National Trust - 575 Wandsworth Road

Contrary to Google Maps it is closed until May, and you will have to book a tour in advance to view it. 1 star due to incorrect information on N. Trust website and a lack of maintenance on the outside of the property.

An amazing National Trust house. Looks a bit run down from the outside but inside is a very different story. Former home of Kenyan poet and civil servant Khadambi Asalache. He transformed the interior with intricate fretwork and painted floors. Not allowed to take photos so the outside shots and postcards doesn't do it any justice. Definitely worth a visit. Two mins from Wandsworth Road overground. The volunteers were excellent guides and had great knowledge. Loved it. Free to NT members, £11.00 for non-members.

One of the most interesting houses I've ever seen. Waited ages to get a visit booked but worth it. The guided tour is excellent, the guides were brilliant. You're allowed to look closely at everything. Such an eclectic collection of items. The decoration within the house is breathtaking. A truly talented man.

This place is incredible. I went having heard about the fretwork, but I didn't know about the rest. It really is the embodiment of one, very interesting person's fascinating idiosyncrasies, which the NT are clearly dedicated in preserving. On the one hand, the house is the the result of decades of work, on the other, he didn't bother decorating things that were out of sight from his preferred sitting positions in each room. He was exacting in placing ornaments so that they caught the light, but he clearly had an aversion to sandpaper. My favourite detail - the clearly unread copy of Ulysses prominently placed on the book shelves - I will do the same when I gift my house to the NT. Visit.

Fascinating tiny house with the most extraordinarily detailed fretwork decoration added over 20 years by the artist / author owner. Also lots of decorative items from his native Kenya and travels to Africa, Europe and elsewhere. Very knowledgeable guides. Very fragile so, pre-booked tours only. Very different from your usual stately home. Recommended.

What a gem this house is. Truly beautiful and well worth a visit if you can! My husband and I were charmed by it all. It can only accommodate a few people at a time so make sure you check when it’s open and book ahead.

Loved this NT! When waiting for the tour guide I was wondering what would be in store, as it's a bit run down from the outside, but the second you step into the door you're transported into a weird, magical wooden world! The tour guide was fantastic, telling us about the house's history, and how the artwork was created, and she patiently answered all of our questions (there were 6 of us in the tour group). It felt like a once in a lifetime experience and I'm so glad I went - would absolutely recommend a visit.

When you think about a National Trust Property, 575 Wandsworth Road is not at all what would come to mind; however, it is so different and unique that a visit is a must, in particular if you visit London and have a National Trust membership. It is a pity we couldn't take pictures, however, you need to visit it to appreciate the work that during 20 years Mr. Asalache put to create such a fantastic work of art. Now, it feels like a home and I loved visiting it; but it is definitely a home I wouldn't want to live in; in particular when cleaning time comes; plus all the asymmetry would drive me mad.