Historic place review: Quebec House, (National Trust)
Quebec Square, Westerham, TN16 1TD
Quebec House – map
Telephone: 01732 868 381
Email: quebechouse@nationaltrust.org.uk
OS Grid Ref: 187:TQ449541
Review by: Alexa Williamson
Rating: ***** (out of 5)
For those who love old English architecture – including the wood floors, staircases and other interiors of the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as the large windows and rooms of these houses, then you will love this house, which was the birthplace (in 1727) and childhood home of General James Wolfe, the general that helped win the Battle of Quebec in North America in 1759.
This house is beautiful, quiet, on the small side and stately. It is an interesting contrast to its National Trust neighbour Chartwell (Winston Churchill‘s former home). Where the large Chartwell (4 miles away) is in the nearby rolling hills of the Weald of Kent and has magnificent landscaped gardens, Quebec House is in the charming village of Westerham and is equally lovely on a smaller scale (and Quebec House’s kitchen garden is sweet and sunny with flowers and herbs).
A visit to this house is nice because you get to witness what it was like to live in an 18th century house, in a bustling village, as it is decorated for the period of General Wolfe, there are many historic paintings, prints and exhibitions to commemorate his winning the Battle of Quebec and his death. The property also has regular historic events to help one appreciate the history of the house and there is a lovely shop and tea room in Mrs Wolfe’s garden. A peaceful and educational step into the past to be had here.
Further information:
Quebec House (official site – National Trust)
General James Wolfe (Wikipedia)
Quebec House (Wikipedia)
Chartwell review (The London Reviewer)