of much more than mundane modern apartments and a trivial gazebo at the end of the garden with a wooden plaque stating that "Conan Doyle lived here". The authorities should seriously consider something more worthy of the man that gave us Sherlock Holmes, worked in a field hospital called the Langman Hospital in the Boer War, and was knighted in 1902 for his services to the crown, who found justice for George Edalji who had been wrongly convicted of assaulting horses/cattle which brought about the Court of Criminal Appeal in 1907 to name but a few.

The meeting with Alistair took us to Undershaw to view the current shameful vandalised state of the building, with more windows broken and again no security. We then travelled onto the graves of Louise Conan Doyle, Kingsley and Mary Conan Doyle and of course Conan Doyle's mother. We finally relaxed in the comfort of the Fox and Pelican where we met with John Gibson to discuss Alistair's new book. I must admit Alistair I do like the title of the book, thank you for sharing it with us.

Wikipedia

2010-08-23T12:34:00.006+01:00

With the help of several kind and enthusiastic gentlemen, Undershaw has now made the Wikipedia at the following link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Undershaw. My gratitude and thanks go out to Paul Spiring who along with Alistair Duncan have been complete rocks to the Trust and have contributed so much to the campaign.

I am proud to say that I will be meeting with Alistair in several weeks and honoured to say that the purpose of this meeting is tied in with his new book on Doyle's time at Undershaw. A 'must' for anyone interested in this famous building, Hindhead's landmark and the history behind the man who created Sherlock Holmes.

A TV documentary has also been discussed and an offer of help with this could be in the offering. I would like to see the theme of this documetary focus on Doyle's 10 years at Undershaw, his presence in and around Hindhead, and those he associated with, such as the likes of Flora Thompson (Larkrise to Candleford), Bram Stoker (author of Dracula), Professor John Tyndall (his neighbour) J M Barrie (author of Peter Pan) and Undershaw's demise since 2004 with the grand finale of our efforts to save the property and whatever the outcome is likely to be.

The House Next Door

2010-08-09T20:58:00.010+01:00

I reported back in December 2009 about the new houses being built next to Undershaw, on the plot of land where Professor John Tyndall once lived. The 6-bedroomed houses are complete and they have been named quite appropriately 'Holmes Place'. I wonder whether Kirkby, the builders responsible for these extremely lovely yet expensive homes would be interested in Undershaw? I cannot help feeling that Fossway will sell Undershaw on - next door could be a likely candidate.

Don't allow Undershaw to be modernised in this way. Albeit the facade will remain but internally it will be divided into 3 separate units and modernised beyond recognition.

The Sad Truth

2010-08-04T22:56:00.012+01:00

These pictures were taken today whilst being interviewed by a correspondent from the Los Angeles Times. Both John and I felt ashamed that our British heritage has been treated in this way and for the American journalist to see how our grade II properties are treated by our authorities. It has been said before that if it were any other country this house would be protected and preserved.

I was amazed to see that a window that I noticed open 18 months ago was still open to the elements, graffiti on the wall, the boarding on the heraldic window pulled away and the glass smashed, rain pouring from the guttering and piles of rubble.

The pile of rubble indicates that the owners have already commenced work on the building, even though Waverley approved the proposal with conditions. Surely these conditions should be met before work is carried out? On Waverley Borough Council website their planning application is still 'pending decision'. Can the owner do this?

Waverley Borough Council assured us that the owners had complied with the 'Urgent Repairs Notice' and that security had been installed on the site. Shameful!

The Times Newspaper

2010-08-02T15:55:00.002+01:00

The letter that was sent to the Times newspaper by two very concerned authors had 53 high profiled signatories calling for Jeremy Hunt to find a sensitive solution to the preservation of Undershaw. The full list of signatories can be viewed on our website www.saveundershaw.com under the section 'Aftermath'. To our surprise the Times also included a fantastic article on page 10. Thank you to Jeremy Vine for featuring such an intense article on Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes and our efforts to save Undershaw.

Can you believe that the first showing of the new BBC 'Sherlock' was viewed by 7.7 million viewers. Who said Undershaw would not be a popular Tourist Attraction!

British Airways Support Us

2010-08-02T13:37:00.003+01:00

I have today received an e-mail from a Senior Flight Officer with BA pledging his and his colleagues support with our efforts. I wish to take this opportunity of thanking him for taking time out from flying around the world to send this most welcomed e-mail.

Perhaps BA could be starting something that other high profiled companies may wish to be involved in - Saving Britain's Heritage.

Thank you Senior Flight Officer and colleagues.

SAVE Britain's Heritage

2010-07-31T16:42:00.002+01:00

I would like to thank SAVE for their recent help with advertising our campaign on their website.
www.savebritainsheritage.org

The Los Angeles Times

2010-07-31T16:37:00.003+01:00

The Trust received a phonecall via Save Britain's Heritage and via the e-mail section of our website from the London based Los Angeles Times to inform us that a correspondent from their newspaper would like to interview us. John and I are meeting with them sometime next week. John is also meeting with the clerk to his barrister for a telephone conference as the barrister taking the Judicial Review is currently out of the country. We shall know more as to whether we have a strong case to proceed.

The Times Newspaper

2010-07-31T12:11:00.006+01:00

As a matter of interest a must for today is the Times Newspaper. Page 10 gives a splendid outline of our campaign and a letter in the Editors letter section of the paper is a must see! (page 23). I am amazed at the amount of high profiled names that appear on the list of signatories - I have also been included for which I am so honoured to be listed amongst the greats.

Article in Guardian

2010-07-21T14:35:00.004+01:00

John's article was featured in the Guardian of yesterday 20th July. You can view this at the following link http://gu.com/p/2tfv4/tw Talking of newspapers we received an e-mail from a correspondent of the German daily broadsheet Frankfurter Allgemeine wanting to speak with John regarding the proposed legal action to reverse the planning permission.

John Gibson visits QC to present his case

2010-07-19T11:28:00.006+01:00

John has worked very hard over the weekend to prepare his case for a Judicial Review against Waverley Borough Council regarding their decision to approve the development plans of Undershaw.

Waverley Borough Council in theory has made this house, by granting planning permission, too rich for any person looking to restore this property as a single dwelling house. The sale price of this property may now reach 1.5 million.

He is meeting with the Clerk to a top QC in London today to ascertain as to whether this case has any chances of success. His case will be put forward to the Queen's Council and may take up to 3 weeks before we hear whether it would be worth proceeding.

He has also given a story to one of the top national newspapers and is currently preparing a story for a second. Several TV programmes have been alerted of this decision by Waverley and we await their response.

Why consideration should be given to application WA/2010/0830

2010-07-14T14:13:00.007+01:00

You may ask why support the application on the Waverley Borough Council website reference number WA/2010/0830 in respect of change of use from hotel/restaurant to single dwelling house. The following, albeit in brief, forms Mr Norris's application and gives us an idea of what Undershaw needs and what his proposals are:

"The property has been vacant since 2004. In this time the property has been left to degrade and has been subject to vandalism. It is critical that the building receives remedial work before the extent of damage makes repairs unviable. It has been noted that the council has taken steps to protect the building from the elements by means of scaffold and roof coverings.

Whilst it has been suggested in a previous application that "...there is no market interest in the property as a single dwelling house ..." the application we have now submitted would highlight a view to the contrary. The 1930's extension to the original house notwithstanding, the property has always retained its single dwelling house character. It is in the interest of preserving this heritage asset that we have put this proposal forward to return the building to its original use as a single domestic dwelling.

All materials will be appropriate to preserving the period style of the building and resue it from its current dilapidated state. There will be negligible impact to the main South and West facades to the building. All the work considers the character of the building being upheld and reversing the damage that has been subsequent to the closure of the hotel. All measures which were applied to bring the building up to relevant standards for hotel use such as fire doors on the first floor landing and second floor emergency escape will be sensitively reversed keeping in mind the Edwardian aesthetic and detailing.

I hope after you have read this you will support Mr Norris's application to return Undershaw to a single dwelling house - PPG15 advises that: "The best use will very often be the line for which the building was originally designed, and the continuation or reinstatment of that use should certainly be the first options when the future of a building is considered". Why on earth did Waverley Borough Council not follow the advise of the PPG15?

Breaking News - Judicial Review.

2010-06-29T00:26:00.014+01:00

After much thought and several discussions the Undershaw Preservation Trust are seriously considering a judicial review against Waverley Borough Council in their handling of Undershaw and also reporting this continuing shabby sad story of the house to the local government ombudsman. This was also revealed in a radio interview with Eagle radio yesterday morning in a discussion with Cllr Adam Taylor-Smith. Eagle radio were in Hindhead at the National Trust Cafe with their 'Love Tour'. John Gibson revealed on the Peter Gordon breakfast show that the Trust were taking steps to seek advice from a top QC. Of course this will not be cheap, a recent quote already received was in excess of £30,000 and if we lose we could be liable for WBC's costs. A pre-meeting with a QC to ascertain what our chances would be will be arranged this week and the process for the judicial review will be implemented should we have a good chance of pulling this off.

Can I ask all supporters of Undershaw to go onto the Waverley Borough Council website and under planning please support the application for a single dwelling reference number WA/2010/0830. This is our mystery buyer's application that was so unfairly overlooked at the planning meeting on 9th June.

Should anyone feel they would like to complain about the recent decision by WBC then you may wish to write to Mary Orton, Chief Executive of Waverley Borough Council, The Burys, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1HR expressing your disappointment.

I look forward to your continuing support and thank you for any help you are able to give.

(The photograph above shows John Gibson with the staff of Eagle radio, copyright of this photo is also the property of Eagle Radio).

We Need a Miracle Now!

2010-06-15T10:37:00.005+01:00

I was always a believer of miracles - it will take one now to save this house, a house we have grown to love during its long stretch of uncertainty.

I just wish Neil Caffrey could see the benefit of keeping the house as a single entity and opening it to the public. It could have kept him in profit for the rest of his life. Just think it could have been as popular as the Sherlock Holmes Museum in London and with this he would have received the praise and admiration from the nation - not just a normal speculative developer.

