Chiddingstone, near Sevenoaks
Kent
England
Circa Date: 17th century w/18th & 19th century alterations and additions
Status: Fully Extant
House Open to Public: Yes
Country House: Yes
The House from a circa 1897 postcard
House & Family History: Chiddingstone was rebuilt in the castle style for Squire Henry Streatfeild, circa 1805. The Streatfeild family let the House after they could no longer afford to maintain the Estate. Denys Bower, an art collector, purchased Chiddingstone in 1955 to use as a private residence, as a well as a home for his collection. Bower could not afford the restoration and, when he died in 1977, he willed the estate to the National Trust, who refused the House. A private charitable trust was then established to maintain Chiddingstone; the restoration effort has been assisted by grants from English Heritage.
Architect: William Atkinson
Date: Circa 1805-10
Title: Biographical Dictionary of British Architects, 1600-1840, A - SOFTBACK
Author: Colvin, Howard
Year Published: 1995
Publisher: New Haven: Yale University Press
ISBN: 0300072074
Book Type: Softback
House Listed: Grade II*
Park Listed: Grade II
Past Seat / Home of: Henry Streatfeild, 18th-19th centuries; Streatfeild family here from the 16th century until 1900. Lord Astor, 1938-? Denys Eyre Bower, 20th century.
Current Ownership Type: Preservation Organization
Primary Current Ownership Use: Visitor Attraction
Ownership Details: Owned by the Denys Eyre Bower Trust.
House Open to Public: Yes
Phone: 01892-870-347
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk
Historic Houses Member: Yes