Sausmarez Manor
Historic manor house in St Martin with a Queen Anne façade, guided house tours, subtropical gardens and a sculpture park.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Parts of Sausmarez Manor date from the late twelfth or early thirteenth century, and the house has grown through additions, reductions and alterations in the Tudor, Queen Anne, Regency and Victorian periods. Its most striking feature is the front façade, built between 1714 and 1718 for Sir Edmund Andros, the first Governor of New York, and described as the finest example of Queen Anne colonial architecture in Britain. Some experts have suggested the design might be by Sir Christopher Wren, but no proof exists.
The house came to the de Sausmarez family by marriage and returned to them in 1748 by purchase, paid for from the prize money for capturing the Spanish treasure ship Nuestra Señora de Cabadonga. The family has been linked with Guernsey since at least 1205 and includes privateers, admirals, diplomats and artists. In the Regency period, a family of 28 children led to a large extension, and General George de Sausmarez later added the Gothic hall and conservatory.
Guided house tours last around forty minutes and take in the period interiors, tapestries, the widow’s walk and objects such as the first Royal Navy uniform. The grounds also hold subtropical gardens and a sculpture park.
Highlights
- Queen Anne façade of 1714 to 1718
- Guided tours through the period interiors
- Tapestries and the story of the de Sausmarez family
- Subtropical gardens and a sculpture park in the grounds
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £12 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | £11Senior citizens |
| Children & teens | £6free up to age 2 · House tour: children under 14 pay £6; children under 3 are free. |
| Seniors | £11 |
| Students & apprentices | £6 |
| Groups | –Large groups should contact the manor in advance. |
| House and garden combined ticket (adult) | £19 |
| House and garden combined ticket (senior citizen) | £17 |
House tour prices; tickets are paid at the door and booking is not required.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Most of the grounds are accessible by wheelchair, but can be difficult during and after wet weather. A flight of steps leads into and out of the house for the tours. The tearoom is accessible, and the gift shop with assistance. Dogs are not allowed.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 2 |
|---|
The grounds have a miniature train and pitch and putt in addition to the gardens.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Buses 81, 91, 92, 93, 94 and 95 pass the manor, with up to three buses an hour; the journey from the town terminus takes about 7 to 10 minutes.
By car
Free parking
Free parking in two car parks, with overflow in the field across the road; two disabled spaces behind the house.
- Accessible parking
The manor is a few minutes from St Peter Port; a taxi costs around £12. A coastal walk via Fermain Bay takes about 30 minutes and is steep. Bicycle racks are provided in the car park.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
Tearoom in the gardens and the Barn gift shop.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 40 min |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The house can only be visited on a guided tour; no advance booking is needed, but large groups should tell the manor beforehand. |
