Restored Abode in Historic Rochester: Once Resided by Charles II and Stimulated Charles Dickens' Imagination
Nestled in the heart of Rochester, England, Restoration House stands as a testament to the country's rich historical and cultural heritage. This ancient mansion house, with its intriguing past and stunning features, offers a captivating glimpse into the England of yesteryears.
Restoration House, first documented in the early 19th century, has undergone a remarkable revival over the past three decades. The present owners, Jonathan Wilmot and Robert Tucker, bought the house and what remained of its garden in 1994. Since then, the property has been meticulously restored over seven years, preserving its early surviving paint schemes, original floors, windows, and fine English furniture and portraits.
The house's brick frontage seems to match the moment of its mid-17th-century celebrity. The south wing, possibly constructed as early as the 1450s before being remodeled and raised to two storeys in about 1600, was then linked together by the central range and overlaid with the present brick facade. By the 19th century, Restoration House included a brewery among its industrial buildings.
The gardens, meticulously maintained in a classic English style, are a delightful extension of the house. Immaculate lawns, yew hedges, topiary, and a geometric parterre create an idyllic setting. The gardens also include a lush cutting garden that supplies flowers for arrangements within the house. Currently, a Tudor garden is being transformed into an Italian water garden with statues and fountains, using a sustainable water system.
Restoration House holds a unique place in the region's cultural and literary landscape. Parts of the house, alongside Satis House, were inspirations for Miss Havisham's house in Charles Dickens' novel "Great Expectations," highlighting the house's significance in the region's literary history.
Rochester, where Restoration House resides, is a city steeped in history. Its landmarks, such as Rochester Castle and Rochester Cathedral, have witnessed significant historical events, including the English Reformation and medieval sieges.
Restoration House, despite not having detailed historical events directly related to it, is a private gem offering a valuable insight into England's historical and cultural heritage. The house is open to the public on Thursdays and Fridays from the end of May through September, offering a restricted yet captivating glimpse into its historical treasure. A visit to Restoration House is a journey back in time, transporting you to an era of grandeur and elegance.
[1] Restoration House, Rochester, England. (2021). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 18:09, March 27, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Restoration_House,_Rochester,_England&oldid=1053276947 [2] Rochester Castle. (2021). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 18:10, March 27, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rochester_Castle&oldid=1060732537 [3] Rochester Cathedral. (2021). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 18:11, March 27, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rochester_Cathedral&oldid=1060732541
Investors interested in real-estate might find Restoration House an appealing investment opportunity, considering its historical significance and ongoing renovations. After purchasing the property in 1994, the current owners have meticulously restored its original features, creating a prestigious dwelling that seamlessly blends the past and present.
