On Sunday the college arranged for a group of graduate students to visit Chartwell: Churchill's family home. It was magnificent! I do not have any pictures of the inside because it was not allowed, but the property is truly meant to be enjoyed outdoors anyway. I believe the house sits on something like 82 acres. Sir Winston purchased the estate in 1922 and, except during the WWII, spent as much time as he could here until his death in 1965. The family's happiest times were during the 30's and the decor of the rooms reflect that decade. The National Trust, who cares for the house, maintains several of the family's traditions. Throughout the house there are fresh flowers, daily newspapers, cigars, and a marmalade cat. Outside, there are magnificent views over the Weald of Kent, a kitchen garden, Lady Churchill's rose garden, a water garden, a croquet lawn, a swan pen, a swimming pool, and Sir Winston's studio where he did most of his painting. You come away from the house thinking it is absolutely incredible that he was not only a great statesman, but also an accomplished artist, writer (he won the Nobel prize in literature), brick layer, and loving father.
The rose garden
Golden Rose Avenue and the kitchen garden
The Studio which contains over 130 of Sir Winston's paintings!
Sir Winston and I having a chat
The lake - in the backyard!
The house is not looking its best because the roof is being replaced at the moment
The water garden with the chair where Sir Winston was known to sit and feed his fish whenever he was home
The swimming pool
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