Owletts

Owletts is a red-brick Charles II house at the western end of Cobham in Kent, a fine example of Kent vernacular architecture and the birthplace in 1862 of the architect Sir Herbert Baker. Baker worked for Cecil Rhodes in South Africa, designed the Secretariat buildings in New Delhi alongside Lutyens and rebuilt the Bank of England. Upstairs, a plaster ceiling of scrolls, fruit and flowers carries the date 1684 and the first owners' initials; downstairs are his empire clock, one of only five commissioned, and dining chairs whose finials caricature members of the family. The house belongs to the National Trust but is run by its tenants, Baker's descendants, and opens only on occasional open days; the Trust says the garden is currently closed for replanting. Only assistance dogs are admitted. Reviewers praise the friendly, knowledgeable volunteers and the feel of a home still lived in. Tips from visitors: there is no tea room, though cakes and hot drinks have been on sale on open days, and picnics are welcome in the garden when it is open. Payment is by cash only.