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This very ordinary, small terraced house in Lambeth is a must visit for those interested in human nature and the amazing lives that some people lead. The surprising interior is the work of one man over a period of almost 20 years. There are plenty of reviews giving further information. I had not heard about this man until I read an article about the house. His life was extraordinary and is a testament to the imagination, creativity and spiritual depth of human nature. I urge anyone interested in people to make a visit - and then as I have done, read up about the man and his life. I am only sad that I cannot find a copy of his book of poetry to buy at a reasonable price. I will have to try and find a copy in the library. …
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Date of experience: August 2019
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This is a National Trust property and the only way to visit is on a pre-booked tours, which are available on Fridays and Saturdays, three tours a day. The tour costs £15 for non members and £3.50 for members. There are maximum 6 people per tour. Note that you will need socks/slippers as no shoes are allowed after you enter the property to preserve the interior. No photography is allowed inside. There are no toilet facilities. The house is a few minutes from Wandsworth Road overground station and a 10 minute walk from Clapham Common underground station. The front of the house is almost entirely obscured by a tree and there is no house number on the door. The house belonged to Khadambi Asalache and has been left as it was when he died in 2006. Every room has been decorated with fretwork and other decorations, all of which he did by hand. The tour is very interesting and not rushed; there is plenty of time to take in each room. The guides are very knowledgeable and interesting to listen to. Whilst the experience is intended to be about the house and not about the man himself, you cannot help but be intrigued by him. A fascinating and unique experience.…
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Date of experience: July 2019
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I am a life member of the National Trust and in many ways this is one of the most fascinating of the many properties I have visited. Even the photographs in the guide book cannot quite do the house justice. I would echo all the positive reviews and can only commend the lady who took us round on what was a leisurely and very interesting tour. There were only four of us as two of the six booked did not turn up (which, as they explained, is why it is no longer free). The house is just two minutes walk from Wandsworth Road Overground station (there is a train every 15 minutes from Clapham Junction) and it is nowhere near Wandsworth Town or Common stations. If you are early (or afterwards) then just go up the steps a few yards along to the right and on the same side as you face the house and visit the wonderful wild flowers of the Eden Garden at the top of the steps. Most reviewers accept the house as it is for its unique and quirky character which is not to be missed. The two gripes about the house should not put anyone off visiting. It was a very personal house and he wasn't Grinling Gibbons but with the tools Mr Asalache was using it is truly amazing, and I would defy anyone to be so dedicated to produce what he did in that period of time. He was very highly skilled and that is clear. So far as taking photographs were concerned, Mr Asalache had so rightly said that you need to observe directly while you are there and with such a small group it would be highly irritating to keep stopping for someone to take photos.…
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Date of experience: May 2019
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I had waited some time to visit 575 wandsworth road as it is quite difficult to get a ticket, As you approach it is the scruffiest little terrace House with just a very small National trust sign, The inside of the house is covered in fretwork of the poorest quality and i had to ask myself why did the national trust take it on, it was clearly one mans passion and you have to admire his perserverance taking 20 years to complete, it is certainly no work of art, apparently he cut all the work using only what i would describe as a plaster board saw, hence the rough cuts and splintered backs, it really is some of the poorest fret work I have seen, the house is full of his original possesions but again it is a collection of items from local junk shops and boot fairs…
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Date of experience: May 2019
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Fantastic interesting place and brilliant guide what a wonderfully talented man . We went here to celebrate our 59th wedding anniversary. What a way to celebrate it. I do agree with him why clean the house. Also like me find your materials and recycle.
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Date of experience: October 2018
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