The History of Chartwell House
Chartwell is a country house situated near Westerham, Kent, in South East England. The property became the family home of Winston and Clementine Churchill after they purchased it in September 1922. For over forty years, the house remained a constant presence in their lives, providing a sense of permanence through decades of significant global change. Sir Winston Churchill resided within these walls until shortly before his death in January 1965.
The connection between the Churchill family and the estate continued even after the statesman's passing. Following his death, Lady Churchill presented the property to the National Trust. This transition ensured the preservation of the house and its surrounding grounds for future generations. The estate opened to the public in 1966, allowing visitors to walk the same paths and enter the rooms that once served as a private sanctuary for the family.
The Architecture and Estate
The house at Chartwell follows a vernacular architectural style, constructed of red brick across two storeys. It features a basement and extensive attics, reflecting a design that prioritizes a sense of place. Philip Tilden began work on the structure in 1922. While the initial construction estimate was set at £7,000, the final costs eventually exceeded £18,000.
The surrounding estate rises to a highest point of approximately 650 feet above sea level. The landscape is defined by several deliberate features, including lakes and a kitchen garden. A small playhouse, known as the Marycot, sits within the grounds. These elements form a quiet setting for the house and its immediate surroundings.
Art and Collections at Chartwell
The rooms within the house remain much as they were during the decades of Churchill's residence. One finds a collection of pictures, books, and personal mementoes that occupy the spaces, maintaining the atmosphere of a lived-in home. These objects are not merely displays but are the remnants of a private life. A special exhibition provides a deeper insight into this life through fifty specific objects.
On the first floor, the museum room holds the Nobel Prize medal. This presence offers a quiet connection to the achievements of the past. The collection reflects a life of significant weight, held within the familiar surroundings of the house.
