A week of Kent: Smallhythe Place
The former home of Victorian actress Dame Ellen Terry, this 16th-century cottage features marvellously wonky floorboards as well as a startling array of theatre memorabilia that Terry had fastidiously collected in true magpie-style over her lifetime. Truly a woman after my own heart!
The old theatre costumes and props were fascinating, but I really loved looking at her more personal items, like the meticulous sewing kit she kept as well as her dressing table, laid out with trinkets and hair brushes.
The English cottage garden was also a delight, with big, old-fashioned roses and an orchard out the back. Don't miss the small National Trust second-hand book stall in the garden - I stumbled upon some excellent vintage Ladybird and wildlife books.
Smallhythe Place
Smallhythe, Tenterden
Kent TN30 7NG
Tel. 01580 762334
