Explore Knole House: A Treasure of History and Mystery
A Palace Through the Ages
Nestled in the heart of Sevenoaks, Knole House is one of England's largest historic homes, with a history spanning over 600 years. Originally built in the late 15th century, it has served as a royal residence and is now the ancestral home of the Sackville family.
The Calendar House
One intriguing curiosity is that Knole is known as the "Calendar House". Legend says it has 365 rooms (one for each day of the year), 52 staircases (weeks), 12 entrances (months), and 7 courtyards (days of the week). While these numbers aren't exact, the myth adds to the house's enchanting allure.
Literary Connections
Knole House has inspired famous writers. Vita Sackville-West, a poet and novelist born at Knole, was a close friend of Virginia Woolf. Woolf's novel "Orlando" is said to be inspired by Knole and Vita, exploring themes of time and identity.
Artistic Treasures
The house is a treasure trove of art, housing works by renowned artists like Thomas Gainsborough and Joshua Reynolds. Its collection of Stuart furniture and tapestries is among the finest in the country.
Ghostly Tales
With such a long history, it's no surprise that Knole House has its share of ghost stories. Visitors and staff have reported sightings of mysterious figures and unexplained sounds, adding a hint of mystery to your visit.
A Visit Worth Making
Managed by the National Trust, Knole House is open to the public. Explore its grand rooms, beautiful gardens, and discover centuries of history under one roof.
Don't miss the chance to uncover the secrets of Knole House.