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Chawton House

Daffodils and spring flowering bulbs are scattered through this 15 acre listed English landscape garden. Sweeping lawns, a wilderness, terraces and shrubbery walks surround the Elizabethan manor house. The walled garden designed by Edward Knight inc a rose garden, flower borders, orchard, kitchen garden, and herb garden based on 'A Curious Herbal' (1737-39) by Elizabeth Blackwell.

Owner Info

Chawton House
Chawton House
Chawton House
Chawton House
Chawton House
Chawton House
Chawton House
Chawton House
Chawton House
Chawton House
Chawton House
Chawton House
Chawton House
Chawton House
Chawton House
Chawton House
Chawton House
Chawton House

About Chawton House

Part of the South Downs National Park, the gardens are a small part of a larger estate belonging to a charitable trust, and are open to visitors.

The grounds and gardens continue to be in the process of restoration although a great deal has already been achieved. The Parkland is restored in the English landscape period of the 18th century, while the gardens have examples of 18th and 19th century Victorian/Edwardian design. Edward (Austen) Knight, Jane Austen’s brother, created the walled kitchen garden, shrubberies and parkland. Edward inherited Chawton House after being adopted by relations Thomas and Catherine Knight, who were childless. We know from Jane’s letters that she was involved with the new plans, but sadly she died before the completion of the walled garden.

Throughout the estate, locally derived native trees and shrubs that were introduced to Britain prior to 1840 are being used as much as possible. The promotion of nature conservation and ecology to create a wide diversity of the land and wildlife habitats remains a constant principle.

The garden is comprised of the South Lawn, in the English Landscape style, complete with Ha-Ha to allow for an uninterrupted vista of the park and grazing animals. The lawn retains its informal character, as originally intended.

Next to the lawn and house, the Library or Lower Terrace was built between 1896 and 1910 by Montagu Knight (1844-1914); the terrace was an Arts & Crafts addition and almost certainly influenced by Edwin Lutyens, whose influence can also be seen inside the house. Follow the Serpentine Gravel Path from here to the Upper Terrace and Fernery, with the Walled Garden just beyond. The Walled Garden contains the Rose Garden, Orchard, Kitchen Garden and Elizabeth Blackwell inspired Herb Garden. In Jane Austen’s time, the kitchen garden was located to the north of the Rectory (opposite the current entrance to Chawton House); Edward (Austen) Knight had the idea to build a new walled garden during his sister’s lifetime, but his plans did not come to fruition until after her death in 1817.

The Wilderness across the South Lawn dates from the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries and was originally set out geometrically with trees in straight rows, a practice which was later dropped; it has survived the English Landscape improvements and informal paths were made through the Wilderness in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

The South Lime Avenue was planted by Montagu Knight during the second part of the nineteenth century and continues the view across to the parkland, over the Ha-Ha, where the original 1860s fence has been restored and reinstated.

The Parkland is open to visitors and has signposted walks. A tea shed on the main drive to the house and the Old Kitchen Tearoom provide refreshments (check website for offers and opening times).
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Location details

Chawton House,
Alton,
Hampshire,
GU34 1SJ

Directions to Chawton House
In Chawton village take the Gosport Rd opp Jane Austen House towards St Nicholas Church. Chawton House is at the end of the road on the L. Parking on site & in village.

Chawton House openings

You can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Light refreshments.
Admission Adult: £8.00
Child: £6.00
Opening times 10:00-15:00

Accessibility

  • Due to steps, slopes and gravel paths, we regret this garden is not suitable for wheelchairs.
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FAQs

Yes, cashless payment is accepted.

Yes, coaches are accepted at Chawton House. Please get in touch with the owners for details.

Yes, dogs are welcome at Chawton House. Please keep the dogs on fixed short leads in the garden and keep in mind that you are responsible for controlling the dog’s behaviour. For any specific rules please ask the owners.

There are no plants for sale for the time being.

Sorry, Chawton House does not yet accommodate wheelchair users.

Yes. Chawton House seeks to offer a sustainable refuge for nearby fauna and wildlife. These sanctuaries host diverse habitats supporting indigenous flora and fauna and nurturing local biodiversity.