When you visit old houses, do you wonder about the people who lived in them?
During a visit to Scotney Castle Gardens in Kent, my wife and I took a leisurely stroll around the house. Like many of the places we’ve visited, there was a homely feel to all the rooms.
None more so than the dining room, where we spoke to a National Trust volunteer. While I’m sure he’s been telling the same story for years, he hasn’t become bored with it.
His excitement shone through as he gave us a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Hussey family. Edward Hussey III built the place in the 19th Century, having made his money in the iron industry in Shropshire. But Sussex had plenty of iron ore too.
Christopher and Betty Hussey moved into the house in 1952 and gifted it to the National Trust. He continued to live there until his death in 1970. His wife continued living there for another 36 years.
Which may explain why so many of the contents are original.
Even more interesting is the second floor, which contains flats that are, as far as I could tell, still rented out. The guide told us how Margaret Thatcher was a regular visitor, taking one of the flats.
The stories about the people who occupied these stately houses help to bring the places to life.
Which makes me wonder why more people don’t stop and chat to the guides and volunteers.
Perhaps they prefer to get their knowledge from their smartphones and social media.
Or maybe they’re more interested in the gardens and original castle and moat.
Scotney has 780 acres of ancient parkland and woodland, with a rolling landscape shaped by farming, industry and conservation. The gardens contain a moat, quarry garden, woodland glade, hidden walkways and a heather-thatched icehouse.
Adjacent the main car park, you can find the walled garden, built in the Victorian era. It once supplied the Hussey family with fresh produce all year round, thanks to the high walls which sheltered the growing areas.
It’s still used to grow fruit, vegetables, herbs and cut flowers.
The main attraction is the old castle. It’s mainly the last remaining tower of the original medieval castle. Originally built by Roger Ashburnham in the 14th century, it was as a fortified manor house. Over the years, successive owners have added their own embellishments, including a Tudor wing, which was largely destroyed to make way for a new three-storey wing 80 years later.
The Ashburnham tower, with its distinctive tiled cuppola was added in the 18th century.
Whether you visit to enjoy the romance of the old castle, the peaceful gardens or the treasures of the main house, there’s plenty to do and see at Scotney Castle gardens.
But to get the most out of your visit, don’t forget to chat to the volunteers.
