Which is the best National Trust Property near Tunbridge Wells?

One of the reasons Tunbridge Wells is so popular is because of the large number of National Trust properties in close proximity to the town. When tourists visit they often ask us which is the best National Trust property near to Tunbridge Wells.

A close friend of mine has just returned to work for the National Trust on their surveying team. We had a brief conservation a few weeks ago and our chat inspired me to visit some National Trust properties over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

I am lucky enough to live in Tunbridge Wells and there are a good number of National Trust properties nearby. I could have gone down the ‘Castle’ route and visited Sissinghurst Castle (with its Cottage Garden and ‘Sunset Garden’) or Bodiam Castle surrounded by its own moat. However, since Google Maps informed me of long delays due to traffic to both of these properties, I quickly discounted both options.

Sissinghurst Castle

This was a real shame because I had recently read how Sissinghurst’s Assistant Head Gardener, Helen Champion, had helped plan the Spring planting to reflect Vita Sackville-West‘s ‘sunset themed’ garden from the 1930s/1950s. Vita created this sun set garden for her husband Harold Nicholson to admire from his book room between 1930 and 1950. Helen Champion and her team have worked tirelessly to re-create Vita’s vision. The sunset garden will burst into life in April and should peak late summer. I therefore plan to visit later in the year.

Bodiam Castle

I was also very disappointed to miss out on visiting Bodiam Castle because my young toddler is currently obsessed with castles and Bodiam is archetypal with its 600-year old portcullis, peep holes, a moat and gun loops. Having said that, the steep winding staircases may have been tricky for the little person!

Chartwell

Chartwell House, with its rich history, became an obvious choice. We visited on Good Friday and there was a lovely atmosphere. Sir Winston Churchill purchased the estate in 1922 with his wife, Clementine. It became their family home for the next forty years. Clementine Churchill presented the house to the National Trust in 1965 after Winston’s death. It then opened to the public in 1966.

There are several walks to enjoy throughout the estate and the gardens are beautiful at this time of year. The Walled Garden has been meticulously looked after and furthermore, at the top is a well placed coffee shop. Here, one can enjoy fine views across the countryside whilst enjoying drinks and cake.

The house itself has an interesting aesthetic. It benefits from unusual architecture with red-brick elevations and stepped gables. This is not to everyone’s taste. For example, Oliver Garnett wrote in 2008 that the house is an example of Victorian architecture at its least attractive.

Whatever your view on the architecture of the property, it can not be denied that the imposing house has grandeur. Furthermore, the fact that Sir Winston Churchill owned the Estate for over 40 years, cements it as one of the most interesting houses in the National Trust.

Scotney Castle

Perhaps my favourite National Trust property near Tunbridge Wells, is Scotney Castle, which seems to have it all. One can choose to admire the Regency / early Victorian Manor House or wander down to the castle ruins. There are fantastic walks across the countryside and the formal gardens have huge variety.

The main house dates back to the early 1830s when Edward Hussey III transformed the estate. A new house was built at the top of the hill overlooking the valley and the castle ruins. The National Trust website explains that Scotney Castle is now celebrated as one of the most significant survivals of a ‘complete picturesque landscape’.

The Victorian Manor House is built of sandstone quarried from the grounds of the old castle.

Scotney remained in the Hussey family until 1970 when Christopher Hussey bequeathed the estate to the National Trust. Christopher’s widow, Betty Hussey remained in residence until her death in 2007 when the house first opened to visitors.

Further Information

For more information about what we believe to be the best national trust property near Tunbridge Wells do not hesitate to contact our Tunbridge Wells team or the Tunbridge Wells office on 01892 533733.

Tyson Sheppard MRICS

Partner

Linda W.
We have had a first-class experience of marketing and competing the sale of a property within 3 months with Bracketts Estate Agents in Tunbridge Wells. We had excellent advice from Sarah Mott throughout the process and both Sarah and Kim Stephenson kept us fully informed along the way. Efficient communication with the buyer and our solicitor managed, and overcame, issues along the way and I would not hesitate to recommend this team in what can be a stressful time.
Sam E.
We've just finished a tenancy with Bracketts and found the overall experience very positive. We had come from a rather negative experience with our previous letting agents in London and Bracketts were much more professional.

We had some viewings with other agents in Tunbridge Wells. One of these agents had stated that we would need to return for a followup interview with the landlord before our application would be considered, and that we should consider what we would to "incentivise" the landlord to go with us in terms of offering a higher rent to compete with other applicants. Needless to say, we did not proceed with that agent.

At our viewing with Bracketts they made it clear they didn't endorse betting wars on the part of the tenants: the price listed was the price that would go forwards. They were responsive throughout the tenancy, and though the building had a few age-related issues, Brackett's responded as well as possible.

Highly recommended if you're looking to rent in the area.
Luke M.
Very helpful, got my survey sorted here. Recommend :)
Response from the owner:Hi Luke - thanks for the great feedback and 5 star review for Tyson and our survey team who all send their best wishes. If we can help in the future, please don't hesitate to ask. Best wishes from the whole team :)
Joshua J.
Damon Crittenden was the best Property Manager I have dealt with. Very empathetic and attentive, always helped when needed in a timely manner too. You’re in good hands if you have to deal with Damon.
Response from the owner:Thank you for this feedback. We'd all be pleased to help you in the future. The lettings team send you their very best wishes.
Mercedes M.
Finley B.
I had a Survey carried out by Tyson who was incredibly efficient and very helpful throughout the entire process.
Response from the owner:Hi Finley - thank you for leaving a review for Tyson and our survey team. He was pleased to help you, really appreciates the feedback and sends his best wishes. If we can every be of help in the future, please don't hesitate to ask.
Mihaela A.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review - we were delighted to have you as tenants. Best wishes in your new home :)
Lukasz W.
I rented through Brackets for just over four years, and my experience was thoroughly enjoyable. The inventory reports were consistently accurate, and whenever any issues arose during my stay, the management team responded swiftly to resolve them. The property itself was well-maintained and kept to a high standard throughout my time.
Response from the owner:Hi Lukasz - thank you for this brilliant feedback as a tenant of 4 years. Its great to hear that the team looked after you so well and thank you also for being a wonderful tenant. We'd all be pleased to help you in the future. The lettings team send you their very best wishes :)
Alex T.
Robust professional service, I dealt with Tyson who provided advice I could trust and took time to ensure I understood the information provided. I would recommend Tyson if you need a surveyor.
Response from the owner:Hi Alex - thank you for leaving this 5 star review for Tyson - we appreciate the feedback and you taking time to leave this. If we can ever be of any help in the future, please don't hesitate to ask. All the best from Tyson and the team.

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