So Neil if you are reading this can you perform a miracle and consider a single dwelling?

Alistair Duncan

2010-06-14T13:40:00.019+01:00

I have met and through letters and e-mails have made many useful contacts that have remained with me throughout and through part of the campaign. Over the next few months I would like to give a mention to these individuals separately so that each one stands out from the next.

I am going to start with Alistair Duncan (pictured above).

Alistair has written several books entitled 'Close to Holmes', 'Eliminate the Impossible' and 'The Norwood Author'. As written previously he very kindly donated these books to the raffle that was held recently to raise an awareness of Undershaw. This prize was won by Mrs English. Photo directly above (to follow) shows me presenting Mrs English with the 3 books at the top of the driveway to Undershaw.

You can find a post on Alistair in the blog archive for May which gives you the details of his books and the link to his publishers website. If you enjoy your Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes then you will enjoy Alistair's books.

Before the decision was made to develop Undershaw, Alistair wrote a few paragraphs to insert into my blog.

"When Lynn first suggested to me the idea of a book on Undershaw I was sceptical. I had only recently completed my book 'The Norwood Author' and had been hoping to hang up my pen for a few months. However, Lynn's was not the only voice. An American Sherlockian contacted me via a website entitled 'Sherlockian Who's Who' (a global directory of Sherlockians) and suggested the very same idea. Despite this I was still sceptical.

Why was I sceptical? I guess it was because I felt that this part of Conan Doyle's life had been well covered. With my earlier book I was covering a period that had, to a large extent, been overlooked. I didn't feel the same was true for 1897-1907.

I finally became convinced when Guy Marriot, the president of the Sherlock Holmes Society of London, added his voice to the chorus in May.

The book is now underway.

If I have one regret it is that my book will have nothing to do with the fate of this great house. By the time it is complete the house will have either been saved or developed (I use the term very loosely). However, in the event that it is saved I hope that my book will demonstrate why it was the right thing to do (although why there would be any doubt is beyond me). If, sadly, Undershaw has been vandalised (I can think of no other word) then my book will be able to show (I hope) what a disastrous and short-sighted decision it was.

Alistair Duncan

So watch out for this new exciting book about Undershaw and Conan Doyle's life in Hindhead.

Thank you Alistair for your contribution.

Planning Application for Conversion Approved

2010-06-09T22:16:00.007+01:00

It saddens me to report that our fight to save Undershaw has come to an abrupt end with a unanimous decision in favour of the current planning application. Those that attended the meeting and those that watched the events unfold on line could see what a well rehearsed meeting it turned out to be - none other than a 'kangaroo court'.

Councillor's, mainly from the area voted in approval of the application without any thought for their local people and their own heritage. We stood no chance as it was 6 to 1 in favour.

An application for a single dwelling house was registered with the council, it was acknowledged but to my dismay was not even considered especially after our Mr 'X' had previously been in discussion with members of the council to ascertain the procedure for submitting an application of this kind. Several thousands out of pocket - not one person from the council advised him against his actions.

I wish to thank everyone for their support over this last year, in particular the Doyle family who were there this evening to watch the events unfold. My special thanks go out to Jeff Theobold who taxied me in his marvellous steam car, Paul Osborne who took endless amounts of footage, the Haslemere Wardrobe for allowing me to borrow one of their Victorian costumes, Rupert Sheard who kindly played the role of Sherlock Holmes, Linda Eades and Sue Meadows my rocks throughout the year, Alistair Duncan for his great books, my boss for being understanding, the various businesses in and around Grayshott, Andrews Lawnmowers in Hindhead, The Fox and Pelican and Devils Punchbowl Hotel for publicising the campaign, Jeremy Hunt MP for his kind words, Caroline White for never taking sides, Joanna Tull from the Surrey Advertiser and Caroline Toms from the Haslemere Herald for putting up with my continuous news stories, Haslemere Town Council and The Victorian Society for voting against the application, our mystery buyer for his expenditure on his planning application to convert Undershaw to a single dwelling, Stephen Fry, William Roache, MBE, Sir Christopher Frayling and the BAFTA 4JB Team for their statements of support, to all my colleagues at work who believed in me, Sheila Rigby and her grandson Sam who ensured that our new website went live, John Gibson, the trust's director for his lengthy typing exercises, Harry Tennant our 10 year old supporter for wearing the t-shirt and devising various ways to raise awareness, his mum Julia Groves for all her help with radio interviews, Peter Lawrence for his idea of a wedding venue, the many supporters from around the world, Allan and Lorraine for publicising our campaign on their website, Barry Faust for his input with raising awareness in the Portsmout area, Sally Morgan who showed her support in the early stages of the campaign, Roger Straughan for his book and readings, Dave Patrick for his inspiration and to Conan Doyle for being a remarkakle icon, and bringing to life a fictitious character, for Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson and not forgetting our beloved Undershaw!

The Decider - Committee Meeting 9th June 2010

2010-06-08T23:00:00.008+01:00

Tomorrow will bring us the deciding verdict in the long saga of Save Undershaw campaign. A committee meeting at Waverley Borough Council offices in Godalming will decide the future of Undershaw. This meeting will take place at 5.30 pm and will be web cast to enable those that have been following the story to watch the verdict as it unfolds. The link to this is featured in a previous post which you will find in the Blog Archive for May.

I am making my way to the meeting from Haslemere in Victorian costume being transported by a 1911 vintage steam car and being interviewed by BBC Surrey/Sussex Radio Drive Show. I am picking up Sherlock Holmes and John Gibson on the journey. The event will be captured on film and a short footage will be put together for the website. Local and national papers have been alerted as has the BBC London News and ITV Meridian Tonight. They may wish to report on the conclusion of this story.

I will be leaving Weydown Road, Haslemere at approximately 4.00 pm to make the journey to Godalming, passing the Town Council Offices and the clock tower through to Grayswood and onto Godalming. Should anyone catch site of this car, please show us your support!

Sir Christopher Frayling

2010-06-06T23:37:00.008+01:00

The Trust has today been graced with a statement from Sir Christopher Frayling in his support for Undershaw. Sir Christopher who is ex Chairman of the Arts Council England; ex Rector of the Royal College of Art; currently Professor Emeritus of Cultural History Royal College of Art and Fellow of Churchill College Cambridge wrote the following message of support:

"Undershaw was the much-loved home of Arthur Conan Doyle, once he had become an established writer. Many of the books, pamphlets and articles with which he is now so closely associated were penned there, and he developed a deep relationship with the local community around Undershaw as well. Many of the great names in late Victorian and Edwardian literature visited Conan Doyle at Undershaw for meetings, dinners and cricket matches. I have read several of Conan Doyle's diaries for this period and know just how much time he spent at the house. So it was not a question of "Conan doyle slept here".

Undershaw played an important part in his writing life. One of the most celebrated photographs of Conan Doyle - often reproduced - maybe THE photograph of him shows him, legs crossed, sitting in his writing room at Undershaw surrounded by trophies.

So I fully support the campaign - he'd have liked that word - to preserve and list the currently unlisted parts of the building, ie the stable and the 'well'. By association, and in its own right, Undershaw is a significant house".

Sir Christopher Frayling

Sir Christopher is calling for the two items that have survived for 113 years, the stable and the 'well' to be listed. These two areas of the house were not included in the description which may have been an oversight on English Heritage's part or quite simply that they did not gain access to these two areas at the time of their visit. These items should be listed as is the herladic windows etc. We have made an urgent appeal to Jeremy Hunt MP, asking him to make representation to English Heritage to have these areas included in the description so therefore giving them the listed status they quite rightly deserve. Without this listing, the stables will be ripped out and the 'well' will be buried below one of the new town houses.

A previous article on Sir Christopher Frayling was written and can be viewed in the blog archive section under April. (photo: by Linda Nylind, Guardian)

Planning Officers Approve Planning Application to Convert Undershaw

2010-06-03T00:36:00.008+01:00

It is with regret that I have to announce the very bad news that Waverley Borough Council have given a conditional approval to the current planning application to split Undershaw into 3 seperate dwellings and build a further five dwellings alongside despite the rejection from Haslemere Town Council and the Victorian Society.

This is not only heart wrenching news but a terrible blow to the Undershaw Preservation Trust. I am unable to write further on this and it just leaves me to say that we shall attend the Committee meeting on 9th June to put forward our views to this scandulous proposal in the hope that the councillors are more sympathetic to our way of thinking.

Please continue to support our efforts!

Breaking News - No Go for the 'One Show'

2010-06-01T22:18:00.005+01:00

I have tonight received confirmation from the BBCs the 'One Show' that filming and interviewing will not now be taking place because of the decision not to allow any further access to the house by its owners, Fossway. The 'One Show' are unable to feature our plight with only our footage of the house which is disappointing for the Trust and for our national heritage.

A BBC script had been prepared for the show that was due to be featured on Monday 7th June.

Open Days - Raising an Awareness of Undershaw

2010-05-18T00:06:00.016+01:00

The Open Days at Andrews Lawnmower's and Hindhead Hot Tubs were supported moderately well, Saturday being the better day, Sunday being a dismal cold, damp and wet day. However, I was supported by people that mattered. It was a great pleasure and honour to meet, for the second time, the new Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Jeremy Hunt MP who offered his support to the campaign.

My question to Jeremy was plain and simple - please upgrade Undershaw to a Grade II* or Grade I, a move that he fully supports.

A lovely family from America slowed their car down and showed off their Save Undershaw t-shirts. They stopped for an interesting chat and were a possible link to Guy Ritchie. Several photographs were taken with Sherlock Holmes. (I would like to ask the family if I could possibly have a copy of that photograph for the blog). Rupert Sheard very kindly played the role of Sherlock Holmes as he did in the 'Hound of the Baskervilles at the Electric Theatre in Guildford. Rupert's father the late Michael Sheard played alongside Peter Egan in the 'Dark Side of the Sun' back in 1983.

The fabulous Austen car was provided by a lovely gentleman from the area which certainly caught the eye of passers by.

The lawnmower that Andrews had donated to the cause was won by Roger Meadows from Bath and other prizes of fabulous books donated and signed by their authors also found good homes. A small amount was made on the raffle and will go towards printing of cards and stickers etc.

Posthumous BAFTA for Jeremy Brett

2010-05-12T22:45:00.005+01:00

May I ask all my followers and visitors to this blog to visit the following website http://www.bafta4jb.com/ and be part of several hundred people that have put their name to the petition in support of this worthwhile cause. The Undershaw Preservation Trust supports the efforts that are being made to ensure that the late Jeremy Brett is honoured with the award that he so rightly deserves.

Web Cam link to the Planning Meeting on 9th June

2010-05-11T14:41:00.004+01:00

You will all know by now that the planning meeting due for 12th May has been put back until Wednesday 9th June. The meeting is scheduled to take place at 5.30 pm A link that may enable you to watch the entire meeting as it unfolds on web cam is: http://www.waverley.gov.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=944 The gap in between 'documents' and 'info' in the link address is _ (underscore).

Alistair Duncan - Buy his books and You will be Supporting Undershaw

2010-05-09T17:03:00.026+01:00

For several months I have been in communication with Alistair Duncan who, in the early days, dedicated some of his time to the campaign to save Undershaw. Alistair has written several books on the subject of Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle and has kindly donated a set of three, all signed, to be prizes on the open days of 15th and 16th May at Andrews of Hindhead opposite Undershaw for the grand raffle.

Alistair has today written to me to express his concern about the building and his determination to help the campaign and the Undershaw Preservation Trust. He has persuaded his publisher to set up a special code for people to buy his books and this can be accessed through the following link: http://www.mxpublishing.co.uk/engine/shop/page/Partners/Save+Undershaw+Campaign If at the checkout, you enter the code 'undershaw' a donation of £1.50 for each book sold will go towards the campaign.

It is written that Alistair is a respected Holmes historian and writer of the acclaimed 'Eliminate the Impossible' which has set the standard for recent examinations of Arthur Conan Doyle's works. A fascinating and enjoyable work that has garnered praise from around the Sherlockian world. The Sherlock Holmes Society of London commented in their review of ETI - 'Alistair Duncan knows his Holmes'. His second book - 'Close to Holmes' - a look at the connections between historical London, Sherlock Holmes and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle has proved a hit with Holmes and ACD fans as well as those interested in Victorian London.

His third book 'The Norwood Author' is a biography of Arthur Conan Doyle, covering the few years he spent living in Norwood. During this time he wrote several Sherlock Holmes stories including the notorious one where he kills off his hero.

I would like to thank Alistair for his generosity and dedication to the campaign and for his donations of books and funds amongst other help he has had a hand in.

By buying Alistair's books not only would you be buying a worthwhile read, you will be supporting the Undershaw project and by purchasing raffle tickets from myself or Andrews you will have the opportunity of winning all three books as a prize. Please support us in whatever way you can.

Of course we are now waiting for someone to publish a book on Conan Doyle's time at Undershaw which I could then base my TV documentary on! Who knows! BBC News, Meridian Tonight, The One Show ...........................TV documentary!

Save Undershaw Video

2010-05-05T14:32:00.006+01:00

Our Save Undershaw video can now be viewed at the following link http://vimeo.com/11360128 The video shows the shameful state that Undershaw has been allowed to become because of its neglect and abandonment by our local council and its owners. John Gibson is also shown in this video highlighting his concerns.

It would help the Trust and Paul Osborne who very kindly put the video together for us, if you would kindly spend several minutes compiling a few words of comment on this subject or indeed on the video.

Breaking News - Planning Meeting

2010-05-05T14:24:00.002+01:00

The planning meeting that was scheduled for the 12th May has now been put back until 9th June or even later. We have been given no reasons for this and hope the only reason could be that Waverley Borough Council have doubts as to approve this planning application! I will keep you all updated.

Breaking News - The 'One Show'

2010-04-28T21:10:00.008+01:00

I have been writing every month for the last eight months to the 'One Show' trying to get our cause featured and at long last a call from the show's producer finally came today. I now await the outcome of our telephone conversation to see whether our efforts will eventually be rewarded with a showing on this most popular show.

Good news or not such good news! The producer of the One Show has now got back to me - the date that Undershaw will be featured is the 7th June - 2 days before the planning meeting. Interviews and filming for this will take place in the lead up to this date but unfortunately not on the site of Undershaw.

Due to much publicity and an overwhelming influx of visitors in the past the owners have declined to allow anymore filming on their land. I can't blame them really, the building is an embarrassment and it only shows how Fossway Limited, a financial company, have allowed it to become in such a derelict condition. It is criminal and shameful that our heritage has been treated in this way. Why on earth has this building been allowed to fall into such disrepair it deserves more protection and its history should be safeguarded from property developers looking to line their pockets. It is reasonable to say that history like this cannot be erased after 113 years of existence.

Hindhead Hot Tubs and Andrews Lawnmower Open Days - Supporting Undershaw

2010-04-21T22:28:00.021+01:00

I have mentioned in previous posts that several of the local businesses have been very supportive in our bid to save Undershaw. The most recent to add their voice to the campaign is Andrews Lawnmowers and Hindhead Hot Tubs, their premises being just yards from Undershaw. To promote their business and to support the Undershaw Preservation Trust they have decided to hold an open weekend on 15th and 16th of May just days before Conan Doyle's 151st anniversary of his birth date being 22nd May.

Arrangements for the weekend are currently being finalised but it is proposed for the shop to open its doors and allow you to wander around and marvel at the spectacular spas, jacuzzis, hot tubs and saunas (perhaps trying them out as you go), check out all the mod cons in the lawn mower department and peek inside the timber framed sheds and conservatries whilst the children have fun on the Tractor rides. Refreshments, ice cream, balloons and soft music written and performed by John Meriton will all form part of the weekend.

There will be a raffle in aid of Undershaw and proceeds of this will go towards the erection of a bronze statue on the corner of the Hindhead traffic lights either of Conan Doyle or Sherlock Holmes. This of course will be subject to planning permission. The first prize on offer for this is a Mountfield Lawnmower and to celebrate Hindhead being the area of the hilltop writers there will be signed copies of various books from authors supporting the Undershaw Preservation Trust. Raffle tickets on sale now (£1.00 a strip) There will also be guest appearances from Sherlock Holmes and he may even have a case to solve: the curious incident of the empty house.

We are in the throws of arranging a possible display of vintage cars and appeal to local people that are owners of these cars to come along with their vehicles in a show of support for our businesses and Undershaw.

Hindhead Hot tubs opened in 1982 with Steve Andrews as its director. The lawnmower department is a family run business for which Steve also plays an important part with his parents and brother John Andrews.

This is going to be a fun weekend for all the family - so why not come along and support your local business and our national landmark. I will be adding to this once the press release has been finalised and I know more details of the event.

Harry, seen wearing his 'Support the Undershaw Preservation Trust t-shirt, from Shottermill junior school will be organising a competition amongst the pupils of his school to see who can design a motif for the Trust. Judging will take place on the Sunday and will be judged by Mr Sherlock Holmes. This picture was taken in what I call my 'office' but it is really the 'snug' in the Fox and Pelican in Grayshott who are also supporting the campaign.

New Website, Car Stickers and T-Shirt

2010-04-10T00:27:00.024+01:00

I mentioned several months ago that a very kind lady from Manchester donated funding for the Save Undershaw website which is now up and running. The link is: http://www.saveundershaw.com/ There is still work to be done and I am looking to insert a recent video of Undershaw. This recent video of Undershaw will also feature on 'YouTube'. Please be patient while work is still being carried out on the site. There is a section included which tells of peoples experiences of Undershaw. So if you have a story you would like to see published on the site please send it me at: info@saveundershaw.com

We have designed and due to go to print with the Save and Support Undershaw car stickers. Should you like one of these sent to you then please send a stamped addressed envelope to the Undershaw Preservation Trust, c/o Church Cottage, Tilford Road, Hindhead, Surrey, GU26 6RB. These are free - should you wish to donate something for the sticker then the Trust would be most grateful to receive your donation. It may help our cause for these to be displayed on your cars in the weeks leading up to the decision date on 9th June, please note this date has been rescheduled and of course can be displayed thereafter, especially if we are successful with our aims.

Should you wish to publicise our campaign by wearing one of our t-shirts then these can readily be made available at a reasonable cost.

I have learned today that sadly my supplier, who was first class in his work has decided not to continue with his printing business. You can still place your orders with me at the above address. I am looking at another company to see whether they are able to supply a similar service.

Sir Christopher Frayling

2010-04-01T14:11:00.009+01:00

I have recently written to Sir Christopher Frayling to ask whether he would be interested in supporting the Undershaw Preservation Trust in our efforts to prevent the house from being divided into separate units, prevent over development and to ensure that public access is retained to the house and gardens. I have since received a reply in which Sir Christopher asks: "How can I help" and then goes onto say "I'd be delighted, of course, to lend my support".

Sir Christopher's interest in Conan Doyle is well known and his brother Nicholas Frayling has sent his best wishes for our endeavours.

Christopher read history at Churchill College, Cambridge where he gained a Phd in the study of Jean-Jacques Rousseau. He went onto teach history at the University of Bath and in 1979 was appointed Professor of Cultural History at London's post graduate art and design school, the Royal College of Art. Since 1996 he has been Rector in charge of the College.

He was chairman of the Arts Council in England until 2007 and was the Chairman of the Design Council, Chairman of the Royal Mint Advisory Committee, and a Trustee of the Victoria and Albert Museum. He was a governor of the British Film Institute in the 1980's.

Christopher Frayling was awarded a knighthood in 2001 for "Services to Art and Design Education".

We now await further communication from Christopher with a decision on how he is able to support the campaign.

Time is now of the essence with a committee meeting due to sit on 12th May where a decision will be made by Waverley Borough Council.

May I take this opportunity to wish all my followers and those that have visited the site in the last month due to our recent appeal in the local papers and the Daily Mail, a very happy Easter. Keep yourself tuned in with the latest on Undershaw by visiting my weekly updates.

