We headed off this morning towards Winston Churchill's House - Chartwell, which is a country house near the town of Westerham, Kent. We arrived at around 10am and were surprised to see how many people were there already.
As it is a timed entry, we bought our tickets and then had morning tea at the Visitors Centre. As it was quite a walk from the Visitors Centre to the house, John walked and I caught the bus.
On entering the house it is very evident that it was a family home. As you go from room to room, there are many personal items still scattered around, including family photographs, artwork and collectables. But it was when we walked in lounge/dining room with its arched windows which were designed by Winston Churchill himself, so that he could make the most of the view, that you just feel instantly comfortable. The dining table, where he many meeting and dinners is round, which he insisted on to make people feel comfortable.
We continued on through the house looking at uniforms, gifts that had been given to him, and also paintings that he had painted
The grounds are absolutely beautiful and we both feel that this is one of the nicest English Country Houses we have visited. John thinks he could easily live here !!!!
A short drive from here was Hever Castle. As we walked across the moat to the entrance you are welcomed by person dressed in costume.
Dating back to the 13th Century, Hever Castle was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and Mother of Elizabeth 1. It formed the unlikely backdrop to a sequence of tumultuous events that changed the course of Britian's history, monarchy and religions.
There are 2 prayer books which belonged to Anne Boleyn and have her inscriptions and signature.
There are 2 prayer books which belonged to Anne Boleyn and have her inscriptions and signature.
The Castle was restored and extended in the early 20th Century by William Waldorf Astor and there is a suite dedicated to the Astor family with pictures and memorabilia relating to the Astor family and the Edwardian Period.
There is an exhibition in the Long Gallery depicting life in the 16th Century, with figures dressed in costume.
The grounds are beautifully maintained, with a maze and lovely topiary throughout.
The grounds are beautifully maintained, with a maze and lovely topiary throughout.
We finished our visit with afternoon tea, overlooking the castle, before returning to the Carpenters Arms for dinner
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