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 historic country house. It is located about 1.3 kilometers (0.8 miles) northwest of Cobham village in Kent, England.
This special building is listed as Grade II* and is owned by the National Trust.
Contents
Owletts: A Look Back in Time
Owletts was built a long time ago, in 1683–1684. It was made for Bonham Hayes, a successful farmer from the Cobham area, and his wife Elizabeth.
The house is made of red bricks and has two floors. It looks the same on both sides, with special sliding windows and dormer windows (windows that stick out from the roof). Inside, some parts of the house are still from 1684. You can see an amazing, fancy plasterwork ceiling above the main staircase. This ceiling is in a style called 'Carolean'.
Family Ownership and Changes
After Bonham Hayes, his son Richard, and then his grandson (also Richard) owned the house. In 1894, the Edmeades family took over. Later, through marriage, it became the home of the Baker family.
A famous architect named Sir Herbert Baker was born here in 1862. Owletts became his home later in his life. He made many changes to the house. He added a porch and a new section on the northwest side. He also removed a wall between the entrance hall and the drawing room. In that room, he put in a special 'Empire' clock. The Baker family filled the house with furniture they had made or collected.
The Garden at Owletts
The garden at Owletts was partly designed by Gertrude Jekyll. She was a well-known garden designer. She was introduced to Sir Herbert Baker by her friend Edwin Lutyens.
You might see 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 called 'Corinthian capitals'. These pieces came from the old Bank of England building. Sir Herbert Baker saved them when he rebuilt the Bank between 1925 and 1939.
Owletts and the National Trust
When Sir Herbert Baker passed away in 1946, he left Owletts to the National Trust. The National Trust usually rents out the property. However, some rooms and the garden are opened regularly for people to visit.
The house was closed in 2011 for a big renovation that cost £1 million. During this time, all 900 objects and 1,400 books from the house were carefully packed away. Owletts reopened to visitors on April 7, 2013. The National Trust has stated that the house will be open for visitors for at least two days a year.
