Lutyens and Sackville-West

Saturday 10 May, 10am to 5am

Sevenoaks, Kent

A Tour of National Trust’s Knole House and Privately Owned Long Barn Gardens, in Sevenoaks, Kent  

Lutyens became a close companion of Lady Victoria Sackville-West, and was commissioned to undertake work on a portfolio of properties for her. These works include some alterations to Knole, as well as designs for the garden at Long Barn Gardens, which was the home of Lady Sackville’s daughter, Vita, and her husband Harold Nicholson.

Knole.  Image from National Trust website.

Knole, Sevenoaks TN15 0RP

Knole was originally a manor house before being remodelled to create a Palace for the Archbishop of Canterbury. Henry VIII then acquired Knole and hunted in the Deer Park, the last remaining Medieval deer park in Kent. Knole was gifted to the Sackville family in the early 17th Century.

Long Barn Gardens, Sevenoaks Weald, Sevenoaks TN14 6NH

Long Barn Gardens.  Image from Long Barn Gardens Instagram.

Due to not being a male heir, Vita Saville-West was not allowed to inherit her childhood home Knole. Before settling at Sissinghurst Vita and Harold lived at Long Barn, a house situated just four miles from Knole, which is believed to date back to 1360. Here Vita and Harold created their first garden together, including an area of L-shaped beds which was designed by Lutyens.

Itinerary

10am – Meet at Knole and introduction to the day

10:30 – Group A: Private tour of the attic rooms

Group B: Visit the Show Rooms, Tower, Conservation Studio, Deer Park, and book shop at  own leisure

11:30 – Group A: Visit the Show Rooms, Tower, Conservation Studio, Deer Park, and book shop at own leisure

Group B: Private tour of the attic rooms

12:30 – More time to explore the Show Rooms, Deer Park, Conservation Studio, Tower, and bookshop at own leisure

13:30 – Meet at The Windmill for tea, coffee, and a buffet lunch

15:00 – Private visit to Long Barn Gardens

17:00 – End of day

Included in the Ticket

• Booked parking at Knole
• Entrance to Knole House and Tower
• Entrance to Knole Show Rooms
• Private tour of Knole Attic Rooms
• Refreshments and buffet lunch at The Windmill
• Entrance to Long Barn Gardens

Please note that travel to and between locations is not included.

NB – Knole Showrooms are only partially accessible (wheelchairs users can only access the Great Hall). Attic rooms are reached by a number of staircases. Gatehouse Tower is accessed via a steep, narrow, spiral staircase.