History Lesson in the Making

2010-03-24T15:30:00.019Z

I wish to thank Harry, a 10-year old boy from Shottermill Junior School who lives just yards from Undershaw who collected 30 names on a petition to assist the campaign to save a national landmark. This is a remarkable achievement by Harry and we would like to thank him for his contribution to help the 'Save Undershaw' campaign and his support to the Undershaw Preservation Trust. I urge Harry to post this directly as a matter of urgency as the deadline was 19th March onto the Planning Department at Waverley Borough Council with a covering letter stating what the petition is for.

Harry decided to use Undershaw as his subject for a school history project. He has since learned much about the house and indeed as Harry put it 'loads' about Arthur Conan Doyle.

After receiving permission from Harry's parents the Haslemere Herald and Surrey Advertiser (Godalming Edition) will feature a story about this marvellous undertaking of Harry's and his brush with history. The story if published may encourage other children and schools to learn about the house and Conan Doyle which would ultimately create an immense interest in the house's history. Another good reason why the house should remain as a landmark for all to enjoy.

Why not create history yourself and take on a project like Harry to help the Undershaw campaign. Harry has set an example that other children and schools could follow as part of their history lesson. Raising awareness of the house by creating publicity within the community is another way in which local children could help.

Harry's covering letter and petition can be viewed on the Waverley website by following the link detailed in a previous post on this blog.

Eagle Radio

2010-03-23T21:29:00.006Z

Radio Eagle newsroom interviewed John Gibson yesterday from the Undershaw Preservation Trust, you can find this on the following link: http://www.964eagle.co.uk/news/review.php?article=160635 I have just learnt from eagle radio that the news broadcast is on MP3 player. I am not sure whether I am able to include this in the blog but give me a few days to work this one out!

Deadline Over - but Undershaw not OUT!

2010-03-20T10:49:00.015Z

With the deadline over for all comments to Waverley Borough Council, I encourage those that missed this deadline of Friday 19th March to write to WBC at the following address: The Corporate Services and Planning Department, The Burys, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1HR quoting WA/2010/0172/0173, especially if you feel strongly about the current planning application. I have also noted that it appears you can object on-line until 29 March. So keep trying. Don't miss this opportunity and allow a deadline to interfere with our landmark.

With a building such as Undershaw, and a man as great as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, there can be no deadline! This in its self is an insult to the once owner of this building just like the proposed pavilion with its mere little board that is earmarked in recognition of his existence.

I would have thought the ladies and gents that form the board of councillors that will make this decision as to whether to grant or reject these plans would be educated enough to realise what an historical and welcomed landmark Undershaw could be. The true fact is that Undershaw was allowed to fall into such disrepair, with no proper security, open to the elements (weather and vandals) for many years. This then became a burden to the Council. A burden that they now want to get rid of in the easiest possible way.

With the selling price of Undershaw still being marketed at over a million pounds in its current state. Who would want to buy a property at that price and almost derelict? Who is to blame for its shameful condition? If the price had been right, it would have sold. Don't allow the excuse that nobody was interested in it, the price did not reflect its current condition and still doesn't. Lets hope that these educated ladies and gents make an educated decision on this, a decision that will ultimately gain their respect and votes for any future elections.

Here is the list of those councillor's that will make that ultimatum between our national heritage and modern day apartments: Councillor Peter Isherwood (Chairman), Councillor John Ward (Vice-Chairman), Councillor Mrs Jean Arrick, Councillor Jim Edwards, Councillor Simon Inchbald, Councillor David Inman, Councillor Mrs Carole King, Councillor Robert Knowles, Councillor Dr Nicky Lee, Councillor Stephen Mulliner, Councillor Steve Renshaw.

I wish to thank all those that have responded to the fliers that I posted through doors around the Hindhead area, your response has been gratefully received. The Undershaw Preservation Trust would like to thank you all personally through this blog.

I am in constant contact with the family and their architects who wish to purchase Undershaw as a single family home. I will be meeting them after Easter and as you can well appreciate this family wish to remain anonymous for the time being. The family are very well versed with restoring Victorian buildings for which they have restored 3 in their life time, the last one being a property in size of roughly 30,000 square feet which of course is almost 3 times the size of Undershaw.

Peter Egan and Philip Franks

2010-03-18T22:46:00.005Z

Direct from their dressing rooms at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford, Peter Egan and Philip Franks who are currently starring in 'The Secret of Sherlock Holmes' have sent the following statement:

"We consider that this planning application should be refused on the grounds that it would destroy the iconic and historic identity of Undershaw where Conan Doyle, through the characters of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson, wrote the return of the most famous and enduring ficticious partnership in literature.

Undershaw should not be divided by concrete into apartments, but should remain as one dwelling so that future generations can see how Conan Doyle lived through a traumatic and fruitful period of his creative life. We feel sure that Waverley and Haslemere would wish to retain Undershaw with at least some limited public access as a boost to the regeneration of Hindhead and tourism in the area".

Man of Mystery

2010-03-17T23:08:00.002Z

A snippet in the Daily Mail today from a Roger Vince was brought to my attention. Can anyone shed any light on this fact?

"Reading about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's home, Undershaw, reminded me of something an elderly friend told me many years ago.

As a young women, she was friendly with someone who'd worked as a handyman for Conan Doyle at Undershaw. He told her that one of the upstairs rooms was permanently locked, staff were forbidden from entering and Conan Doyle had the only key.

After Conan Doyle's death, curiosity overcame him and he put up a ladder to the window and looked in. It was, he said, completely empty'.Whatever the secret of the locked room, Conan Doyle took it to the grave. Or does anyone know differently"?

Newsreel Footage of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

2010-03-17T14:00:00.006Z

You may have been lucky enough to see this on youtube but for those that have not had the opportunity here is the link to a rare newsreel article of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle speaking about Sherlock Holmes and spiritualism. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eq18U5btcg

DON'T FORGET TO OBJECT TO THE 8 DWELLINGS THAT ARE PROPOSED FOR CONAN DOYLES UNDERSHAW. SCROLL DOWN AND CLICK ON 'OLDER POSTS' WHICH WILL TAKE YOU ONTO THE NEXT PAGE WHERE YOU WILL SEE A DIRECT LINK TO OBJECT TO WAVERLEY BOROUGH COUNCIL. WE HAVE ONLY UNTIL FRIDAY CLOSE OF PLAY TO MAKE OUR OBJECTIONS COUNT. LETS BE PROUD OF WHAT WE HAVE OBJECTED TO AND WHAT WE WILL ULTIMATELY HAVE TO HONOUR THIS GREAT MAN! LETS TAKE PRIDE IN SAVING OUR HERITAGE FOR ALL RESIDENTS OF THE AREA AND VISITORS WORLDWIDE. The Undershaw Preservation Trust would like to THANK ALL THOSE THAT HAVE PLAYED THEIR PART IN WHAT COULD BE A HAVEN FOR US ALL.

Town Council Meeting held on Thursday 11th March

2010-03-15T13:10:00.017Z

John and I feeling quite jubilant after the meeting. The Town Council rejected the current planning application for the following reasons:

The proposal will:

(a) Result in the loss of a valuable heritage feature.
(b) Over develop the site.

In addition the proposed change of use runs contrary to the Hindhead Together Plan to make the Hindhead Cross Roads Area a tourist attraction.

The decision by the Town Council has given the Undershaw Preservation Trust a huge boost, inevitably we still have a long way to go and this is just the first hurdle.

Our next big stumbling block will be Waverley Borough Council, but with another article awaiting to be published in another national Newspaper and an article in the Surrey Advertiser next week we hope to overcome this. Our question to Waverley Borough Council is: "who has been responsible for the deterioration of this Grade II listed building - our national heritage - and if this application is passed; will it be Waverley Borough Council that has blood on their hands?" Surely the Conservation Officer would not wish to be tarred with this!

The Daily Mail article was certainly very well written by Robert Hardman and I thank him for such an excellent report. It is almost a plea to the nation. There was also a small snippet in the Daily Telegraph on the same day.

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO OBJECT DIRECTLY TO WAVERLEY BOROUGH COUNCIL TO THE CURRENT PLANS FOR CONVERSION. THE HOUSE SHOULD NOT BE SPLIT INTO 3 SEPARATE DWELLINGS AND PUBLIC ACCESS SHOULD BE RETAINED TO THE HOUSE AND GARDENS. ITS CHARACTER AND CHARM SHOULD BE RESTORED TO ITS FORMER GLORY TO HOUSE A LASTING TRIBUTE. YES TO ONE HOUSE, NO TO MANY!

An Article in the Daily Mail

2010-03-10T13:38:00.038Z

I have just spoken with the Daily Mail. They are meeting the Trust's director John Gibson and the Victorian Society at Undershaw which will hopefully lead to a piece about our efforts in the Daily Mail this Saturday. The link to the article is: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1257565/Its-mystery-stump-Sherlock-Holmes-Why-earth-letting-Conan-Doyles-home-fall-ruin.html. Robert Hardman inset above preparing his story for the Daily Mail.

May I thank all those that have responded to my leaflets that I have posted through doors within the Hindhead area. This I did in the very early hours of Sunday morning whilst most of you were in bed and others on my way home from work in the evening. I hope that this flier is not classed as nuisance mail and I apologise to those that have classed it in this way. In some cases, I have never walked so many long driveways and been accosted by so many letter boxes. They can give a nasty bite if your hands are not carefully removed. I am glad I am not a postie! Thanks to everyone for their contribution, however we still need several more objections to raise the amount to a 3 figure number. If you scroll down a little further you will find a link directly to the Waverley page, click on this link then press the middle blue button maked 'on-line comment' and OBJECT. Can I call on those residents of Hindhead and the surrounding areas to lend your support in our efforts.

The picture above is what Undershaw could look like as either a Visitor's Centre or a single family home, lets hold this picture in our minds and make this happen. Incidentally this picture was found in a recent copy of 'My Weekly'. I am now trying to trace the gentleman who sent this in and won £50.00 for his article, a Anthony Phillips from London. He may have more photos of Undershaw when it was a hotel that I could use for this blog. If anyone knows this gentleman could you please ask him to make contact.

