75 years ago, the mansion at Nymans was almost totally destroyed by a fire that tore through the building. Its owners were unable to afford the repairs, so a section was allowed to lie in ruins.
Instead the focus on Nymans now is on its Grade II* listed gardens, including one of the most significant plant collections in the UK, featuring species from around the world.
Visitors can take a guided tour around the extensive National Trust-run estate or spend hours wandering freely around the tree-lined avenues.
See: Nymans – on the National Trust website
View of the ruins bathed in winter sunshine at Nymans, West Sussex
1616843, NTPL Commissioned (NTPL), © National Trust Images / Laurence Perry
Photo (top): view across the gardens – credit/copyright Debbie Collins