Owletts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Owletts |
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| OS grid reference | TQ 665 687 |
| Built | 1683/4 |
| Built for | Bonham Hayes (farmer) |
| Restored | conservation works 2010–2012 by National Trust |
| Architect | Bonham Hayes |
| Architectural style(s) | extended and altered by Sir Herbert Baker |
| Governing body | The National Trust. Www.nationaltrust.org.uk/Owletts |
| Type | Grade II* |
| Designated | 27 August 1952 |
| Reference no. | 1049097 |
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Owletts is a beautiful old country house. It is located near the village of Cobham in Kent, England.
This special house is owned by the National Trust. It is also a Grade II* listed building. This means it is a very important historical building.
Contents
The Story of Owletts
Who Built Owletts?
Owletts was first built in 1683 or 1684. A successful farmer named Bonham Hayes built it. He lived there with his wife, Elizabeth.
The house is made of red brick. It has two floors and looks the same on both sides. It also has sliding windows and special roof windows called dormers. Inside, some parts of the house are from 1684. There is a very fancy plaster ceiling above the main stairs. This ceiling has a special design from the Carolean period.
How Owletts Changed Hands
After Bonham Hayes, his son Richard owned the house. Then, Richard's grandson, also named Richard, took over. In 1894, the Edmeades family became the owners. Later, through marriage, the Baker family came to live there.
Sir Herbert Baker's Home
A famous architect named Sir Herbert Baker was born at Owletts in 1862. Later in his life, Owletts became his own home. He made many changes to the house. He added a porch and a new section on the north-west side.
Sir Herbert also removed a wall between the entrance hall and the drawing room. He put a special 'Empire' clock in that room. His family filled the house with furniture they had made or collected.
The Gardens of Owletts
The garden at Owletts was partly designed by Gertrude Jekyll. She was a famous garden designer. She was introduced to Sir Herbert Baker by her friend, Edwin Lutyens.
You can find Acanthus plants growing in the garden. These plants are a symbol of Sir Herbert Baker's work as an architect. There is also a bird-bath in the garden. It is made from old stone pieces from the Bank of England building. Sir Herbert saved these pieces when he rebuilt the Bank between 1925 and 1939.
Owletts and the National Trust
Sir Herbert Baker passed away in 1946. He was 83 years old. He left Owletts to the National Trust. The National Trust usually rents out the house. However, some rooms and the garden are open for people to visit.
David Baker, Sir Herbert Baker's great-grandson, lived there with his family. He was the last tenant. The house closed in 2011 for a big renovation. This project cost £1 million. During this time, 900 objects and 1,400 books from the house were carefully stored away. Owletts reopened to the public on April 7, 2013.
The National Trust has stated that Owletts will be open for at least two days a year. A new tenant has not yet moved in.