An important meeting at Haslemere Town Council level will take place as the first step in deciding Undershaw's fate on the 11th March. I will be attending this meeting with our director and will update you here of its outcome.

The petition that many people have signed worldwide has over 1,000 signatures and has now been forwarded to Waverley Borough Council with my letter of objection and Stephen Fry's statement objecting to the conversion.

Should anyone wish to become involved with saving Undershaw, then please contact me at info@saveundershaw.com I have had several very kind people offering their services free of charge which again has been such a boost at a very crucial time. I would like to take this opportunity of thanking them through this blog and hopefully there will come a time when I can thank them personally.

BBC London News - Feature on Undershaw

2010-03-08T13:46:00.006Z

Should you have been unfortunate to miss the feature that the BBC aired you can go to the following link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/london/hi/people_and_places/newsid_8551000/8551603.stm

I would like to send my personal thanks to the BBC for their help and hard work to get this out in time before the first meeting of the town council on 11th March.

From this I would very much like to be involved in the making of a TV documentary on Conan Doyle's time at Undershaw and our efforts to save his home. A Commissioning Editor is an important factor in making this reality. As a matter of interest I have contacted 'The One Show' to see whether we can get Undershaw and our efforts featured on there. Again I will keep you all updated.

ITV Meridian Tonight News Link - Plans for Author's House

2010-03-07T22:17:00.006Z

For those interested, and those that missed the news item on ITV Meridian Tonight you can catch it again by clicking on the following link: http://www.itv.com/meridian-west/plans-for-authors-house39551/

I would like to thank Meridian, especially Adrian Wills who I have hounded for almost a year to broadcast this for me. It was sheer determination and perseverance with encouragement from those supporters of the Trust that helped prevail in the end. I can honestly say it has not been an easy achievement to persuade Meridian to broadcast this. I do hope this has raised an awareness to a wider section of the public. One of my overall goals.

OBJECT to the Plans for Conversion

2010-03-06T23:03:00.004Z

Don't stand back and see Undershaw be carved up into 3 separate dwellings, each dwelling fetching about £800,000 plus each, don't allow the history of the building to be lost to Hindhead forever. Allow our children to learn about Conan Doyle and many other great author's that have graced us with their novels. Don't allow Waverley Borough Council to condemn Undershaw to an execution erasing it from our history books forever. Give us, the Trust a chance to preserve Undershaw for all time, do you really want to lose an area of outstanding beauty, an area where you can walk and marvel the house where the creator of Sherlock Holmes penned his most famous novel 'The Hound of the Baskervilles. Allow us to resurrect Undershaw as Conan Doyle did with Sherlock Holmes. Please object to these current plans and allow the mystery buyer to step in and restore Undershaw sympathetically as a single family home and open it to the public several times a year. This was once a single family home, Conan Doyle's, please allow it to become one again!

To object click on this link: http://waverweb.waverley.gov.uk/live/wbc/pwl.nsf/(RefNoLU)/WA20100173?OpenDocument and go to 'On-Line Comment'.

The Latest on the BBC Visit to Undershaw on 5th March

2010-03-06T09:56:00.009Z

Wow! wow! what a tremendous day, a day that could ultimately go down in history should this building not become the concrete jungle that has been described in a letter of objection.

The picture above shows the BBC reporter and cameraman discussing the plans with the developers architect and below is me with the three members of the Doyle family posing in front of Undershaw. You won't find that many of me on the blog, but this was a proud moment.

I am not going to spend this weekend writing up about the marvellous events that took place yesterday. I am going to spend a little time with my feet up and do what we call relaxing. I will write up the blog when I have spent sometime concentrating on my personal life which has been non-existent for several months. I will tell you all about the amazing day with amazing photo's when my battery has been recharged.

However, I must report that the BBC London News article is likely to go out on Monday or Tuesday of next week which included BBC Radio Surrey. The ITV Meridian Tonight feature may go out as early as this weekend. So keep watching and yes I was a very nervous campaigner but very proud and thankful to have had so much support from the Doyle family and strangers that have appeared in my life since starting this project, for which I am so honoured. It would be my wildest, yet crazy dream to have the house returned to the original family! Wouldn't that be an amazing feat.

Statement issued by Stephen Fry for the BBC Visit to Undershaw

2010-03-04T23:33:00.006Z

Stephen Fry sadly cannot be with us at Undershaw tomorrow as he is in America but he has issued the following statement for the press:

"To Whom it May Concern,

There has never been a time when Conan Doyle has gone out of fashion or interest in him, his ideas and his creations has dropped far off the public radar. But there has certainly never been a time when he has been more keenly appreciated and valued than now.

I have contributed to three documentaries on Doyle and Holmes, two of them in the last year. One of the most successful films of this year was a Sherlock Holmes adaption: a global blockbuster of enormous proportions that is spawning a whole major Hollywood Holmes franchise.

Julian Barne's Arthur And George was one of the most successful books of the decade. The BBC are planning a huge new series based on an updated Sherlock Holmes. And at this time now ...Undershaw is to be retitled Underthreat. Surely we can all see that this is a disastrous mistake?
As Patron of the Conan Doyle library, as a former youngest member of the Sherlock Holmes Society of London, as an admirer of Doyle and his achievements I urge Waverley Borough Council to reconsider what future ages will adjudge a foolish short-sighted and wanton act of vandalism. There is real value in Undershaw. If it is thought about, it can attract new generations of tourists to the area, it can be an enormous source of local pride. Please, please, have another think."

Yours
Stephen Fry

BBC London News to visit Undershaw on Friday 5th March at midday

2010-03-01T14:17:00.009Z

This is to let all my followers know and all interested parties that BBC London News will be filming at Undershaw this Friday, 5th March to include an article on their programme. The owner's architect will be present and we are trying to invite several VIPs to the site. In particular Richard Doyle (Conan Doyle's great nephew) who the BBC would like to interview. I have been in contact with Richard and I await his response.

I have now had confirmation from Richard Doyle and Jeremy Hunt MP and they will both be in attendance to support the campaign to save the property. Richard may possibly bring along another Doyle family member.

I have today phoned SAVE Britain's Heritage, and await a call from them to see whether they are able to assist with this appeal. I have e-mailed the Victorian Society with the details of the application and of the visit by the BBC in the hope that they will send a representative along.

I will publish the outcome of the BBC visit with photo's of the day in this blog. For those of you wishing to see the BBC London News feature; I will find out from them when it's likely to be aired. Keep watching this space.

BBC Visit

2010-02-23T22:48:00.006Z

Alas, no news from the BBC. I will chase them up towards the end of the week with the hope that they will film at the site of Undershaw early next. TV publicity is our next step of the campaign, but is proving more difficult than we thought. I will update you should I hear anything further from the beeb.

Waverley Borough Council - Planning Application

2010-02-23T13:16:00.005Z

As most of you that visit this site are aware a planning application to convert Undershaw has now been submitted to the Council. If you feel as strongly as I do to the development of apartments then I urge you to object with a viable reason as to why you are objecting. You can mention that public access to the HOUSE and garden must be retained (after all that mere pavilion that they intend to erect is no compensation for visitation to the house itself), and that the property must not be split up into separate units and that the integrity of the house must not be lost.

The direct link to the ojecting or supporting page is: http://waverweb.waverley.gov.uk/live/wbc/pwl.nsf/%28RefNoLU%29/WA20100173? Lets ensure that Undershaw is saved by the people who care, us! Lets prevent this planning application from going through as was done back in 2006/2007.

Even More Messages from Conan Doyle

2010-02-21T14:01:00.005Z

I have written several articles within this blog about recent messages that are claimed to be from Conan Doyle through a collection of Doyle's books from Roger Straughan's bookshelf.

I met Roger when organising my first open day at Undershaw and since then we have remained in fairly close contact. I often ask Roger whether any relevant messages have come through concerning the campaign and quite often he has one of two messages for me.

Roger continues: The first thing that I read was all about money - Arthur Conan Doyle was always practical! "....unless you can offer cash down instead of promises". "Alas, I have no money except these few shillings". Roger said that this was relevant but pretty obvious so he asked his bookshelf something more specific relating to Undershaw and read from another book an account of a delapitated house which the builder was very proud of: "Yes its not one of your twopenny-halfpenny blocks that looks as though they have been turned out by a machine at so much a dozen. It's a select house,Sir. There is style about it. Chinks! Why, yes, Sir I like chinks. They promote ventilation, and all good architects aim at that.....Holes in the roof? Well, it's an advantage to know when it's raining without going outside to look" (Uncollected stories p. 264)

A more recent message: Roger claims nothing specific from Doyle though he tried before sending an email to me and read "We shall deserve what is coming to us". Roger thought this maybe aimed at our efforts.

Breaking News - BBC to visit Undershaw!

2010-02-18T22:27:00.006Z

Would you believe it! With the planning application now in from the developers for the conversion of Undershaw, the BBC have very kindly offered to go ahead with their article for BBC London News.

I will be in talks with them during the next few days and hopefully have something arranged for either Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. I will update you all as soon as I have a fixed date.

It has been especially hard this week concentrating on the campaign when my little canine friend has been quite poorly. I have been trying to concentrate on the many things that I have to do to keep the momentum going and this has proved to be quite a strain and all so draining. So to have this news of the BBC has been an added boost.

Invites have been sent out to Jeremy Hunt, MP, Richard Doyle (great nephew of Conan Doyle), John Aidiniantz from 221b Baker Street, Sally Morgan (Princess Diana's Psychic), The Victorian Society, SAVE Britain's Heritage and the local paper, The Haslemere Herald.

Scott Clifton Lucy and Paul Weaver

2010-02-16T22:52:00.002Z

I am trying to trace two gentleman that formed 'The Undershaw Club' in association with ACD Holdings back in 1999. The name of these gentleman are Scott Clifton Lucy who we believe now lives in London, SW18 and Paul Weaver (of Price Waterhouse Coopers) who we believe resides in the States. If anyone knows the whereabouts of these guys then please let me know or alternatively if you are these guys please make contact as a matter of urgency.

