insideKENT Magazine Issue 58 - January 2017 | Page 60

VISITKENT

DISCOVER KNOLE

KNOLE IS A HOUSE FULL OF HIDDEN TREASURES. BUILT AS AN ARCHBISHOP’ S PALACE AND NESTLED IN KENT ' S LAST MEDIEVAL DEER PARK, THE HOUSE PASSED THROUGH ROYAL HANDS TO THE SACKVILLE FAMILY – ITS INHABITANTS FROM 1603 TO TODAY.
Knole is in the midst of a huge project to conserve and restore its remarkable showrooms and world-class collection, with the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The showrooms are currently closed for the winter but will re-open in March, when visitors will be able to see several newly restored rooms and marvel at the portraits and royal furniture that make this collection internationally significant.
( Please note that specialist conservation work is ongoing and some showrooms will be closed to visitors this year).
Other areas of Knole are open all year round to enjoy. Sit a while in the atmospheric Orangery, learn about Knole ' s fascinating past in the Visitor Centre and Estate Office, or explore the historic courtyards.
For the first time, visitors can climb to the top of the newly restored Gatehouse Tower, with incredible views across the sprawling parkland and rooftops, before exploring the private rooms of former resident Eddy Sackville-West.
And after a busy day exploring Knole ' s 1,000- acre deer park, why not relax in the refurbished Brewhouse Café or browse the new gift shop or specialist bookshop.
Knole’ s medieval barn will soon be home to a state-of-the-art conservation studio, where visitors will be able to watch conservators in action, patiently caring for Knole ' s treasures.
There is always something new to discover at Knole, as we continue to peel back the layers of six hundred years of history.
Knole Sevenoaks TN15 0RP 01732 462100 www. nationaltrust. org. uk / knole
60