Knole

Set in an extensive deer park owned by Lord Sackville, Knole is one of the great `treasure houses' of England. It has been the home of the Sackville family since 1603, including four Dukes of Dorset, and houses an extensive collection of furnishings and paintings, many in the house since the 17th century. The largest private house in England, Knole is a spectacular example of late medieval architecture overlaid with extensive Jacobean embellishments, including remarkable carving and plasterwork. The Sackville family crest of the leopard rampant recurs throughout. An internationally renowned collection of Royal Stuart furnishings, including three state beds, celebrated silver furniture, and the prototype of the `Knole' settee. Thirteen years were spent restoring the fabrics on the bed in the Kings' room. The 6th Earl of Dorset played host to poets Pope and Dryden. Knole was the birthplace of the writer, Vita Sackville-West, and the setting for Virginia Woolf's novel Orlando. Important collection of paintings, including works by Van Dyck, Lely, Kneller,Gainsborough, Hoppner, Wootton, and a room devoted to the works of Sir Joshua Reynolds, commissioned for the house by the 3rd Duke of Dorset, including portraits of Dr Johnson, David Garrick and Oliver Goldsmith. The experience of visiting the house, which has been little altered since the 18th century, is like stepping back in time. OPENING TIMES: House & Garden 27 March - 31 October Wed - Sat, 12 noon - 4pm. Last admission 3.30pm. Sun, BH Mon & Good Fri 11am - 5pm. Last admission 4pm. Garden May - September 1st Wed of month only 12 noon - 4pm. Last admission 3pm