Breaking News - Residential Plans for Undershaw Now Registered

2010-02-16T12:17:00.007Z

This is to let you all know that the real battle has now begun to save Undershaw from being split up into individual units. Plans to build the proposed apartments have now been registered by Waverley Borough Council. We have until 19th March to object/comment on this application.

You can comment in two ways: the first electronically via a link from the application on the Waverley website www.waverley.gov.uk/planning or you can put your comments in writing to the Corporate Services and Planning Department, The Burys, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1HR quoting the application reference number which is WA/2010/0173.

The target date for determination of applications is eight weeks after registration and the Council achieves on average 80% of applications within this time.

If the application has received five or more letters of comment from the public (from different addresses) then it will be subject to public speaking procedures at Committee. This allows one objector, the Town or Parish Council and one supporter to speak at the meeting to put their views to the committe. The final decision on an application will be published on the web site, but if you wish to be notified of the outcome of an application, please write to the address above and enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope.

This is a very crucial time for Undershaw and it will all depend on whether the support is out there from you the public. We need you, as a matter of urgency to write and object to Undershaw being converted to apartments and importantly for public access to be retained to the house and gardens. Please send your letters of objection now!

Please remember, if you haven't already signed the on-line petition then please do so now. I will be printing this off in the next couple of days and submitting with my letter of objection to Waverley Borough Council.

Help from Near and Afar

2010-02-12T17:13:00.013Z

The campaign to save Undershaw is gaining momentum with 3 offers of help arriving in my in box at info@saveundershaw.com in the last couple of days. The first was from Paul a local gentleman who tells me of his soft spot for Undershaw as his wedding reception was held there and that he dined there many times when it was a hotel.

His line of business is connected with EPK (Electronic Press Kit). He has suggested as an alternative to the BBC; considering making an EPK. He thinks that to get local and national broadcasters interested in featuring the story of Undershaw's plight would be to consider shooting a professional video interview and selected video footage (and equivalent radio interview) and then packaging it generically for broadcasters to use as they see fit - either to re-edit and provide narration or to transmit unchanged. http://www.greenfieldtv.com/ Looks like we need someone to carry out the interviews!

He also feels and it is most apparent to him that the former splendour of Undershaw is not evident to the casual visitor of this site, nor to anyone seaching the web. The period details, the staircase and stained glass, the family crests and snooker room - all of these differentiate Undershaw from "just another neglected mansion". I do actually agree with him, I do need to include the building in all its splendour back in the good 'ol days. Where does one start to locate photographs of this kind? Can anyone help?

The second offer of help has come from Andre who explains that he is a huge Conan Doyle fan. Andre is from Savannah, GA and is a paranormal investigator in his spare time. He has been in talks with tv production companies about possible paranormal pitches for shows. He has recently worked with Pilgrim Film and TV and on speaking terms with NorthSouth Productions and Pangolion Pictures.

Andre has already gone ahead and mentioned to the VP of Production of Pangolion about the campaign to save Undershaw and the possibility of a TV documentary on the house and the paranormal. He has suggested that he could also put the idea to NorthSouth production director. At this stage he cannot guarantee anything, but this way it is highlighting an awareness.

Finally Angela, from the United States and founder of S.O.S. Tidewater Paranormal Research http://paranoralsos.com/ has kindly included the campaign on her website http://paranormalsos.com/help_save_undershaw.php

I would like to thank all three of these lovely people for their interest in the campaign and hope that all three will be a big part of what could be the making of history.

On-Line Petition to Save Undershaw

2010-02-11T11:05:00.007Z

Please don't forget to pledge your support by signing the on-line petition http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/undershaw. A section will come up asking for a donation to the ipetitions website, you can bypass this and your name will still register. Please may I ask you to include a comment when signing the petition as this will have the extra clout when submitting to the council especially if you feel as strongly as I do. We need to be heard!

Thank you to everyone that has been visiting this blog and for those that have signed the petition, your help with the campaign is paramount. I do hope you will continue to follow our progress and the continuing saga of Undershaw.

For those of you not too sure how to use this blog, you will see down the left hand side the 'blog archive' of various articles that I have written. If you click on the dates or the year (2009) it should take you back to the beginning of November when I started the blog. Happy reading.

Breaking News - BBC have called off visit to Undershaw

2010-02-09T12:13:00.004Z

I have today learnt that the BBC will not be rescheduling their visit to Undershaw. This is a heavy blow to the campaign and is the third time we have been unsuccessful with TV coverage. So close and yet so far! This has enevitably left the Trust a little disheartened and disappointed in the short term. The BBC have said that if anything definite occurs with Undershaw, i.e planning is submitted or the house is bought, they would be willing to feature an article then. This really doesn't help with what we are trying to do now.

We appeal for help from anyone that has contacts with the BBC or ITV or even the Sky channels to help with getting our main source of publicity off the ground.

Help from a Photographer

2010-02-07T17:05:00.007Z

Help is on its way from all sources, some small and some quite substantial but all these will make up the final outcome for Undershaw. Recent help has been from NickG who has offered help with the photography. Here are a few of his works of art which he has sent me to use for the blog. He will continue to use his expertise in capturing what Undershaw is truly about.Nick has recently written to me with the following:

I am a member of a website that takes an interest in preserving abandoned buildings which are part of our heritage by photographing them, it's called 28dayslater. I have started a thread on this site to help your cause towards saving Undershaw House and have included links to the petition to sign and also to your blog within this thread. You can see the thread here:

http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=47004

The website 28dayslater has over 13000 members and I think it will help increase awareness for you.

All being well I am meeting up with Nick and a friend of his who is a part time journalist to chat over ideas. My thanks to Nick for his involvement in this way and to whatever help he is able to offer.

Receiving help of this kind is a tremendous boost to the campaign and if you feel there is something you are able to offer in this way, please make contact. Help from all areas will be gratefully accepted.

The Devils Punchbowl Hotel offers its help with the Campaign

2010-02-04T21:30:00.024Z

The campaign would not have gained the recent momentum and outcomes without the help from our local businesses in the area. One exception has been the Devils Punchbowl Hotel. The hotel was built around the same time and has survived the modern day climate unlike Undershaw 'that tatty old building up the road'.

The hotel has been the venue for several of our awareness days. They have provided us with the utmost of help on both occassions for our guests for which their generiosty is gratefully appreciated.

I can fully recommend the Sunday lunch carvery at the Punchbowl, it is reasonable, tasty, and plentiful. How can anyone complain about the food that is served in this hotel? The staff are a good lot, friendly, polite and ever helpful. With its reasonable accommodation tarriff, good food, friendly atmosphere and helpful staff, you cannot go wrong - book in for a few days, take a wander down to Undershaw and marvel the spectacular views especially as the spring is drawing near. Don't forget to mention that you support the campaign to save Undershaw. The staff would be only too happy to provide you with information about Undershaw, of their involvement, the Trust, the area and how you can help.
With the new management firmly in place at the Punchbowl entertainment has been added to the already friendly and comfortable atmosphere. Quiz nights, live entertainment, Wii nights and of course coming up is their valentines night, with its own special valentine menu and of course the Michael Jackson tribute night which is scheduled for the last Saturday of February. Not to be missed! There is even talk of a fund raiser for Undershaw - this would be exceptional if as many supporters as possible could drop by. By attending this you will be supporting both the Punchbowl and Undershaw.

Both these buildings are cloaked in so much history and both need the support from you the public to see them survive for many more years. You can support the Punchbowl by just visiting and sharing a drink in their bar or comfy reception area or even trying their tasty Sunday lunch.

Denise can be found busying herself in many duties as Assistant Manager at the Punchbowl Hotel and has involved herself with our campaign to save Undershaw, realising that saving Undershaw could create better business in the area for all small and large businesses alike. A move that of course the hotel fully supports.

'Life's Mysteries - Your Key to Understanding' - New Book by Sheila Rigby

2010-01-30T22:50:00.007Z

I have had many kind people assist with the campaign to save Undershaw in one way or another. Sheila Rigby from Manchester has not only introduced me to her grandson Sam who is happy to set up the Undershaw website for us, but has also introduced the campaign to William Roache MBE (aker Ken Barlow - Coronation Street). It is help like this that gets us noticed. It is not all about donations, although this would help in the long term, it's about gaining support from the nation and raising awareness of the need to save a national treasure.

Sheila has written a book entitled 'Life's Mysteries - Your Key to Understanding'. To check this very interesting read go to Sheila's website http://www.lifesmysteries.co.uk/ In return for her support I can return a small favour and that is to give this outstanding book a mention which can be ordered from all good book stores.

Help us to Save this House - Make History Happen!

2010-01-27T12:11:00.084Z

As one fears time is running out for us to save Conan Doyle's house. Plans to convert this grade II listed building, which is full of nostalgia that can be felt as you enter the very heart of its grounds and within its walls, into a possible 4 flats and several town houses is approaching reality as each day passes.

The Trust therefore needs your help now! We have between £300.000.00 and £600.000.00 in the Trust funds and we need more to allow us to restore the building and create our Visitor Centre and open it to you the people worldwide. The shocking truth is that we need over £1.5 million. Gasp!!! The greatest offer of help so far has been an offer to carry out the renovation for us. This has given the Trust a further boost and the incentive to battle on.

This is not just a blog now, it has become a project and a passion for me and I don't want it to end. What I must endeavour to do, albeit difficult at times, is to remain positive throughout all of this and by doing so will create a positive outcome. The very meaning of The Undershaw Preservation Trust is something that I would like to see survive the next 100 years as Undershaw has done. You the public, across the sea, around the corner, next door and beyond can make this happen, please allow Conan Doyle to live on not only with his many books but through the very house where he sat and penned his most famous 'Hound of the Baskervilles' and where he revived Sherlock Holmes. The picture at the top left where the window is boarded up is the heraldic windows that Conan Doyle had fitted as an after thought for his mother.

Since starting this blog in early November, we have now formed an establishment that could create an historical phenomenon and you could be part of it! We have created an awareness of the actual existance of this building and of course 'us' the Trust and we wish to carry our dream on into reality.

