An 1845 engraving of the house from "Brayley's History of Surrey"
House & Family History: In the early 20th century High Ashurst served as housing for the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA), a purpose it served until 1924. The house later became a boarding school named Wentworth Hall. During World War II, High Ashurst was occupied by the Canadian military. After the war the house was abandoned; in 1961 Surrey County Council ordered the demolition of the derelict house, a process that was carried out in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Garden & Outbuildings: At its height in the 19th century the estate spanned 1,300 acres.
Architect: Henry Edward Kendall
Date: Circa 1835
Title: Biographical Dictionary of British Architects, 1600-1840, A - HARDBACK
Author: Colvin, Howard
Year Published: 2008
Reference: pg. 611
Publisher: New Haven: Yale University Press
ISBN: 9780300125085
Book Type: Hardback
House Listed: Demolished
Park Listed: Not Listed
Past Seat / Home of: Andrew Strahan, until 1831; William Strahan, 1831-45. William Snow, 1845-55. Sir Henry Muggeridge, 1855-66. James Christopher Wilson, 1860s-70s. Henry Dudley Ryder, 4th Earl of Harrowby, 1882-1900.
Current Ownership Type: Demolished
Primary Current Ownership Use: Demolished
Ownership Details: Today the former grounds of the house serve as an outdoor education center
House Open to Public: Grounds Only
Historic Houses Member: No