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Chartwell, formerly the home of Sir Winston Churchill and now a National Trust property.
Chartwell is a grade I listed building.
Chartwell was the home of Sir Winston Churchill from 1924 until his death. It's gardens are wonderfull - when I win the Euro-lotto (shortly I imagine) I now have the plan for the country house garden! I understand from the blurb he designed much of it. The first pool you can see is the swimming pool - into which a small brook flows and overflows from the other side.
Taken in April 2016. Winston Churchill and Lady Clementine still enjoying the view of the Chartwell estate. He bought the estate and house without asking her but couldn't really afford it and had to be bailed out by friends more than once. It's a most attractive setting so he might be excused, I think.
The National Trust have been looking after it since 1946 when they purchased it with funds donated by his friends and supporters. The Churchill's remained as tenants until he died in 1966 when his wife surrendered the lease and the house and grounds were opened to the public.
Best if you press L to view in Flickr's Lightbox and F11 to remove the toolbars.
Chartwell is a country house near Westerham, Kent, in South East England. For over forty years it was the home of Winston Churchill. He bought the property in September 1922 and lived there until shortly before his death in January 1965. In the 1930s, when Churchill was out of political office, Chartwell became the centre of his world. At his dining table, he gathered those who could assist his campaign against German re-armament and the British government's response of appeasement; in his study, he composed speeches and wrote books; in his garden, he built walls, constructed lakes and painted. During the Second World War Chartwell was largely unused, the Churchills returning after he lost the 1945 election. In 1953, when again prime minister, the house became Churchill's refuge when he suffered a debilitating stroke. In October 1964, he left for the last time, dying at his London home, 28 Hyde Park Gate, on 24 January 1965.
The origins of the estate reach back to the 14th century; in 1382, the property then called Well-street was owned by William-at-Well.
26th Aug 2019
Chartwell
The country home of Sir Winston Churchill.
He bought the property in September 1922 and lived there for over forty years until shortly before his death in January 1965.
In the 1930s, when Churchill was excluded from political office, Chartwell became the centre of his world. At his dining table, he gathered those who could assist his campaign against German re-armament and the British government's response of appeasement; in his study, he composed speeches and wrote books; in his garden, he built walls, constructed lakes and painted.
During the Second World War Chartwell was largely unused, whilst Churchil was occupied at Downing Street and Chequers.
The Churchills returned to Chartwell after he lost the 1945 election.
In 1953, when again Prime Minister, the house became Churchill's refuge when he suffered a devastating stroke.
In October 1964, he left Chartwell for the last time, dying at his London home, 28, Hyde Park Gate, on 24 January 1965.
The origins of the estate reach back to the 14th century; in 1382 the property, then called Well-street, was sold by William-at-Well. It passed through various owners and in 1836 was auctioned, as 'a substantial, brick-built manor'.
In 1848, it was purchased by John Campbell Colquhoun, whose grandson sold it to Churchill. The Campbell Colquhouns had greatly enlarged the house and the advertisement for its sale at the time of Churchill's purchase described it as an 'imposing mansion'.
Between 1922 and 1924, it was largely rebuilt and extended by Churchill who engaged the society architect Philip Tilden to oversee the work.
From the garden front, the house has extensive and stunning views over the Weald of Kent. Churchill described the views as "the most beautiful and charming I have ever seen" and went on to say that the views were the determining factor in his decision to buy the house.
In 1946, when financial constraints forced Churchill to consider selling Chartwell, it was acquired by the National Trust with funds raised by a consortium of Churchill's friends led by Lord Camrose, on condition that the Churchills retain a life-tenancy.
After Churchill's death, Lady Churchill surrendered her lease on the house and it was opened to the public by the Trust in 1966.
A Grade I listed building, for its historical significance rather than its architectural merit.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winston_Churchill
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chartwell
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell
Main Entrance
Sadly the National Trust doesn't allow photography inside Chartwell. I was disappointed but I respected the rules.
Chartwell is a national treasure and I would have liked to share the experience with friends and contacts who might not ever get the chance to see it. Sadly that opportunity to share was denied me.
