The White House naturist club in Whyteleafe has been a place to relax, swim and sunbathe in the nude for nearly 80 years. The club was started in 1933 by a spirited lady called Mrs Bancroft, who was a great believer in the beneficial effect of nude relaxation on the human body.

The secluded grounds and grand Victorian house provide a tranquil setting for its members to enjoy. Its facilities include an outdoor heated pool that can be covered over for year-round use; a sauna, gym and two tennis courts.

Members can socialise in the bar, lounge area or conservatory and enjoy regular social events.

The club also has play facilities for children as The White House is very much a family-oriented club.

Club member, Val, first became interested in naturism in the 1970s after a trip to Yugoslavia with her husband.

She said: “Naturism is far more common in the Scandinavian countries and a lot of our members join after experiencing the pleasure of nude swimming while on holiday.

“Many local people do not realise the club exists but we would like to encourage new members to join, especially young people and families as we are a respectable family club.”

Visitors are very welcome and prospective new members have to apply and be interviewed before being invited to join if they meet the criteria of the board of trustees.

Members pay an annual membership fee which permits use of all the club’s facilities, seven days a week. For more information about the club visit www.whitehouseclub. org.uk To arrange a visit call Val on 07952 788377.