Your pledges and offers of help will not go unnoticed. Should the Trust continue to thrive because of Undershaw being saved and it is saved because of you the people, your name will be recorded and will form a list of those eligible for acknowledgement from the Trust. Not quite sure as to what this will involve but something that will show our gratitude.

*The website that we were eagerly due to construct has been put on hold. I have experienced a few problems with its host and we will be looking to set up another once Undershaw's fate has been decided. If you experience problems sending us your pledge through the info@ address below then please contact the Trust's director, John Gibson on 01372 453147 or leave your details in the comments box at the end of this section.

I appreciate that there are more needy charities in our life, e.g the Haiti appeal, the list is endless and it is virtually impossible to help them all. Perhaps some of you feel saving the house is pointless and I respect that. History has played a big part in all our lives and will continue to do so - lets be part of it.

WE NEED YOUR HELP - PLEASE PLEDGE AND ALLOW 'UNDERSHAW' TO BECOME YOUR CENTRE, SOMETHING YOU HAVE CREATED, SOMEWHERE YOU CAN VISIT, SOMEWHERE THAT WILL BE MARVELLED BY ALL ACROSS THE WORLD.

DON'T ALLOW THIS BUILDING TO BE LOST TO MERE APARTMENTS!

PLEASE PLEDGE WHAT YOU CAN AND BE PART OF IT'S HISTORY!

(All pledges please to info@undershaw.co.uk with name, amount and contact details or *should problems occur complete the comments section with your details at the end of this post. We will be in touch.

Bits and Pieces

2010-01-25T21:53:00.013Z

These curvy steps take you either down to Undershaw or up to the busy A3. I have been down these and the driveway many times recently looking for inspiration to save a property that once belonged to a litracy icon.

This section of my blog is just bits and pieces of Undershaw that I thought might be interesting to include. Photo's that perhaps may not mean anything, but to some could mean a great deal.

The picture shown on the left is the hut in the grounds of Undershaw, now buried amongst the overgrown hedges. Below are photo's of the inside of the hut where the hotel guests would have had their meals. In some of the earlier photographs of Undershaw a hut can be seen in the grounds. I wonder whether this is the same hut?

The two pictures shown below is what we believe was Conan Doyle's study. The window looks out on the terrace and what was the tennis court.

The ground floor window to the far right of the building is what we've assumed to have been Conan Doyle's study. Can anyone enlighten us?

The Devils Punchbowl Hotel

2010-01-23T16:07:00.021Z

A meeting with a certain charity took place yesterday at the Devils Punchbowl Hotel, pictured above, to discuss their possible uses for Undershaw.

I took them down to the site of Undershaw in the pouring rain to see a bedraggled building. Rain was pouring from its gutters, windows boarded up, some were smashed and some were open allowing the rain to pour in. Overall our building was in a sorrowful state, which saddened me through and through. We had been assured by Waverley Borough Council that all efforts of security and repairs had been adhered too. It was obvious that no security personnel were present and we were free to roam the site. A Repair Notice was served on the current owners of this grade II listed building over a year ago. With the building still requiring the owners to take action on its state, it is now time for Waverley Borough Council to consider serving a Compulsory Purchase Order on the owner to prevent Undershaw from becoming less desirable to the likes of people that really care. How can the current owners do this to a building that is cloaked in so much history. It appears to me that they are just leaving it to slowly rot so that it is beyond repair and the council will have no option but to allow their plans to go through. The charity concerned thought the price the owners might be looking for would probably be too high for them. They thought the building had a very strong pulling power which gave them food for thought on departing.

I returned with my colleague to the Devils Punchbowl Hotel to dry off and to chat about our hopes and fears for Undershaw over a coffee. In doing this the new proprieter's of the Devils Punchbowl Hotel, Sonia and Fiyaz Rehman expressed their support for the building and very kindly accepted to publicise our campaign within their hotel, allowing brochures, cards and fliers to be placed in the hotel reception area, bar, and bedrooms.

The hotel, being contempory to Undershaw has been the venue for several of our awareness days and we look forward to scheduling our next event there. This will hopefully be the visit by the BBC once they have confirmed their rescheduled date.

The rates at the hotel are very competitive and range from £45.00 per night B&B for a double room. I can fully recommend the hotel, the atmosphere, entertainment, surroundings and good service all form part of the delight in staying there and once the busy A3 closes it will also provide a more peaceful setting.

Although all their guests receive a very warm reception an extra welcome will be made to those supporting the Undershaw Preservation Trust. You may even wish to take a step back in time and take a stroll down to Undershaw to marvel at the building where Conan Doyle penned 'The Hound of the Baskervilles'. You will see for yourself what a disgrace it is that the owners and council have allowed this building of history to become so neglected. The Undershaw Preservation Trust are keen to see the building restored to its former glory and opened to the public as a Museum and cafeteria.

The Trust would like to thank Sonia and Fiyaz (all the way from Spain) for their help to save Undershaw for the community. Their understanding to the cause has created a new boost to the campaign.

BBC Visit

2010-01-22T12:00:00.004Z

I have this morning sent an e-mail to the BBC chasing up their proposed visit to Undershaw. Richard Doyle who is Conan Doyle's great nephew has offered to attend the visit and carry out an interview with the BBC and has recently been in contact asking whether a new date had been set.

Should the BBC decide to shelve their visit, I have a back up plan and have made a few enquiries for which I await an answer probably after the weekend. This will be greatly disappointing if the BBC now decide not to go ahead with their visit and will be a knock back for the Trust as this would have given us the publicity we urgently need to keep the momentum going all the while the new movie is still in the cinema. Plans have yet to be submitted by the developers and we eagerly await their content. Objection from the Trust will be put forward to Waverley Borough Council in the hope that they will look sympathetically at our proposals. This may prove difficult as we believe the Council will undoubtedly back the developers plans. Can you believe this!

Sherlock Holmes actor investigated Spiritualism

2010-01-19T21:55:00.006Z

Just a little piece of interesting news for those of you that follow this belief. It was reported recently in Psychic News that actor Robert Downey Jr., currently starring as Sherlock Holmes in Guy Ritchie's film about the famous Conan Doyle detective, admits to a serious interest in Spiritualism when he was younger.

He told Bang Media International he used to attend Spiritualist meetings regularly.

He said, "I used to go the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Spiritual Society and listen to mediums as they shared the intimate goings on of the recently deceased with their loved ones".

This all happened 20 years ago when he was filming Air America.

On the movie website Rotten Tomatoes he states: "It was a curiosity. I was a kid. By the way, I don't believe in it or not believe. It is what it is, and there are certain realms of activity where you can get information".

The actor believes his interest makes him share a bond with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who wrote the Sherlock Holmes stories, as the author was, as Downey put it, "fascinated by Spiritualism".

"Doyle was a serious Spiritualist," he said. "He was in touch with a lot of intuitive folks".

Sherlock Holmes is currently showing in cinemas nationwide.

Restoration and the BBC

2010-01-16T15:58:00.014Z

Just checking through the blog and despite being snowed in here at Hindhead, I shamefully did not write anything for almost a week. Athough I have remained silent for several days it doesn't mean that I am not working behind the scenes to research other areas in which we could save Undershaw. There might be something in the pipeline but one does not give up with finding other ways to prevent the developers from creating a glorified housing estate with modern apartments which would take away the historical feeling that currently exists within the grounds, house and site.

It was pointed out to me recently that the BBC will be resurrecting a version of the celebrated heritage programme but sadly without Griff Rhys Jones, the former presenter.

A BBC spokesman said: "the new programme, which has already begun filming, would be different from Restoration with a different presenter. It is about individuals renovating listed buildings. These are not public restoration projects and there will be no public vote"

But he confirmed that the working title remains Restoration and that it is being made by Endermol, the production company behind the first three series, and with the same series editor.

I made contact with Endermol giving them a brief history of Undershaw. They thought it would be a very exciting project but not for this new series, as the project will be based on privately owned listed houses. They very kindly took my details should they need to contact me for any future programmes. Although this was a promising response, time is running out to save Undershaw and any new programmes may not be planned in time to save the building.

Grade I Status Refused in 2007

2010-01-10T21:43:00.008Z

Campaigners have tried desperately hard to alter the status of Undershaw from Grade II listed to Grade I but were unsuccessful in 2007 when Tessa Jowel the then Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, refused its change of status and in a report in the Guardian said:
"I share your admiration for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (In praise of .... February 8th), but I disagree with those campaigning for Undershaw, his home for just 10 years, to be grade I listed. This was not the place where Sherlock Holmes was created, nor where his final stories were written. It is, in fact, an unremarkable late-19th-century domestic house with a later extension and with many of the internal features long gone. I accept the advice from English Heritage that it is part of our literary history and that's why it is listed at grade II. The building most closely associated with Holmes is 221b Baker Street. I would be only too pleased to consder listing that building Grade I should such a request come forward".

Did Tessa Jowell make the right decision or in doing so did she sign away a life line for Undershaw?

In an article in the Psychic News dated 20th June 2009 in an article on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and a reply to Tessa Jowell's actions the following was published:

"It was quite disgraceful that in 2007 the then Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Tessa Jowell, turned down a bid by the Victorian Society to award the house listed status. Ms Jowell thereby consigned it to an uncertain future, perhaps even demolition, to make way for speculative housing. The spurious excuse offered was that it was not of sufficient literary importance. Camparisons were made with the revered domiciles of Jane Austen, the Brontes and other authors. These writers were important in their time, and deserve the appropriate recognition, but the years, and therefore cultural values, move on. We now have modern authors equally deserving, one of whom is surely Sir Arthur Conan Doyle".

Will our new campaign to save this building have better luck or will we lose Undershaw to speculative housing! Has its fate already been decided or can we turn things around to prevent the loss of our heritage?

