Uppark House is a grand 17th-century house on the South Downs near South Harting, West Sussex. It is Grade I listed and owned by the National Trust. It contains many works of art and furniture collected by the family on a Grand Tour in Europe.
While roof repairs were underway in 1969, it suffered a devastating fire and was closed for many years while repairs and restoration were carried out. Fortunately much of the art and furniture had already been removed and many remaining items were carried to safety by staff and volunteers.
The house was built around 1690 and in 1747 passed into the Fetherstonhaugh family who commissioned Humphry Repton to add a pillared portico, dairy and landscaping. In the 19th century stables and kitchens were added as separate buildings, connected to the main building by tunnels for servants' use.
There are about 100 metres of underground passages between the buildings, some of which are used by visitors on guided tours to exit the house. Several openings provide daylight and ventilation. The tunnel to the dairy is blocked off as it is used by bats.
Further information: National Trust: Uppark House & Garden