House at Bateman's

Bateman's entrance hall with fireplace at Christmas

Bateman's is a 17th century house set in the stunning landscape of the Sussex Weald. Bought by Rudyard Kipling and his wife, who fell in love with the house at first sight, it became a much loved family home. Discover the personal stories of Rudyard Kipling, his wife Carrie and their three children as you explore the house at Bateman's.

Conservation work in the house

During the winter time we carry out essential conservation work in the house. This is vital to ensure the upkeep of all the precious and irreplacable items that make this place special.

This year to help us complete this work whilst keeping the house open to visitors, we will be offering guided tours of the house on weekdays from Monday 30 October to Friday 1 December and then again from Tuesday 2 January until Friday 16 February. 

Tours will be guided by our volunteers and will give visitors a chance to look behind the scenes at our conservation work. During this period some rooms will be closed completely for conservation work whilst others will have no access but visitors will be able to see our team at work and have the chance to ask questions about the jobs in hand.

Bateman's
Furniture covered in dust sheets
Bateman's

Conservation exhibition

The old kitchen at the end of your tour, will be given over to an exhibition of some of the problems that we encounter in our conservation. Visitors will be able to see what methods we use to protect our precious collection and some before and after examples of our cleaning. 

All properties undertake this important work to ensure that the many items that Trust looks after are preserved and cared for so that they can be enjoyed by present and future generations to come.

Come along and see how we keep Kipling's collection in the best shape for everyone to enjoy into the future.

During weekends the house will be open as normal with visitors free to wander through at their leisure. Some rooms may be closed off during weekends depending on the nature of any conservation work that has taken place during the preceding week.

Step back in time in Kipling's study

As you enter the study it almost feels as though Kipling has just left to return at any moment. The book-lined walls, his messy desk covered in ink spots and the day bed, with its cigarette burns, are evidence that this was very much his space.

The Kipling collection

You'll find some unusual and intriguing objects in the Kipling collection.  Don't miss the Nobel Prize for literature or paintings from The Jungle Book.  

Follow the link at the bottom of the page and discover more of our treasures online.

Rudyard Kipling's bookplate at Bateman's
Rudyard Kipling's Bookplate
Rudyard Kipling's bookplate at Bateman's

Kipling aloud

After 75 years Rudyard Kipling's voice can beheard in the house once again.  A Pathe newsreel played in the study on an iPad has the only known footage of him speaking. Don't miss the phonograph with his verse set to music and select a station on the 1930s radio to hear on of his famous quotations.