On 31st March 2007 Mike and I visited Ightham Mote near Sevenoaks in Kent.
We had previously visited many years ago when the house, owned by the National Trust, was in the midst of a massive programme of conservation work, costing £10 million.
Originally dating from 1330, this moated manor house is hidden from view in a sunken valley. The house has been added to and enlarged many times over the centuries, but is still on a much more intimate scale than many National Trust properties.
It includes the Great Hall, a crypt and two chapels: the Old Chapel and the Tudor Chapel with its painted ceiling. The Drawing Room has a Jacobean fireplace and 18th century hand painted Chinese wallpaper. There is also a billiards room and glorious gardens with other ancient buildings, spring walks through daffodil filled orchards, woodland and a stream.
The small central courtyard is home to what must be one of Englands most elaborate antique dog kennels - now a firm favourite of all small children visiting!
Photography is only allowed outside, but here are several galleries of pictures to give you a feel of the place. Hope you like them.
Page last updated 10th April 2007
All photos on this website © copyright Sue Holton 2005-7 and may not be reproduced without my permission