Knole Park & House
Wed May 23 2012 
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Kent
Knole Park & House
Kent
 

Knole Park & Knole House Restoration

 

 

One of the finest country houses in the South of England...Knole House in Sevenoaks, set in paradisaic surroundings are starting a massive renovation project to the house, and also to it's fantastic collection of art, tapestries, textiles and furniture. Knole House is situated in a beautiful 1, 000 acre parkland where herds of deer are there to see, thousands of visitors flock here every year to visit the house and see the wonderful collections of very old and priceless pieces on display. It is also proud to show one of the finest collections of 17th century furniture in the world!

The house itself is over 500 years old and was originally an archbishops palace, and owned by the 1st Earl of Dorset, Thomas Sackville, which has remained in the Sackville family for almost all of this time, until finally the National Trust took it over. 

 

 

The thirteen showrooms that house these fabulous works, which are not only from England but collected from many parts of the world are in need of renovation. The building itself is in need of repairs to the exterior and interior, also the many rooms need a complete refurbishment as they are all originally the same as they were in the 18th century. Some rooms are without heating which is creating severe problems for the tapestries and textiles that hang there becoming damp. Eventually a climate control system will be installed which will give a constant temperature all year round to preserve them far better.

The expected renovation costs will be about £15 million pounds to complete, which needs to be raised, but this will not only give the interior of the house a new but original look, but the priceless works will be cleaned and each one renovated professionally to bring back the excellent original condition, this will give a greater opportunity to attract more visitors to come to the house and view it's finest works.The work when completed, will give future generations the wonderful historic value of visiting the house and park and getting a great idea of how they lived in the 15th century, and onwards. The renovation is already in the final planning stages and some has already started, but it is hope that the National Trust will be able to receive a grant from different organisations and especially the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Please visit Knole House website to find out more information and the opening times - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole