Smallhythe Place

Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, Kent.

"The half-timbered house, built in the early 16th century when Smallhythe was a thriving shipbuilding yard, was the home of the Victorian actress Ellen Terry from 1899 to 1928, and contains her fascinating theatre collection. The cottage grounds include her rose garden, orchard, nuttery and the working Barn Theatre".

A beautiful house and garden. Inside you can view Ellen Terry's costumes, jewellery, personal objects, paintings and theatre designs. There are also some William Nicholson prints. For me it was great to see the jewellery objects, many worn on the stage with a larger than life presence. Also some Indian jewellery objects with metal and textiles. The location is beautiful and you can see why Terry decided she would live there as soon as she spied it.