Earlier Houses: There was at least one earlier house on, or near, the site of the current house.

Built / Designed For: Sir Percyvall Hart

House & Family History: Lullingstone Rouse, its original name, was built by Sir Percyvall Hart (1496-1580) between 1543 and 1580. In the 18th century the house was rebuilt by Sir John Dixon Dyke. Sections of the 16th century house are extant on the north and east sections of the current Lullingstone. It was first called Lullingstone Castle in the mid-18th century, when Anne Hart (died 1763) inherited the house and brought it by marriage to Sir Thomas Dyke. Both Henry VIII and Queen Anne are known to have been regular visitors. In April 2006 the south wing of the house was listed for sale for £1 million for a 114-year leasehold. In February of 2022 the south wing was listed for sale again—this time for £1.75 million.

Garden & Outbuildings: The park contains a fine 15th century gatehouse (among the first in Europe built of brick; see "Images" section), Queen Anne's Bathhouse, and an 18th century ice house. The grounds are also home to the World Garden of Plants. All the estate's land (approximately 8,000 acres) was sold off by the Hart-Dyke family, save 120 acres that currently surrounds the house. In 1873 Sir William Hart-Dyke played a famous game of lawn tennis at Lullingstone with two of the game's leading players: Julian Marshall and John Heathcote. It was these three who ultimately drew up the original rules for tennis that were adopted by the Marylebone Cricket Club.

Chapel & Church: St. Botolph's Church, of Norman origin, sits in the park and contains some of the oldest stained glass windows in England.

John Bernard (J.B.) Burke, published under the title of A Visitation of the Seats and Arms of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of Great Britain and Ireland, among other titles: 2.S. Vol. II, p. 94, 1855.

Country Life: XXXIV, 602, 1913.

House Listed: Grade II*

Park Listed: Grade II

Current Seat / Home of: Guy Hart-Dyke, who lives in one of the divided homes.

Past Seat / Home of: SEATED AT CURRENT HOUSE: Sir Percyvall Hart, 1550-80. Sir Thomas Dyke, 1st Bt., until 1706; Sir Thomas Dyke, 2nd Bt., 1706-56; Sir John Dixon Dyke, 3rd Bt., 1756-1810; Sir Thomas Dyke, 4th Bt., 1810-31; Sir Percival Hart-Dyke, 5th Bt., 1831-46; Sir Percyvall Hart-Dyke, 6th Bt., 1846-75; Sir William Hart-Dyke, 7th Bt., 1875-1931.

Current Ownership Type: Flat Owners Company / Condo Association

Primary Current Ownership Use: Flats / Multi Family

Ownership Details: Divided into three homes

House Open to Public: Grounds Only

Phone: 01322-862-114

Fax: 01322-862-115

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk

Historic Houses Member: Yes