- Heritage

Beaulieu

The Beaulieu Estate has been owned by the same family since 1538 and is still the private home of the Montagus. Thomas Wriothesley, who later became the 1st Earl of Southampton, acquired the estate at the time of the Dissolution of the Monasteries when he was Lord Chancellor to Henry Vlll. Palace House, overlooking the Beaulieu River, was once the Great Gatehouse of Beaulieu Abbey with its monastic origins reflected in the fan vaulted ceilings of the 14th Century Dining Hall and Lower Drawing Room. The rooms are decorated with furnishings, portraits and treasures collected by past and present generations of the family. Visitors can enjoy the fine gardens or take a riverside walk around the Monks’ Mill Pond. Beaulieu Abbey was founded in 1204 when King John gave the land to the Cistercians and although most of the buildings have now been destroyed, much of the beauty and interest remains. The former Monks’ Refectory is now the local parish church and the Domus, which houses an exhibition and video presentation of monastic life, is home to beautiful wall hangings. Beaulieu also houses the world famous National Motor Museum which traces the story of motoring from 1894 to the present day. 250 vehicles are on display including legendary world record breakers plus veteran, vintage and classic cars and motorcycles. The modern Beaulieu is very much a family destination with many free and unlimited rides on a transportation theme to be enjoyed, including a mile long, high-level monorail and replica 1912 London open-topped bus. Catering and Functions Beaulieu also offers a comprehensive range of facilities for conferences, company days out, product launches, management training, corporate hospitality, promotions, film locations, exhibitions and outdoor events. The National Motor Museum is a unique venue for drinks receptions, evening product launches and dinners or the perfect complement to a conference as a relaxing visit. The charming 13th century Domus hall with its beautiful wooden beams, stone walls and magnificent wall hangings, is the perfect setting for weddings, conferences, dinners, buffets or themed evenings. Palace House, the ancestral home of Lord Montagu is an exclusive setting for smaller dinners, buffets and receptions. With a welcoming log fire in the winter and the coolness of the courtyard fountain in the summer, it offers a relaxing yet truly ‘stately’ atmosphere to ensure a memorable experience for your guests whatever the time of year. A purpose-built theatre, with tiered seating, can accommodate 200 people whilst additional meeting rooms can accommodate from 20 to 200 delegates. Bespoke marquees can also be erected in a charming parkland setting, for any event or occasion. With the nearby Beaulieu River offering waterborne activities and the Beaulieu Estate, with its purpose-built off road course, giving you the opportunity of indulging in a variety of country pursuits and outdoor management training, Beaulieu provides a unique venue for your conference and…

Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle is the home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and also features as Downton Abbey, the hugely successful drama series with over 11 million viewers in the UK and now shown in over 100 countries around the world. From the pen of Oscar-winning (‘Gosford Park’) screenwriter, Julian Fellowes, now Lord Fellowes, it has an all star cast led by Dame Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Michelle…

Avington Park

Avington Park, where Charles II and George IV both stayed at various times, dates back to the 11th century. The house was enlarged in 1670 by the addition of two wings and a classical Portico surmounted by three statues. The State rooms are magnificently painted and lead onto the unique pair of conservatories flanking the South Lawn. The Georgian church, St. Mary’s, is in the grounds. Avington Park is a privately owned stately home and is a most prestigious venue in peaceful surroundings. It is perfect for any event from seminars, conferences and exhibitions to wedding ceremonies and receptions, dinner dances and private parties. The Conservatories and the Orangery make a delightful location for summer functions, whilst log fires offer a welcome during the winter. Excellent caterers provide for all types of occasion, ranging from breakfasts and light lunches to sumptuous dinners. All bookings at Avington are individually tailor-made and only exclusive use is offered. Several rooms are licensed for Civil…

Chiddingstone Castle

The history of Chiddingstone Castle can be traced back to the early 1500s. During its life, the castle has undergone a number of architectural changes and has been owned and lived in by an eclectic mix of people and families. The early timber-framed Tudor dwelling, inhabited by the Streatfeild family, was first replaced and partly transformed into High Street House in the 1670s. The building went through another transformation during the early 1800s when the then owner, Henry Streatfeild (1757-1829, High Sheriff of Kent, 1792), decided to rebuild the house to resemble a medieval castle and commissioned William Atkinson (1774/5 – 1839) to design the changes. The high street was diverted to make way for the lake and Chiddingstone Castle was born. Characteristic of the castle’s history, Atkinson’s plans were never completed due to a lack of funds. Thus the castle’s transformation was partially finished according to Henry Kendall’s (1776-1875) design during the 1830s by Henry Streatfeild’s son, also called Henry (1784-1852). The Streatfeilds did not occupy the castle after 1900 and finally sold it to Lord Astor in 1938. The castle served as a base for military forces during the Second World War, and General Montgomery reviewed his troops here before taking command of the Eighth Army. After the war, it was home to the Long Dene School until 1955, when Denys Eyre Bower bought it to house his collections. An exhibition on the history of Chiddingstone Castle, situated in the newly created Streatfeild Room on the first floor, explores the different aspects of the castle’s eventful past. Topics covered in the exhibition include the architectural changes of the castle and its surroundings, life at the castle and the use of the castle for educational purposes by the Long Dene School. The history of life in the area is also detailed in this exhibition room and an explanation of how the Castle has become at the heart of the local community and the work involved by the private charitable trust in keeping the building and the collections open to the public for future generations to enjoy. …

Danson House

In 1995 this Palladian villa by Robert Taylor was deemed the most significant building at risk in London. Following extensive restoration by English Heritage it has been returned to its former Georgian glory. Completed in 1766, Danson was built for wealthy merchant Sir John Boyd. The house was designed to reflect its original purpose, that of a country house dedicated to entertainment. The sumptuous interior decoration tells stories that reveal the passion of Boyd for his wife and the love they shared. The principal floor takes in the austere Entrance Hall that would have held Boyd’s collection of souvenir sculpture from the Grand Tour. The exquisitely gilded Dining Room presents a set of wall paintings by Charles Pavillon. The octagonal Salon houses the only known portrait of Boyd in an original painting that has been reframed to the design of William Chambers. Chambers also made considerable changes to the house shortly after it was completed. The impressive Library is home to a George England organ, built for the house, and still in working order. Further displays relating to the history of the house and its inhabitants can be found on the bedroom level. The principal floor is licensed for civil wedding ceremonies and can accommodate up to 65 guests. There is a programme of events throughout the whole year. Please telephone for details. Round off your visit with a light lunch and homemade cakes in…

Hever Castle & Gardens

Hever Castle dates back to 1270, when the gatehouse, outer walls and the inner moat were first built. 200 years later the Bullen (or Boleyn) family added the comfortable Tudor manor house constructed within the walls. This was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second wife and mother of Elizabeth I. There are many items relating to the Tudors, including two Books of Hours (prayer books) signed and inscribed by Anne Boleyn. The Castle was later given to Henry VIII’s fourth wife, Anne of Cleves. In 1903, the estate was bought by the American millionaire William Waldorf Astor, who became a British subject and the first Lord Astor of Hever. He invested an immense amount of time, money and imagination in restoring the castle and grounds. Master craftsmen were employed and the castle was filled with a fine collection of paintings, furniture and tapestries. The Miniature Model Houses exhibition, a collection of 1/12 scale model houses, room views and gardens, depicts life in English Country Houses. Gardens Between 1904-8 over 30 acres of formal gardens were laid out and planted; these have now matured into one of the most beautiful gardens in England. The unique Italian Garden is a four acre walled garden containing a magnificent collection of statuary and sculpture. The glorious Edwardian Gardens include the Rose Garden and Tudor Garden, a traditional yew maze and a 110 metre herbaceous border. There are several water features including a water maze and a 38 acre lake with rowing boats. There is also a Lake Walk, Adventure Play Area, Gift and Garden Shops, and a full calendar…

Belmont House & Gardens

Belmont is an elegant 18th century house with views over the rolling Kentish North Downs. Its hidden gardens range from a Pinetum complete with grotto, a walled ornamental garden, a walled kitchen garden with…

Goodnestone Park Gardens

The garden is approximately 14 acres, set in 18th century parkland. A new gravel garden was planted in 2003. There are many fine trees, a woodland area and a large walled garden with a collection of old-fashioned roses, clematis and herbaceous plants, a new water feature has been installed in 2009. Jane Austen was a…

Lullingstone Castle & World Garden

Fine State rooms, family portraits and armour in beautiful grounds. The 15th century gatehouse was one of the first ever to be made of bricks. This is also the site for the…

Restoration House

Unique survival of an ancient city mansion deriving its name from the stay of Charles II on the eve of The Restoration. Beautiful interiors with exceptional early paintwork related to decorative scheme ‘run up’ for Charles’ visit. The house also inspired Dickens to situate ‘Miss Havisham’ here. ‘Interiors of rare historical resonance and poetry’, Country Life. Fine English furniture and pictures (Mytens, Kneller, Dahl, Reynolds and several Gainsboroughs). Charming interlinked walled gardens of ingenious plan in a classic English style. A private gem. ‘There is no finer pre-Civil…