Kent & Sussex: Historic Houses & Twentieth Century Art

Dating back to the 14^th century, the stately house and gardens are situated in beautiful parkland in the pretty Kentish village of Penshurst. The awe-inspiring Baron’s Hall and opulent state rooms are the focal point for all visitors. Originally built for the Lord Mayor of London, it has been the ancestral home of the Sidney family since 1552. Family portraits, antique furniture and skilfully crafted tapestries are just some of the treasures on display. Starting in the private Inner Courtyard at Penshurst Place, a specialised private tour of the magnificent works of art on display and the politics of the day gives an in-depth perspective.

Explore the art and lives of artists Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant and their contemporaries at Charleston House, a living work of art in the 20^th century. It became a place of inspiration and escape for many artists, writers and intellectuals from the famed Bloomsbury set. As well as its well-known owners, friends and family contributed to painting the house interior with beautiful frescoes, hand stencilled drawings and paintings.

Explore Royal Tunbridge Wells and the historic Pantiles home of the pretty Georgian colonnaded walkway and famous Chalybeate Spring, which was discovered in 1606. Browse the range of shops and cafes and walk past the King Charles the Martyr Church and up through the old high street with its stylish designer shops.

Tucked away in the Sussex countryside, Farleys House was the home of the surrealists, famous WWII photographer, Lee Miller and surrealist painter, photographer and biographer, Roland Penrose. The couple spent 35 years filling their home with a collection of contemporary art treasures which became a meeting place for some of the key personalities and artists in the 20^th century. Enjoy a guided tour of the house to discover more of their extraordinary lives and take time to explore the spacious galleries and sculpture garden.

Set in the rolling Kentish countryside, Hever Castle is the famous 14^th century childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of King Henry VIII. Steeped in 600 years of history, the castle’s panelled rooms house beautiful furniture, tapestries and antiques plus one of the finest collections of Tudor portraits. The award-winning gardens include the Italianate Garden, the extensive English Rose Garden, Tudor Garden and many cascades, grottoes and fountains as well as Anne Boleyn’s Walk.

Nestled within a sheltered valley sits the family home of famous English writer, Rudyard Kipling. This 17^th-century National Trust property is a Success Tours favourite; despite its modest size, the house oozes character and intrigue, with wooden beams, mullioned windows, and Eastern furnishings harking back to Kipling’s childhood in India.

Set at the foot of the South Downs, Parham House & Gardens remains one of the finest Elizabethan houses in England. Built in the time of Elizabeth I, it houses a fine collection of historic paintings, furniture, textiles and clocks. In particular, rich and detailed Stuart tapestries dating back to the 17^th century and through the centuries adorn pictures, panels and covers for furniture. The Great Hall is the heart of the house and other richly decorated rooms include the Green Room, the Long Gallery, the Great Parlour and the Great Chamber.