THE Victorian Society has welcomed the news that Undershaw, the former home of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, is up for sale. The society, a national charity campaigning for the Victorian and Edwardian historic environment, believes the possible sale of the Grade II-listed building in Portsmouth Road, Hindhead, could provide an opportunity to secure its future, if the right buyer comes forward. Joining forces with many of the 400 societies devoted to Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes around the world, the Victorian Society successfully fought plans to subdivide Undershaw into 13 dwellings last year. It is also pushing for its listing to be upgraded to bring the house where The Hound of the Baskervilles (1902) was written – and guests such as Virginia Woolf and Bram Stoker entertained – into line with historic buildings associated with other significant literary figures. Heloise Brown, conservation adviser of the Victorian Society, said: "The historical importance of Undershaw is indisputable. "It was the home of one of the best-known authors in the English language. Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes are world-famous figures and people around the world care deeply about the house that played such a part in their existence." Over the last 18 months, the Victorian Society has been contacted by a number of people interested to know whether it might be available to buy. Society members believe the building, which was run as a hotel until it closed in 2004, has been seriously neglected by its owner. Earlier this year, Waverley Borough Council sent in workmen to carry out urgent repairs, after the property was left inadequately boarded up, at the mercy of vandals and the weather. Miss Brown went on to say: "It's vital that the right buyer comes forward now. "This is not just a charming and intriguing historic house, but a nationally and internationally significant building, too. "In the hands of the right owner, it could be a wonderful asset again. We hope it gets that chance." To make enquiries about buying Undershaw, please contact Lambert Smith Hampton on 01483 538 181.
