A week of Kent: Smallhythe Place

September 1, 2009

A week of Kent: Smallhythe Place

The former home of Victorian actress Dame Ellen Terry, this 16th-century cottage features marvellously wonky floorboards as well as a startling array of theatre memorabilia that Terry had fastidiously collected in true magpie-style over her lifetime. Truly a woman after my own heart!

The old theatre costumes and props were fascinating, but I really loved
looking at her more personal items, like the meticulous sewing kit she
kept as well as her dressing table, laid out with trinkets and hair
brushes.

The English cottage garden was also a delight, with big, old-fashioned roses and an orchard out the back. Don't miss the small National Trust second-hand book stall in the garden – I stumbled upon some excellent vintage Ladybird and wildlife books.

Smallhythe Place

Smallhythe, Tenterden
Kent TN30 7NG

Tel. 01580 762334

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Posted at 4:17 pm in Best of Britain, Kent, Out and about in the UK | Permalink

Tweet tweet! I love reading all your comments - thanks so much for stopping by.

http://makedostyle.blogspot.com Make Do Style

Looks and sounds delightful!
http://kickcanandconkers.blogspot.com Deb

Looks divine – very English indeed. Reminds me of Howards End.
http://jo-rainbow.blogspot.com/ Jo

I’ve been enjoying your blog, thanks for the insights into Kent – I’ve lived there for 20 years and these are places I haven’t ventured. Looking forward to exploring some of them myself
http://www.niftyknits.co.uk heather

If only I’d known you were in the area I’d have baked a cake! This is very local to me, it’s a great area for walking, and of course the vineyard just along the road is also worth a visit…and maybe a taste?
http://countrydays.wordpress.com/ Country Days

We’re loving your summer travelogue! You have a great eye for spotting gorgeous places and things…
http://basilexposition.wordpress.com Fionnuala

Gorgeous house. Interesting that you mention Ellen Terry – she has a very small bit part in the book I’m currently reading, as a friend of Lewis Carroll.
Karen

Being a theatre person myself (I edit a theatre industry magazine and am a producer), I would have loved to see photos of those memorabilia and props, but I imagine photos inside were not allowed. But the outside of the house is intriguing enough to imagine all the treasures inside!
http://www.deliciousindustries.blogspot.com Delicious Industries

Ooh, Mrs Dalloway is going to be my holiday book this year, must try to get this version, as that cover is gorgeous!