“A day not spent at Chartwell is a day wasted.” — Winston S. Churchill.

Grade I listed Chartwell was the family home of the famous Briton, Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill, considered the greatest Briton of all time (Source: 100 Greatest Britons, television series that was broadcast by the BBC in 2002). Whether you agree with that lofty estimation or not; this is a lovely estate nestled in a prime stretch of green and pleasant British countryside. In the 1930s, when Churchill was out of political office, Chartwell became the centre of his world. The house was renovated in 1923–24, with earlier origins. This year marks its Churchillian centenary. From the garden front, the house has extensive views over the Weald of Kent, "the most beautiful and charming" Churchill had ever seen, and the determining factor in his decision to buy the house. Chartwell has become among the National Trust's most popular properties.

The view from the house was of crucial importance to Churchill; he had remarked, "I bought Chartwell for that view" (over the Weald).

It was Churchill's own idea that the estate should have a museum to exhibit his various Churchilliana trinkets and medallions, and that it has - displayed in the house itself.

Neither the original Victorian house with its extensions, nor Tilden's reconstruction, created a building that has been highly regarded by critics. The architectural writer and Chairman of the National Trust Simon Jenkins considered the house, "undistinguished". The National Trust's guidebook describes the original building as "Victorian architecture at its least attractive". But I think it reflects Churchill's practical outlook.

The grounds themselves sport black swans and a range of geese. The forest footpaths are pleasant, smattered with children's play installations; even one in a converted bomb crater and a treehouse which takes after an earlier building that Churchill had constructed.

Churchill struggled financially at points in his life and the cost of the house's renovations spiralled out of control. Consequently, I think the grounds aren't as curated and developed as they could be and pale in comparison to some other estates, not to mention the relative modesty of the house itself. It's pleasant to think it gave someone a sense of refuge and comfort though, and Churchill's fantastic array of paintings and much-loved gardens are a testament to his affection for the place.

The toilet block by the gardens isn't big enough and quite messy. I felt the museum areas inside the house should be moved to a separate building (according to Churchill's own wishes). Currently parts of the house are a museum - and probably should be left as a house.

The estates' trees don't feel planted in any sort of deliberate manner although are still pleasant to look at with a brilliant sweeping tree line on the valley, many are veteran trees at least. The abundance of children's play areas are great for families.