Chartwell

About Chartwell

Chartwell, in Westerham, was the family home of Sir Winston Churchill for over 40 years. It was Chartwell’s spectacular Wealden setting that first captivated Churchill and over the years he enjoyed a happy relationship with his little piece of Kent countryside, landscaping, painting and keeping animals. Churchill added his mark to the ancient landscape surrounding Chartwell by shaping the physical features, including the tranquil water garden and the colourful herbaceous borders. However, it was Lady Churchill who had the real eye for planting, creating beautiful beds full of pastel colours and heavy scents. The fragrant butterfly walk comes alive with colour and fluttering in the summer, whilst Lady Churchill’s elegant rose garden is awash with pretty tea roses. The National Trust gardeners started restoring the 1930s kitchen garden in 2004 and it now supplies the restaurant with fresh, tasty, seasonal produce. Its wonderful productivity is much celebrated at Chartwell and food, which always was at the very heart of this home, remains a central part of Chartwell life. For further information – and to see what events are taking place at Chartwell this year – visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell or call 01732 868381.