Belmont House and Gardens

About

The beautiful Georgian house of Belmont, amid its parkland, commands stunning views of the rolling Kent countryside and is a completely unspoilt and distinctive example of the work of the architect Samuel Wyatt.

The house was bought by General George Harris in 1801 with the prize money from his successful military career in India. Later, in 1815, he was created Lord Harris in recognition of his victory over Tipoo Sultan at the battle of Seringapatam. Successive Lords Harris played a prominent role in British expansion overseas throughout the 19th century.

Belmont contains fabulous mementoes of the family's history and travels - fine paintings, furniture, Indian silverware and the finest and most extensive range of clocks in private hands in the country; a collection assembled by the 5th Lord. The South Bedroom contains a unique collection of water-colour paintings of the West Indies by the Trinidadian artist Michel Jean Cazabon (1813-1888). The paintings were commissioned by the 3rd Lord Harris when he was Governor of Trinidad.

The Gardens at Belmont are full of interest throughout every season. The Kitchen Garden was originally designed by Lady Arabella Lennox-Boyd and has beautiful Victorian Greenhouses, along with figs, hops, soft fruits and traditional apple and pear varieties. The Walled Garden contains a pond and is adjacent to the Pinetum complete with grotto.

Don’t leave without a delicious cup of their speciality teas with a slice of homemade cake in their courtyard tea rooms. This is available on Wednesdays and weekends only. The tearoom is self-service Monday to Friday.

New for 2015: Arms and Armour Exhibition. For the first time ever, we are really excited to show the recently conserved armoury collection to the public. This is a comprehensive yet personal collection, numbering almost 200 pieces from India, the South Pacific, Africa and Europe. You will be able to learn about these on the house tour or, maybe, you would like to join one of our bespoke tours or join a study day.