Owletts
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
29 reviews
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Mary E
Woking, UK19 contributions
Sep 2022
Owletts (home of the British architect Sir Herbert Baker, contemporary of Lutyens) is a gem to visit - such a beautiful house and large gardens to wander in, with sheep wandering in the surrounding fields.
It was super interesting to hear about the house's history from the current occupant (great, great grandson of Sir Herbert Baker) and several cousins of the family.
Not only are members of Baker's family around, but descendants of people who worked in and around the house. I felt I was plugging into a nexus of rich social history, not just seeing a building.
I took my own picnic, and lapped up the atmosphere.
It was super interesting to hear about the house's history from the current occupant (great, great grandson of Sir Herbert Baker) and several cousins of the family.
Not only are members of Baker's family around, but descendants of people who worked in and around the house. I felt I was plugging into a nexus of rich social history, not just seeing a building.
I took my own picnic, and lapped up the atmosphere.
Written September 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
milnealison6cows2018
London, UK15 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
Owletts was the birthplace of Sir Herbert Baker-who went on to design the Bank of England. The house dates back to the 18th century and is very interesting. The staircase ceiling is magnificent and is definitely the best highlight of the property. There is also a special clock which is thought to be the only one in the world.
Outside, there is a pretty garden which on a sunny day bursts with colour. Also outside is a self-service tea room and there is also seating available. There is also a delightful orchard which looks onto the car park.
As well as Owletts, I would also recommend anybody going to nearby NT property, Cobham Wood and Mausoleum. (Please note: Mausoleum only open first Sunday of the month)
Outside, there is a pretty garden which on a sunny day bursts with colour. Also outside is a self-service tea room and there is also seating available. There is also a delightful orchard which looks onto the car park.
As well as Owletts, I would also recommend anybody going to nearby NT property, Cobham Wood and Mausoleum. (Please note: Mausoleum only open first Sunday of the month)
Written July 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TheBristolJohns
Bristol, UK326 contributions
Aug 2016 • Friends
A delightful small NT property, a very elegant 17th century house, with lovely 20th century alterations carried out by a very famous British architect, the former owner / resident and descendant of the family still in residence. There are only 3 rooms open to the public, plus the landing with 17th century ceiling. Very enthusiastic room guides who explained everything thoroughly, I had heard of Sir Herbert Baker, but had not realised quite how important and prolific he was - he deserves to be as well known as his contemporary, Lutyens. I loved the 20th century Edwardian alterations he made to the house, of course this kind of change wouldn't get past planning now, and the Empire clock - those were the days! The garden is nice, though it would have been lovely to have been able to see in the walled garden, which is private. There is a charming self service tea room, which is done in a rather classy way. Recommended if you have 1-2 hours to spare.
Written August 15, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Richard G
Haywards Heath, UK232 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
We often thought about visiting Owletts but the combination of extremely limited visiting dates (Sundays only up until Sept) and the fact that it is a small property meant that it often slipped to the bottom of our list of places to go.
Having visited today, I would urge you to make the trip. Owletts is a relatively small 17th century country house. It's most notable occupant being Sir Herbert Baker who was a very well known architect and had links to the Empire. The house is still lived in by his decedents which explains the limited opening times. It is clear that the current occupants take an active part in running the house. They were there throughout our visit and were most welcoming; although their children literally throwing their possessions over the banister at volunteers was very off putting but charming all the same.
There are 3 main rooms and an impressive landing (with original ceiling) open to the public. That may not sound a lot but the rooms are beautifully presented and have some remarkable items to see. With not a rope or do not touch sign in sight this really is an intimate family home. My personal favourite was the hand carved backs to the dining chairs which humorously represented the family members who sat at them.
The garden is small but charming. There is a "self serve" tea room where the lady of the house has baked all manner of beautiful cakes and there are various teas, coffees and juices to enjoy.
For an intimate, beautiful and relaxed afternoon visit Owletts.
Having visited today, I would urge you to make the trip. Owletts is a relatively small 17th century country house. It's most notable occupant being Sir Herbert Baker who was a very well known architect and had links to the Empire. The house is still lived in by his decedents which explains the limited opening times. It is clear that the current occupants take an active part in running the house. They were there throughout our visit and were most welcoming; although their children literally throwing their possessions over the banister at volunteers was very off putting but charming all the same.
There are 3 main rooms and an impressive landing (with original ceiling) open to the public. That may not sound a lot but the rooms are beautifully presented and have some remarkable items to see. With not a rope or do not touch sign in sight this really is an intimate family home. My personal favourite was the hand carved backs to the dining chairs which humorously represented the family members who sat at them.
The garden is small but charming. There is a "self serve" tea room where the lady of the house has baked all manner of beautiful cakes and there are various teas, coffees and juices to enjoy.
For an intimate, beautiful and relaxed afternoon visit Owletts.
