Hatchlands is a house that boasts work from a most celebrated cast of 18th and 19th century architects, each distinctive in their approach but delightfully merged to create an array of classical and richly decorated rooms. Around 1750, Admiral Edward Boscawen, a naval hero, bought the large estate at Hatchlands and immediately commissioned the demolition of the old house, replacing it with a much larger house designed by Stiff Leadbetter. Interior decoration was completed by Robert Adam, his earliest recorded work on a country house, and many of his drawings for the plasterwork and marble statuary can be seen in Sir John Soane's Museum in London. Undoubtedly influenced by instructions from the Admiral, there is a strong nautical theme incorporated in the décor, including anchors, dolphins and sea-nymphs.

Towards the end of the 18th century, with Hatchlands now in the ownership of William Sumner of the East India Company, certain alterations to the house were undertaken by Joseph Bonomi, and the grounds were greatly improved under the careful direction of Humphrey Repton. In 1888 Hatchlands again changed hands, and Stuart Rendel, a former partner of Sir William Armstrong's engineering firm in London, added his own mark to Hatchlands. A superb music room was added by Sir Reginald Blomfield at the beginning of the 20th century, further embellishment of Adam's work was carried out under the specific designs of Stuart Rendel himself, and the advice of Miss Gertrude Jekyll was sought for further planting of the gardens.

The final owner was Rendel's grandson, Harry Goodhart-Rendel, an extremely clever and artistic man whose diverse interests included music and architecture. During his early 20s he had designed an office block in Calcutta and by the time he inherited Hatchlands he was well-established as a local architect, having been involved in the design of many houses in East Clandon. The stable block and lodges on the estate are further examples of Goodhart-Rendel's work.

When Hatchlands was donated to the National Trust, very few pieces of furniture were included but the deficit was more than adequately made up when Mr Alec Cobbe took up a tenancy in 1988. Not only did Mr Cobbe immediately set to work on the restoration and refurbishment of Hatchlands, but he also introduced his own fine furniture, paintings and an enviable collection of musical instruments. In view of Goodhart-Rendel's musical talents, it seems eminently appropriate that the Cobbe Collection of early keyboard instruments have found a home in such architecturally historic surroundings. The additional bonus of having these instruments at Hatchlands is that regular recitals and concerts are performed at the house, thereby giving the public even more opportunity to enjoy this splendid property.