Ightham Mote |
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Ightham Mote, pronounced "Item Moat", is a superbly restored 14th century half-timbered house set in a deep wooded valley and completely surrounded by its original water-filled moat.
The property dates back to 1320, although most of the building work was done in the following three centuries and then it ceased, leaving it stuck in a fascinating 16th century timewarp.
With its timbered façade and tall chimneys Ightham Mote is an idyllic historic house to visit. The manor remained unpretentious and homely as the successive owners were squires, sheriffs, members of parliament and courtiers rather than lavish entertainers.
Ightham Mote was given to the National Trust in 1985 by the last owner, an American businessman, Charles Henry Robinson. The
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Those interested in historical renovation will delight in poring over the special exhibition detailing the project, which can be seen in the visitor reception area. Other visitors may want to move on to enjoy the features in the 70 rooms of this charming country manor house.
Ightham Mote is reached across a narrow humpbacked bridge which leads to the inner courtyard area. There is a doorway to the old tower which is accessible by pre-booking a tour. You should also checkout the 19th century dog kennel, once the home of a St Bernard called Dido, which is Grade I listed in its own right!
Information sheets give the detail of each room - the drawing room with its Jacobean fireplace decorated with black and gold Saracen heads; the crypt, and the Tudor Chapel with its barrel-shaped ceiling ornately decorated. Mirrors are thoughtfully provided to avoid serious neck-craning as visitors appreciate this wonderful artwork.
The furniture has all been acquired since the 1950s by the National Trust and although not original, it is in keeping with the origins of the medieval manor.
The Great Hall still has the original 16th century stained glass windows which show the Tudor Rose
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Other interesting detail can be seen on the ceilings and the exterior bargeboards of the house. Look for the armorial decoration of the entwined branches of the Tudor rose of England, the Fleur-de-Lis of France and the pomegranate of Granada.
The outside of Ightham Mote is equally charming and natural. There are some interesting outbuildings, an orchard and a woodland walk. The gardens are a feast of colour with beautifully planted borders of traditional English favourites such as lilies, roses and sweet williams around the well-kept lawns.
Although it has a medieval layout, the garden shows the influence of the late 19th century Arts and Crafts style. Those particularly interested in gardening may want to join a guided garden tour.
The house enjoys peaceful views across the north lawn to the lake. A stream tumbles over a cascade and feeds the remains of the medieval stewpond. More water graces the fountain garden with its flagstoned paving.
The day can be concluded with a visit to the Mote Restaurant and the National Trust shop where profits go to supporting the ongoing work of this worthwhile charity.
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Opening Times
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(2011 times)
House* 5th March - 3oth October 11.00am - 5.00pm Monday and Thursday - Sunday 1st June - 31st August: 11.00am - 5.00pm Monday and Wednesday - Sunday 3rd November - 18th December: 11.00am - 3.00pm Thursday - Sunday. 5th - 27th February: 5th March - 30th October: 10.30am - 5.00pm Monday and Thursday - Sunday 1st June - 31st August: 10.30am - 5.00pm Monday and Wednesday - Sunday. 3rd November - 18th December: 11.00am - 3.00pm Thursday - Sunday. Restaurant 27th - 31st December: 11.00am - 3.00pm Tuesday - Saturday Estate Open all year Dawn till dusk Daily Please Note: Shop: for additional opening times telephone 01732 811203. Restaurant: to enquire about opening times, book themed evenings, functions and Christmas lunch telephone 01732 811314. *November and December, 11 to 3: partial gardens, courtyard, library, ground-floor access, visitor reception and conservation exhibition. Dressed for Christmas. **Restaurant may not fully open when private function taking place. February weekends: restaurant, part of gardens, shop, visitor reception and conservation exhibition. Last admission 30 minutes before closing. |
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Admission Charges
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(2011 prices)
Gift Aid Admission (Standard Admission prices in brackets):Adult £11.50 (£10.40), Child £5.75 (£5.20), Family £29.00 (£26.30). Winter weekends, 3rd November-18th December: Adult £5.75 (£5.20), Child £2.90 (£2.60) |
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Directions
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By Bus New Enterprise 404 from Sevenoaks , calls Thursday and Friday only, on other days alight Ivy Hatch, ¾ mile. Autocar 222 Tonbridge-Borough Green , alight Fairlawne, ½ mile by footpath. Arriva 306/8 Sevenoaks -Gravesend (passing Borough Green ), alight Ightham Common, 1½ miles Cycling View local cycle routes on the National Cycle Network website By road 6 miles north of Tonbridge on A227; 6 miles south of Sevenoaks on A25; 16 miles west of Maidstone on A20/A25 By train Borough Green and Wrotham 3 miles; Hildenborough 4 miles; Sevenoaks 6 miles Ordnance survey reference 188:TQ584535 |
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Ightham Mote Postcode for SatNav: TN15 0NT |
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