Written August 14, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SteveMRochester
Gillingham, UK200 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
This is a great little gem, the former house of Architect Sir Herbert Baker with a very interesting plaster ceiling dating from 1684. Only three rooms on the ground floor open to the public and the landing on the first floor. Plus it is only open on a Sunday. That said it is well worth a visit, the gardens are also pleasant and peaceful. There is a self service tea/coffee facility which is quaint but useful. Set aside a couple of hours for your visit
Written June 9, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rasmus1986
Rochester, England, United Kingdom46 contributions
Sep 2015 • Friends
Like many locals I have lived near this property for years and not been in because of its limited opening times. This weekend I finally made it and was able to take advantage of their being costumed guides showing off the house and its contents - not something that happens all the time though. Only a few rooms to look round but packed with bits and pieces reflecting the life of the last owner. Lovely gardens too with parking on site.
Written September 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mochael2015
London, UK60 contributions
May 2015 • Solo
Whilst only open on Sundays, Owletts is well worth a visit. The house has a fascinating history brought to life by the room guides, along with some objects of note and some lovely paintings. I had come across Herbert Baker before, however, it was interesting to find out more about his work at home and abroad. There is a nice garden, if a little underkept, which is worth a stroll around.
Written May 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TeamC007
Higham, UK59 contributions
As the title says this would make an interesting Sunday pop in. I have past Owletts many times and not stopped. This particular Sunday they advertised archery in the grounds so we though we would pop in. The ladies who greeted us at the door actually live on the premises and are related to the previous owners so we're very informative. The archery was very good and my two boys got stuck in. There isn't a huge amount to do at this house but it was well worth the visit.
Written May 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mark T
Cobham, UK18 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
Owletts is on the edge of the small Dickensian village of Cobham in Kent. It is a really nice small national trust property that is worth a visit. It has a small tea room and nice gardens which lead onto a country park. Open Sundays.
Written May 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Live Life To The Full
Maidstone, UK1,406 contributions
Sep 2018 • Solo
I have passed the property a few times but have not been here before as it is only open on Sunday's. This is worth a visit if you are a member or not as the entry is only £4.
The property is the birthplace of Sir Herbert Baker, the architect of such places as The Bank Of England & Port Lympne , and numerous war memorials to name but a few.
The volunteers are informative, and as a bonus, his great grandson lives there and it was nice to chat to him, and hear about lesser known facts of the house and family.
There are only a few rooms in the house that you can go into, but there is still a wealth of lovely things to see in the house. The staircase ceiling is lovely, and the stain glass windows are also very nice. The electrical empire clock hanging above the fireplace is also very beautiful.
There is a small garden where you can have a picnic, where you will see chickens roaming around freely, and a "do it yourself" tea room, where you can make your own tea or coffee, and have a slice of cake, just leave the money in an honesty box, what an excellent idea.
The car park is to the rear of the property, and there is also a toilet on site.
If you plan your trip, you can incorporate the nearby Cobham Wood and Mausoleum NT property, but the mausoleum is only open on the first Sunday of the month, so it is worth checking the NT website.
The property is the birthplace of Sir Herbert Baker, the architect of such places as The Bank Of England & Port Lympne , and numerous war memorials to name but a few.
The volunteers are informative, and as a bonus, his great grandson lives there and it was nice to chat to him, and hear about lesser known facts of the house and family.
There are only a few rooms in the house that you can go into, but there is still a wealth of lovely things to see in the house. The staircase ceiling is lovely, and the stain glass windows are also very nice. The electrical empire clock hanging above the fireplace is also very beautiful.
There is a small garden where you can have a picnic, where you will see chickens roaming around freely, and a "do it yourself" tea room, where you can make your own tea or coffee, and have a slice of cake, just leave the money in an honesty box, what an excellent idea.
The car park is to the rear of the property, and there is also a toilet on site.
If you plan your trip, you can incorporate the nearby Cobham Wood and Mausoleum NT property, but the mausoleum is only open on the first Sunday of the month, so it is worth checking the NT website.
Written September 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SweetMrsH
Toronto, Canada63 contributions
I read these reviews with great interest as I worked there as an Au Pair about 25 years ago. The family was living there then so I was interested to read the review of the children throwing their toys down the stairs - clearly not the same children I looked after - so I wonder if it is them and THEIR children now living there?
DavidWBaker
Bristol, United Kingdom14 contributions
Gday Mrs. H, My wife and I and children have lived here since 2012, my cousins before that, and I lived here as a child until the mid 90s. So, yes, the child may have been mine and I may have been that child 25 years ago, well a large child by that time
Then if you had come earlier, there have been Bakers here since 1793.
We hope you come again soon and reminisce!
David Baker
Owletts (Cobham) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Owletts
- Hotels near Owletts:
- (0.34 mi) The Leather Bottle
- (0.32 mi) The Darnley Arms
- (1.35 mi) Best Western Manor Hotel
- (2.28 mi) Travelodge Gravesend
- (6.68 mi) Kits Coty Glamping
- Restaurants near Owletts:
- (0.33 mi) The Leather Bottle
- (0.37 mi) Darnley Arms
- (0.50 mi) The Ship Inn
- (1.62 mi) Bartellas Restaurant & Bar
- (3.43 mi) Il Padrino