Chevening

Chevening is the earliest known example of a compact double-pile house, traditionally attributed to Inigo Jones.

Chevening has a history dating back around 800 years, but the house we see today is almost entirely the creation of seven generations of the Stanhope family, building on the original Lennard family’s house of around 1630.

For 250 years the Stanhopes served their country as soldiers and statesmen, and at Chevening as patrons of architecture and art. When, sadly, the line ran out, the 7th Earl’s munificent gift of Chevening to the nation ensured that the distinguished history of the family and the estate was preserved for future generations.

It is especially appropriate that the house has become the country residence of a Cabinet Minister and thus continues to play its part in the political life of the nation.

The Estate consists of some 3,000 acres stretching between Sevenoaks and Biggin Hill in Kent. The gardens include a lake, maze, parterre and a double hexagonal walled kitchen garden amounting in all to some 40 acres. Over 530 acres of mixed woodland surround the extensive park.

The pleasure grounds of the Earls Stanhope to the south of Chevening House are today characterised by lawns and wooded walks around an ornamental lake, with views of the surrounding countryside. First laid out between 1690 and 1720 in the French formal style, in the 1770s a more informal English design was introduced. In the early 19th century lawns, parterres and a maze were established, a lake was created from the ornamental canal and basin, and many specimen trees were planted to shade woodland walks.

An exclusive two-hour private tour for 25 people led by an historic gardens expert, followed by tea, can be arranged on a day when the gardens are not open to the public.