Welcome to Belmont

The focus of Belmont is the elegant 18th century house (designed by Samuel Wyatt) commanding stunning views over the surrounding Estate and the rolling Kentish North Downs. Steeped in history, this unique house contains mementos of the family's history and travels. The grounds of the estate amount to more than 3,000 acres which contain the house, gardens, cricket pitch, orchards, and surrounding farmland and woodland.

Within the house itself lies three exciting collections: the armoury, collected by five generations of the Harris family (Lords of the estate for 200 years); the Cazabon collection, the finest collection of Cazabon paintings in Britain; and the Clock Museum, an extraordinary horological collection created by the 5th Lord Harris.

The house was built in 1769 by Edward Wilks, store-keeper at the nearby Faversham Powder Mill. Extensive views and its elevated position gave Belmont its name.

“Belmont house is one of Kent’s

“hidden gems”

and is a must!”

Explore

The House

Belmont is of interest for three main reasons. Architecturally, it is an unspoilt example of Samuel Wyatt's work. One of the most progressive architects of the late 18th Century, the house is a fine testimony to his understated neo-classical style. Historically, the house is important for its well-preserved records of a family who played a leading role in the development of the British Empire in the 18th and 19th Centuries. Successive Lords Harris served as soldiers and colonial governors. The house still contains many mementos of their careers. Lastly, Belmont is distinguished for the collection of clocks created by the 5th Lord Harris. It is reputedly the finest collection in England.

The Gardens

The present layout of the grounds dates from the 1790s, though the planting has been altered over the past two centuries. The gardens consist of a walled garden, pinetum, wooded areas, formal lawns and a large kitchen garden. You can find out more about the history and design of the gardens on our regular Meet the Head Gardener tours.

“A great house and gardens to

visit anytime

of the year”

The Tea Room

Located in the Courtyard beneath the Clock Tower, the Tea room is open offering with a takeaway service only including tea, coffee, cold drinks, cakes, crisps and ice cream.

The tea room is currently closed for our winter season, this includes the self-serve and takeaway service.

Latest News

You’ll find the latest news and events happening at Belmont House here.

Belmont in the Snow

Storm Darcy has brought freezing temperatures and significant snowfall to the majority of Kent and has left Belmont looking more beautiful than ever.

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The Belmont Library

Libraries is the theme for Feature Fridays with Historic Houses. The library is probably the least altered room at Belmont. The walls are lined with the original three-quarter height bookcases designed by Samuel Wyatt, above…

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Christmas Firewood Deliveries 2020

Our Christmas firewood deliveries slots are now fully booked for 2020. Normal service will resume on Monday 4th January 2021. We would like to wish all our customers as very Merry Christmas and a Happy…

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Wildlife

Helping wildlife over the Winter Most garden wildlife hibernates over winter, as food is in short supply and freezing temperatures make life difficult. There’s plenty we can do to help wildlife survive. A small pile of leaves…

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Visit Us

Plan Your Visit

There’s always lots going on at Belmont throughout the year, from spring fairs to open air theatre productions and seasonal events. The Gardens are open throughout the year from 10am until dusk.

Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, the Trustees have made the difficult decision that Belmont house will not open for the 2020 season.

The safety of our visitors, volunteers and staff is of utmost priority hence the house must remain closed. In the meantime, we are busy behind the scenes getting ready to re-open the house for Spring 2021.

We look forward to welcoming you back!