England - Chartwell
Winston Churchill's Home in Kent
If you like visiting homes of famous people, this very charming home is sure to be high on your favourites list. Winston Churchill and his wife and children lived here in the rolling countryside of Kent for many years. Churchill was very involved in all the architectural changes to the home. One of his hobbies was to transform the extensive grounds by adding lakes, gardens, an in-ground heated swimming pool, and even built his daughter a little play house.
The Studio
Churchill was an excellent artist. In Chapter 7 of the book Chartwell, Lady Soames describes her father’s painting life. The Studio was created in the 1930’s and became Churchill’s favourite refuge in those years. On the walls are hung, floor to ceiling, many of his unframed canvases in various stages of completion. The studio is furnished with Churchill’s easel and armchair and other memorabilia.
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The Water Garden and Swimming Pool
One of the most magical parts of the garden is the Goldfish Pond where Churchill loved to sit and paint or feed the golden orfe. A path takes you to a chain of pools that are connected by waterfalls and rockwork and descend into the round, heated swimming pool that was built in the 1930’s to Churchill’s specifications.
See The National Trust Website for more information. Chartwell is 25 miles, (less than an hour by car) from Westminster in London. It is 2 miles south of Westerham (A25). M25 Junctions 5 and 6.