Geograph - photograph every grid square

Originally owned by the Streatfield family, this was a late 17th century house but increased to be a sandstone castellated mansion in the early 19th century when it was called 'castle'. This was done in two stages - between 1808-9 and in the 1830s.

The last private owner, Denys Eyre Bower, who lived here from 1955 managed to create an internationally renowned collection of Ancient Egyptian antiquities, Japanese art and crafts, Buddhist artefacts, Royal Stuart memorabilia and antique books. Unfortunately he was imprisoned in Wormwood Scrubs for attempted murder - see Link (Archive Link )

When he died in 1977 Chiddingstone Castle was offered to the National Trust who already owned Chiddingstone village but the Trust felt unable to take it on without sufficient finance. Chiddingstone Castle is now run by a charitable trust.

This is the lake seen from the bridge which carries the path linking the house with the village.