In 1525, King Henry VIII granted the land on which Sutton Place now stands to Sir Ralph Sadler, a diplomat and government official. Sadler built a manor house on the site, using some of the materials from the nearby Waverley Abbey, which had been dissolved in 1536.
The manor house was subsequently owned by a number of wealthy families, including the Onslow family, the Earls of Onslow, and the Duke of Northumberland. In the 18th century, the house was remodelled in the neoclassical style by the architect James Wyatt.
In the 19th century, the house was used as a private residence, a girls' school, and a convalescent home. In 1939, the house was acquired by the University of Surrey, which has used it for a variety of academic purposes, including student accommodation and conference facilities.
Today, Sutton Place is a Grade I listed building and a popular tourist destination. The house is open to the public and visitors can learn about its history and explore its many rooms, including the Great Hall, the Long Gallery, and the Tapestry Room.
In addition to its historic significance, Sutton Place is also known for its beautiful gardens, which cover over 12 acres. The gardens were designed by the renowned landscape architect Gertrude Jekyll and feature a variety of plants and flowers, as well as a number of sculptures.