Stoneacre is a timber-framed house set in the Kent countryside near Maidstone; it dates from the 1400s and is a great example of a Wealden Hall-House, similar to one I saw in the Weald and Downland Museum a couple years ago (The Weald and Downland Museum (Living Museum)). The house is a yeoman's house with a Great Hall and furnishings. The house was restored in 1920 by a follower of the Arts & Crafts movement who wanted it to be enjoyed for future generations.
Stoneacre was owned by the Ellys family whose relatives, and the oldest part of the house was built by them. The hall dates from the 1480s. It is likely the land was built on here to watch over nearby quarries, which is perhaps how the estate got its name. The house was in the family until the 1700s when they were forced to sell after supporting the wrong side in the Civil War. The house was owned by a series of farmer tenants and suffered in later years until 1920.
I visited during the pandemic, so not all of the rooms were open to visit and the gardens needed a little bit of care. The hall, parlour, and room upstairs (solar) were the only rooms open to visit.
The curtains in the Parlour were discovered and in good shape to be re-hung in their original place; they date from the 1880s.
The stained glass was created by Vallance, the owner of Stoneacre who restored it. He was also a collector of medieval sculpture and woodwork and designed most of the stained glass in the house. After the renovation of the house was completed in 1928, the property was given to the National Trust for future generations to enjoy.
This is really a beautiful property and garden with lovely views. There is a short walk between the house and parking, and there are lovely hillside views with sheep and a fishing pond.
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