Chartwell is a country house near Westerham, Kent, in South East England. For over forty years it was the home of Winston Churchill. He bought the property in September 1922 and lived there until shortly before his death in January 1965. In the 1930s, when Churchill was out of political office, Chartwell became the centre of his world. At his dining table, he gathered those who could assist his campaign against German re-armament and the British government's response of appeasement; in his study, he composed speeches and wrote books; in his garden, he built walls, constructed lakes and painted. During the Second World War Chartwell was largely unused, the Churchills returning after he lost the 1945 election. In 1953, when again prime minister, the house became Churchill's refuge when he suffered a debilitating stroke. In October 1964, he left for the last time, dying at his London home, 28 Hyde Park Gate, on 24 January 1965.
The origins of the estate reach back to the 14th century; in 1382, the property then called Well-street was owned by William-at-Well.
26th Aug 2019
Chartwell
The country home of Sir Winston Churchill.
He bought the property in September 1922 and lived there for over forty years until shortly before his death in January 1965.
In the 1930s, when Churchill was excluded from political office, Chartwell became the centre of his world. At his dining table, he gathered those who could assist his campaign against German re-armament and the British government's response of appeasement; in his study, he composed speeches and wrote books; in his garden, he built walls, constructed lakes and painted.
During the Second World War Chartwell was largely unused, whilst Churchil was occupied at Downing Street and Chequers.
The Churchills returned to Chartwell after he lost the 1945 election.
In 1953, when again Prime Minister, the house became Churchill's refuge when he suffered a devastating stroke.
In October 1964, he left Chartwell for the last time, dying at his London home, 28, Hyde Park Gate, on 24 January 1965.
The origins of the estate reach back to the 14th century; in 1382 the property, then called Well-street, was sold by William-at-Well. It passed through various owners and in 1836 was auctioned, as 'a substantial, brick-built manor'.
In 1848, it was purchased by John Campbell Colquhoun, whose grandson sold it to Churchill. The Campbell Colquhouns had greatly enlarged the house and the advertisement for its sale at the time of Churchill's purchase described it as an 'imposing mansion'.
Between 1922 and 1924, it was largely rebuilt and extended by Churchill who engaged the society architect Philip Tilden to oversee the work.
From the garden front, the house has extensive and stunning views over the Weald of Kent. Churchill described the views as "the most beautiful and charming I have ever seen" and went on to say that the views were the determining factor in his decision to buy the house.
In 1946, when financial constraints forced Churchill to consider selling Chartwell, it was acquired by the National Trust with funds raised by a consortium of Churchill's friends led by Lord Camrose, on condition that the Churchills retain a life-tenancy.
After Churchill's death, Lady Churchill surrendered her lease on the house and it was opened to the public by the Trust in 1966.
A Grade I listed building, for its historical significance rather than its architectural merit.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winston_Churchill
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chartwell
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell
Walled Garden
The greater part of this wall was built between the years 1925 & 1932 by Sir Winston with his own hands.
Chartwell is a country house near Westerham, Kent, in South East England. For over forty years it was the home of Winston Churchill. He bought the property in September 1922 and lived there until shortly before his death in January 1965. In the 1930s, when Churchill was out of political office, Chartwell became the centre of his world. At his dining table, he gathered those who could assist his campaign against German re-armament and the British government's response of appeasement; in his study, he composed speeches and wrote books; in his garden, he built walls, constructed lakes and painted. During the Second World War Chartwell was largely unused, the Churchills returning after he lost the 1945 election. In 1953, when again prime minister, the house became Churchill's refuge when he suffered a debilitating stroke. In October 1964, he left for the last time, dying at his London home, 28 Hyde Park Gate, on 24 January 1965.
The origins of the estate reach back to the 14th century; in 1382, the property then called Well-street was owned by William-at-Well.
26th Aug 2019
Chartwell House was the principal adult home of Sir Winston Churchill. Churchill and his wife Clementine bought the property, located two miles south of Westerham, Kent, England, in 1922.
The Walled Garden at Chartwell, formerly home of Sir Winston Churchill and now a National Trust property. The inscription reads:-
THE GREATER PART OF THIS WALL WAS BUILT BETWEEN THE YEARS 1925 & 1932 BY WINSTON WITH HIS OWN HANDS
Chartwell, formerly the home of Sir Winston Churchill and now a National Trust property.
Chartwell is a grade I listed building.
Sir Winston Churchill often sat beside this pool at his home, Chartwell, to meditate and to feed his golden orfe. You can see his seat and the box used to store the food he fed the fishes.
Chartwell, formerly the home of Sir Winston Churchill and now a National Trust property.
Chartwell is a grade I listed building.
