History
Heathfield
Originally on this site was an early 19th century Farm called 'Stones Farm', probably due to the stoney nature of the soil. It is a Grade II listed mansion, an excellent example of a 'Ferme Ornee' (ornamental farm). It was first called Heathfield in the 1843 Tithe apportionment and was purchased in 1872 by Charles Hermann Goschen who added it to his Ballards estate and leased it back to his brother Henry who enlarged the farmhouse into Heathfield House.
Henry Goschen was in the army of the East India Company from 1856 - 1866 when he became a partner in his father's banking business. He was a chairman of the Westminster Bank, Chairman of the Mexican Railway and Governor and Director of the London Assurance Corporation. He was a Chorister, Churchwarden and Lay Preacher and Benefactor at St Mary's Addington. He died in 1932 aged 96 years and had been living at Knotley Hall, Penshurst.
After 1919 the estate was owned by Howard Houlder and later Costain during which time it fell into disrepair. It was purchased by Raymond Riesco in 1927 who spent a considerable amount on the estate. Initially the farm was leased to race horse breeder Peter Thrale but later it became Riesco's model farm. The gardens were landscaped and planted including the rhododendron & azalea glades. There is also a rock garden, walled garden (formerly used as a kitchen garden) and orchard (now an ecology centre).
The garage block was once the stables and coach house with hay loft and flat for the stable lad. In accordance with an agreement made by Riesco the estate was purchased by Croydon Council on his death and the gardens opened to the public. The farm is now leased to a tenant and the house used as a training centre. For further details, visit the Croydon Council website.