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Family home of the renowned architect Sir Herbert Baker

This delightful Charles II house is an extraordinary example of a Kent country home. Owletts and its gardens have many treasures, especially from when it was home to its most famous owner Sir Herbert Baker, whose architectural influences can still be found throughout the house.

Please note: The house is closed while major repair work takes place. We are expecting the house to re-open to the public during the summer of 2012.

Repair and renovation

A view of Owletts house taken from the east, showing the repairs to the structure of the building during 2011 © Gareth Wiltshire

During 2012 we're completing a major restoration of the Owletts mansion. Find out what we're doing to preserve this historical treasure for future generations.

Restoring the orchard at Owletts

Replanting the orchard at Owletts © Jonathan Ireland

Replanting in the snow

© Jonathan Ireland

The orchard at Owletts has recently been restored with the help of a local school.

Wonderful wallpaper

An unusual example of 18th century flocked wallpaper that has survived the centuries at Owletts house in Kent. © Andrew Bush

During the renovations of Owletts we discovered rare and unique wall paper. Flocked and fashionable, what did we find and why was it so important to preserve?

Sir Herbert Baker

Sir Hebert Baker renowned British architect who worked in throughout Britain and the Empire during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. © The National Portrait Gallery, London

Sir Herbert Baker (1862-1946) was one of the leading British architects of the late 19th and early 20th century. This was his family home and he generously donated it to the nation in 1938.

Moving back home

Staff and Volunteers cleaning the collection at Owletts house in Kent. © Gill Nason

The collection at Owletts was carefully stored away while our renovation project took place. Now, as we're getting ready to re-open the house to the public, we've started preparing the collection to go back on display.