Restoration House: Rochester's Elizabethan Jewel and Dickensian Inspiration

An Architectural Tapestry of Medieval and Elizabethan Heritage

Restoration House is a unique architectural gem in Rochester, Kent, formed by the amalgamation of two medieval buildings dating from the mid-15th and early 16th centuries, linked by a central range added in the early 17th century. This transformation created a grand Elizabethan mansion, showcasing brick façades, timber framing, and intricate period details. The house’s fabric reveals layers of history, with tree-ring dating confirming the central section’s construction between 1640 and 1660. Over centuries, owners added refinements such as the Great Staircase and refaced entrance, reflecting evolving tastes and the house’s growing prestige.

Royal Connections and Literary Legacy

The house’s name commemorates King Charles II’s stay on the eve of his Restoration to the throne in May 1660. Charles landed in Dover and was warmly received in Rochester, spending the night at Restoration House before proceeding to London to reclaim his crown. The visit prompted decorative schemes in fashionable mid-17th-century Continental styles, including French Grey paint and marbling effects, which have been uncovered and preserved by recent owners. Beyond royal history, Restoration House is famously linked to Charles Dickens, who lived nearby and used it as the model for the eerie Satis House in Great Expectations, home to the character Miss Havisham.

Interiors Rich in Art and Historical Resonance

Inside, Restoration House boasts interiors described as possessing "rare poetry and historical resonance." The collection includes fine English paintings, notably nine works by Gainsborough, alongside period furniture and decorative objects. The rooms reveal layers of decoration, some commissioned for Charles II’s visit, blending provincial English craftsmanship with European influences. The intimate scale of the house, still a private residence, allows visitors to experience the warmth and character of a lived-in historic home, with knowledgeable guides enriching the visit by sharing stories behind the art and furnishings.

Gardens Reflecting Renaissance and Formal Elegance

Surrounding the house are beautifully restored gardens that complement the architecture. The walled gardens feature a formal parterre, sculpted topiary, herbaceous borders, and greenhouses. A standout feature is the restoration of a large 17th-century Italian Renaissance water garden with terraces, statues, ponds, and intricate brickwork, offering a tranquil and scenic setting. The gardens invite leisurely exploration and provide a peaceful contrast to the town’s bustle, with seating areas and a tea room enhancing the visitor experience.

Preservation and Revival Through Dedicated Stewardship

After periods of decline and fragmented ownership, Restoration House was rescued from potential demolition in the late 20th century. Notably, entertainer Rod Hull purchased and began restoration efforts in the 1980s, although financial difficulties interrupted progress. Since 1994, current owners Jonathan Wilmot and Robert Tucker have devoted decades to meticulous restoration, uncovering historic decorative schemes and assembling period furnishings to revive the house’s 17th-century grandeur. Their work has preserved this rare historic treasure for public appreciation, balancing conservation with ongoing habitation.

Visitor Experience and Seasonal Access

Open to the public from June to September on Thursdays and Fridays, with limited Saturdays, Restoration House welcomes visitors to explore both house and gardens. Photography is permitted in the gardens and during specified house hours. The site offers a small café and seating areas within the gardens. While the house is not wheelchair accessible, the intimate tours and rich historical context provide an immersive experience for history, literature, and architecture enthusiasts alike. Group tours and educational visits are available by arrangement, enhancing engagement with this emblematic Rochester landmark.