Chartwell is a country house near Westerham, Kent, in South East England. For over forty years it was the home of Winston Churchill. He bought the property in September 1922 and lived there until shortly before his death in January 1965. In the 1930s, when Churchill was out of political office, Chartwell became the centre of his world. At his dining table, he gathered those who could assist his campaign against German re-armament and the British government's response of appeasement; in his study, he composed speeches and wrote books; in his garden, he built walls, constructed lakes and painted. During the Second World War Chartwell was largely unused, the Churchills returning after he lost the 1945 election. In 1953, when again prime minister, the house became Churchill's refuge when he suffered a debilitating stroke. In October 1964, he left for the last time, dying at his London home, 28 Hyde Park Gate, on 24 January 1965.
The origins of the estate reach back to the 14th century; in 1382, the property then called Well-street was owned by William-at-Well.
26th Aug 2019
Chartwell is a country house near Westerham, Kent, in South East England. For over forty years it was the home of Winston Churchill. He bought the property in September 1922 and lived there until shortly before his death in January 1965. In the 1930s, when Churchill was out of political office, Chartwell became the centre of his world. At his dining table, he gathered those who could assist his campaign against German re-armament and the British government's response of appeasement; in his study, he composed speeches and wrote books; in his garden, he built walls, constructed lakes and painted. During the Second World War Chartwell was largely unused, the Churchills returning after he lost the 1945 election. In 1953, when again prime minister, the house became Churchill's refuge when he suffered a debilitating stroke. In October 1964, he left for the last time, dying at his London home, 28 Hyde Park Gate, on 24 January 1965.
The origins of the estate reach back to the 14th century; in 1382, the property then called Well-street was owned by William-at-Well.
26th Aug 2019
Chartwell is a country house near Westerham, Kent, in South East England. For over forty years it was the home of Winston Churchill. He bought the property in September 1922 and lived there until shortly before his death in January 1965. In the 1930s, when Churchill was out of political office, Chartwell became the centre of his world. At his dining table, he gathered those who could assist his campaign against German re-armament and the British government's response of appeasement; in his study, he composed speeches and wrote books; in his garden, he built walls, constructed lakes and painted. During the Second World War Chartwell was largely unused, the Churchills returning after he lost the 1945 election. In 1953, when again prime minister, the house became Churchill's refuge when he suffered a debilitating stroke. In October 1964, he left for the last time, dying at his London home, 28 Hyde Park Gate, on 24 January 1965.
The origins of the estate reach back to the 14th century; in 1382, the property then called Well-street was owned by William-at-Well.
26th Aug 2019
Chartwell is a country house near Westerham, Kent, in South East England. For over forty years it was the home of Winston Churchill. He bought the property in September 1922 and lived there until shortly before his death in January 1965. In the 1930s, when Churchill was out of political office, Chartwell became the centre of his world. At his dining table, he gathered those who could assist his campaign against German re-armament and the British government's response of appeasement; in his study, he composed speeches and wrote books; in his garden, he built walls, constructed lakes and painted. During the Second World War Chartwell was largely unused, the Churchills returning after he lost the 1945 election. In 1953, when again prime minister, the house became Churchill's refuge when he suffered a debilitating stroke. In October 1964, he left for the last time, dying at his London home, 28 Hyde Park Gate, on 24 January 1965.
The origins of the estate reach back to the 14th century; in 1382, the property then called Well-street was owned by William-at-Well.
26th Aug 2019
The swimming pool at Churchill's former home Chartwell, now a National Trust property.
Fotosketcher oil painting
Churchill's country house. The Monet belongs to the artist's Charing Cross Bridge series. It formed a significant element in the negotiations between the executors of Churchill's estate and the National Land Fund over the gifting of many of Chartwell's contents to the National Trust in lieu of death duties.
Monet, painting it in 1900, wrote of "an extraordinary fog, completely yellow." This is of course the classic London 'pea souper', made acid yellow by cheap, sulfurous coal. Nowadays, we'd call it an Air Quality Index of 'Hazardous' (the highest level); back then, Monet called it "beautiful." The National Trust caption (www.nationaltrustcollections.org.uk/object/1102455):
"In 1949, Sir Winston Churchill (1874–1965) received a gift from his friend and literary agent Emery Reves (1904–81), which he described as ‘a very small token of my gratitude for your friendship’. The gift was highly appropriate as Reves knew that Churchill greatly admired the work of the French Impressionist artist Claude Monet (1840–1926).