Now and Then

2010-01-10T14:58:00.015Z

I would like to put together a piece here which shows photo's of areas of Undershaw as it was and as it looks today. Putting this section together all depends whether I have the photo's in my collection to enable me to make it an interesting read. I will endeavour to try and capture the glamour of the Victorian era. The first of the photo's show the entrance hall of Undershaw with the fireplace in all its splender and as it is now sorrowfully neglected.The heraldic windows that you see on the left of each picture have now been partially vandalised and this is the sad sorry state that Undershaw has been allowed to get into since the current owners took it over. With such an history to the building this should have never been allowed. Who do we blame for the tragic state of one of our national treasures? Do we blame the Council, the current owners or Tessa Jowel or even us the campaigners for not doing more sooner rather than later?
The pictures shown either side here shows the one of two entrances to Undershaw, the picture on the right is how it looks now, boarded up and sorrowfully neglected and on the left when it was a thriving family home, a photograph of Conan Doyle on his motorised bicycle.

I am trying to find more photo's to compare the building. If anyone has any they would like to share on this post please contact me at info@saveundershaw.com Thank you.

Breaking News - BBC London News to Reschedule Undershaw Feature

2010-01-08T14:05:00.006Z

Just to let you all know that the BBC have just called to postpone their visit to Undershaw on Monday 11th January because of inclement weather conditions. They will be in touch to reschedule their visit later hopefully that week. They believe that with all the snow that has fallen and more on its way, the news will dominate this and not show Undershaw at its best.

I will keep you all updated here. Keep safe and warm and do not venture out unless necessary.

Breaking News - BBC London News to Visit Undershaw

2010-01-07T22:03:00.003Z

I have today received a phone call from the BBC to say that pending weather conditions journalists and a filmcrew will be down at Undershaw from 12.00 noon on Monday 11th January to film an article for their news programme. The developers will open Undershaw for the crew to film inside the building. We are hoping to have a couple of VIP guests attend and again this is pending their availability and of course snow conditions.

Undershaw in the Snow

2010-01-07T14:44:00.005Z

Hindhead was the centre piece of the ITV London News last night with the A3 causing massive traffic delays because of all the snow that has fallen here. About 1,000 people were trapped in snow and some delayed for up to 15 hours on Tuesday evening. If only I had known at the time I would have taken them a warm drink followed by several fliers advertising our campaign to save Undershaw. Only joking!!!

I did in fact take a walk down to the A3 yesterday armed with camera to snap a few scenes of Undershaw enveloped in snow for any enthusiasts that would like to see what a lovely Christmas scene Conan Doyle's house would make. After scrambling down the hill and falling several times into the cold snow I did in fact capture Undershaw snow covered. By the time I had finished I too was covered in the cold wet stuff and was made to suffer for a further 20 minutes whilst I walked home freezing to a welcomed open fire where I very quickly dried off and became the correct temperature again.

Just behind this row of trees lies Undershaw - the main A3 here will be closed and the new tunnel road will open in 2012. Undershaw will lie peaceful once more and hopefully the apartments that we are fighting to prevent will be mere history!!

Pending weather conditions, Hindhead will be the centre of attention next week, when BBC London News will be reporting on Undershaw.

The History of Undershaw and The Campaign to Save for Future Generations

2010-01-05T12:59:00.013Z

Conan Doyle purchased 4 acres of very steeply inclined land at the crossroads of Hindhead, Surrey, close to the Devil's Punchbowl, at a height of 800 feet, for £1,000.00.

His wife, Louise at this time suffered for the last 3 years with tuberculosis and the high altitude air was considered helpful to the condition. Doyle employed his friend, the architect Joseph Bell, to design the house to his plans, and the house of about 7,500 square feet was built for about £5,000.00. He moved into the property in October 1897 with his wife and 2 young children.

Doyle was visited at this house by Bram Stoker, pictured on the left the author of Dracula, Barrie the author of Peter Pan, Hornung the author of Raffles, and many other notable people - the visitors book still exists.

It was in this house that Doyle wrote "The Hound of the Baskervilles" and "The Return of Sherlock Holmes". He also defended Britain's actions in the BOER War with his 'Cause and Conduct' of the war for which he was awarded his knighthood. He also defended George Edalji and obtained his release from prison - an action that directly contributed to the establishment of the Court of Criminal Appeal.

Doyle's 10 year occupation of this house was also a traumatic period in his personal life with the courtship of his second wife during the final 9 years of his first wife's life - she died in 1906 - Doyle moved out a year later on his second marriage, his new wife Jean, did not wish to live in the house built for his first wife. When he left in 1907, his best work was largely behind him from a literary point of view. He did not sell the house but let it for a further 14 years finally selling in 1921 - after the death of his son Kingsley from the flu pandemic in 1918 removed any chance that he would occupy.

A wing of about 2,500 square feet was added to the side of the building in the mid-1920's. The property was sold to the Bridger family as an investment in 1935 and remained with the Bridger's until sold to the current owners in February 2004. The various tenants over that 69 year period were essentially under capitalised and thus few very major alterations took place, and the property remains in a 'time warp' largely as built. With many of his personal touches - heraldic windows, ornamental finger-plates, doors and room layout, low riser staircase - so not to exhaust his wife, his billiard room, study, kitchen - with the original brick lined well under the floor, it still even has its original windows (metal framed) and its pull down blind on the front elevation and orginal front door. The early motor house and stables still have the orginal water channelled floor and wrought iron stalls for the horses.

When Undershaw was offered for sale six years ago as an 'Investment/Development Opportunity' (from the agent's particulars in my possession) for £1 million plus, it was obvious that the current tenant's rent of £12,500 would have been multiplied many times to represent an adequate/viable return as an hotel investment. The purchaser Fossway Limited (incorporated in the British Virgin Islands) of St Helier, Jersey (from Land Registry records) paid £1.1 million in February 2004.

I cite Councillor Fay Foster's written comments in April 2006 to the previous application to redevelop: "A literary weekend, run by Haslemere Initiative last year, introduced the building to a large number of people, all of whom agreed on its architectural merit and its importance as a literary monument. The people running the hotel and restaurant there said that business was good but that their landlords wanted to maximise their asset and make more money out of the site....." etc.

Also, Lyn Heigl, written comments in April 2006: "I have enjoyed Undershaw in the last couple of years as a restaurant and taken Chinese, German, French, Australian and other friends there because they are delighted to be in Conan Doyle's former house. I have also recently attended a excellent Waverley Borough Council seminar encouraging people to open Bed and Breakfast premises because of the shortage of accommodation in the area ...." etc.

The tenant's vacated in May 2005 and within a few months, with no security on the property it was effectively trashed. The owners presided over dereliction - lead was stolen from the roof - water poured through 3 floors of the property, windows were smashed - including the heraldic window (partially broken), Elks antlers mounted over the front door by Doyle were immediately stolen. One of the finest literary houses in Surrey and almost unique in the South East as having been designed for the owner, was rendered totally uninhabitable. Where the creator's of the two most iconic characters in all fiction (Holmes and Dracula) sat and conversed water ran out of the ceiling rose and soaked the floors.

The rent of the tenant's of £12,500 would only have provided a minute proportion of the returns required on Fossways' capital investment. The purchase price reflected a vast 'hope value' element for "development opportunity" - the value of Undershaw lay in as many residential units on the site as the planners might permit.

The house, stables and beautiful grounds - Bram Stoker described the view as "an endless sea of greenery", should be left entirely undeveloped for future generations, it has survived 112 years and should be allowed to continue and not destroy the character, ambience and integrity of Doyle's vision in 1896. In the light of the foregoing I am of the opinion that Waverley Borough Council should refuse change of use from Restaurant/Hotel, or perhaps Museum/Cafeteria, and that at the right price - to reflect nil development opportunity and accrued dilapidations - this property would readily find a purchaser as an owner occupied lifestyle restaurant/bed and breakfast for heritage tourism. The owner's residence providing major consideration. The fact that it has not done so is that the asking price is, I understand £1,250.000, which, of course is rediculous. The local authority should never have discussed with the owners any prospect of division of this house with solid walls dividing this residence from ground to roof into 3 or 4 separate units. The developer has speculated (all developments are speculative) and it must fail. The value on the basis of nil development and dilapidations will be vastly less than the developers expenditure.

Waverley Borough Council served a Repair Notice on this property over a year ago - it has largely not be complied with - lead has not been returned to the roof, windows (including the heraldic window) still remain broken - although the time limit for the Repair Notice has long passed no Compulsory Purchase Order to protect the nation's heritage has been served.

This case has attracted national and international attention and it is important to show that the world's literary heritage is of more concern than developer's profit. I understand that a new planning application is imminent and it is important that the word goes out that it is not the duty of planners, in any degree, to, in the circumstances of similar cases, 'bale out' developer's speculative errors.

The vision of the Undershaw Preservation Trust is to restore the house, grounds and stables as close to how they would have been in 1900 - photographs are available. Furnish in period style. Use the later wing - opened up as an exhibition/lecture hall. The property would be a Sherlock Holmes/Doyle museum and cafeteria. It would exhibit in conjunction with the Portsmouth Museum's 50,000 item Doyle collection - of my late friend and associate Richard Lancelyn Green. Coach trips from London could have Sherlock Holmes tours calling at Undershaw, Portsmouth Museum, and the grave of Conan Doyle in Minstead Churchyard in the New Forest. It could certainly be a self-supporting enterprise. Trees could be thinned to provide views from Hindhead crossroads down the Nutcombe Valley to the South Downs, a bronze statue of Sherlock Holmes could be discreetly placed at the corner of the property with the crossroads. It should be noted that the whole of Doyle's first family are buried in the nearby Grayshott churchyard as previosly posted. John Gibson, FRICS

Could Undershaw Become a Family Home Again?

2010-01-02T08:34:00.028Z

Fresh news albeit just a whisper could be just what Undershaw needs; to revert back to a family run home.

I recall a telephone conversation that I had last year with Richard Doyle expressing that his mother Georgina Doyle would like to see Undershaw being used as a family run house again. Could this be the answer?

Early indications show that 2010 has been a good start for our efforts to resurrect Undershaw. Lets hope that it will continue to attract positive results.

The picture of Undershaw on the left was taken just after Conan Doyle moved in , in 1897 and shows his children Kingsley and Mary in the drive.

The picture on the right was uncovered recently in the entrance hall of Undershaw. Click on the pictures to enlarge.