Built / Designed For: Sir Richard Baker

House & Family History: One of the first houses in England constructed of brick, Sissinghurst was so grand that Elizabeth I chose it for a three-day visit during her progress through the Weald in August of 1573. The queen stayed with Sissinghurst's owner, Richrard Baker, who staged hunting in the Park and night revels for the queen's visit (Elizabeth knighted Baker a few days later). The grounds contain one of the world's most celebrated gardens, the creation of Vita Sackville-West and her husband, Sir Harold Nicolson. The couple purchased Sissinghurst in 1930 and developed the grounds around the surviving parts of the Elizabethan mansion, noted for its central red brick prospect tower. In 1967 their son, Nigel Nicolson, gave Sissinghurst to the National Trust, though he continued to live in part of the House until his death in 2004. Mr. Nicolson was a noted author, made particularly famous by his book "Portrait of a Marriage," which was based on the quirky marriage of his parents.

Garden & Outbuildings: The world-famous gardens were created by Vita Sackville-West and her husband, Sir Harold Nicolson, in the mid-20th century and are made up of 10 distinct garden rooms, each with a different feel and design.

Country Life: XCII, 410, 458 [Missing], 1942. CXLIV, 330, 1968.

House Listed: Grade I

Park Listed: Grade I

Current Seat / Home of: Adam Nicolson and Sarah Raven

Past Seat / Home of: Sir Richard Baker, 16th century. Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, 20th century; Nigel Nicolson, 20th century.

Current Ownership Type: The National Trust

Primary Current Ownership Use: Visitor Attraction

House Open to Public: Yes

Phone: 01580-710-700

Fax: 01580-710-702

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Historic Houses Member: No