"Monet painted this work on his last visit to London, and it may be the one described in his diary of February 1900, which documents that there was ‘an extraordinary fog, completely yellow; I think I did not too bad an impression of it; it’s always beautiful.’ Appropriately for this gift to Churchill, it presents a view over the River Thames towards Westminster and was painted from Monet’s rooms at the Savoy Hotel, one of many different versions he painted. At this date, Churchill was the leader of the Opposition, so Reves concluded his letter with a wish that ‘the fog that shrouds Westminster’ would lift. The painting remained a treasured possession at Churchill’s principal home of Chartwell House in Kent."
The gift letter reads in full as follows:
Dear Mr. Churchill,
This is a true story.
Knowing that Monet is your favourite painter I have been searching for one of his good paintings for many months. I have seen several, but none of his great period.
By far the best I could find in Paris was a canvas of 1902 which has the added attraction of representing Charing Cross Bridge and Westminster in the morning fog. It is purest Impressionism, nothing but light and colour without any design. Opinion on that period of Monet is divided. Clemenceau and many others thought that this period was the peak of Monet’s art, but most people believe that he produced his really great paintings between 1870 and 1880.
Unfortunately I belong to the latter school of thought and, although this painting is reproduced in several books, I decided to wait until I found one I liked better.
To my great surprise I discovered at the French Landscapes Exhibition at the Royal Academy the exact pendant of this paining, lent by a Paris collector. In the Academy the picture looks good, although it is much more sketchy and not so well painted as the one I found in France.
I discussed this canvas with John Rothenstein of the Tate Gallery who was extremely eulogistic, even using the term “masterpiece”. I wanted to be sure and asked him: “would you hang it in the Tate Gallery?” to which he most emphatically answered that he would be more than happy to do so.
Encouraged by the thought that if you do not like it you can always give it to the Tate, I arranged for the painting to be brought over this morning. Please accept it as a very small token of my gratitude for your friendship, which has been for so many years my greatest pride.
That this comes between your 75th birthday and Christmas is not purely coincidental.
My very best wishes for a happy 1950 during which I hope you will dissipate the fog that shrouds Westminster.
Yours very sincerely
Emery Reves
Chartwell
The country home of Sir Winston Churchill.
He bought the property in September 1922 and lived there for over forty years until shortly before his death in January 1965.
In the 1930s, when Churchill was excluded from political office, Chartwell became the centre of his world. At his dining table, he gathered those who could assist his campaign against German re-armament and the British government's response of appeasement; in his study, he composed speeches and wrote books; in his garden, he built walls, constructed lakes and painted.
During the Second World War Chartwell was largely unused, whilst Churchil was occupied at Downing Street and Chequers.
The Churchills returned to Chartwell after he lost the 1945 election.
In 1953, when again Prime Minister, the house became Churchill's refuge when he suffered a devastating stroke.
In October 1964, he left Chartwell for the last time, dying at his London home, 28, Hyde Park Gate, on 24 January 1965.
The origins of the estate reach back to the 14th century; in 1382 the property, then called Well-street, was sold by William-at-Well. It passed through various owners and in 1836 was auctioned, as 'a substantial, brick-built manor'.
In 1848, it was purchased by John Campbell Colquhoun, whose grandson sold it to Churchill. The Campbell Colquhouns had greatly enlarged the house and the advertisement for its sale at the time of Churchill's purchase described it as an 'imposing mansion'.
Between 1922 and 1924, it was largely rebuilt and extended by Churchill who engaged the society architect Philip Tilden to oversee the work.
From the garden front, the house has extensive and stunning views over the Weald of Kent. Churchill described the views as "the most beautiful and charming I have ever seen" and went on to say that the views were the determining factor in his decision to buy the house.
In 1946, when financial constraints forced Churchill to consider selling Chartwell, it was acquired by the National Trust with funds raised by a consortium of Churchill's friends led by Lord Camrose, on condition that the Churchills retain a life-tenancy.
After Churchill's death, Lady Churchill surrendered her lease on the house and it was opened to the public by the Trust in 1966.
A Grade I listed building, for its historical significance rather than its architectural merit.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winston_Churchill
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chartwell
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell
Walled Garden
The greater part of this wall was built between the years 1925 & 1932 by Sir Winston with his own hands.
NB
The buttresses are a later addition and indicate that whilst Sir Winston was good at building walls he wasn't so good at digging deep foundations.