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Finchcocks
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Fine Georgian House

Area Guides: Goudhurst
Attractions:

Great House & Halls

Telephone - please mention Let's Stay Kent: 01580 211702
Website: http://www.hammerwood.mistral.co.uk/finch.htm


Details: Finchcocks is a fine early Georgian manor in a beautiful unspoilt setting. It is noted for its outstanding brickwork, with a dramatic front elevation attributed to Thomas Archer. Named after the family who lived on the site in the 13th Century, the present house was built in 1725. Despite having changed hands many times, it has suffered remarkably little alteration and retains most of its original features.

The 13 acres of grounds include parkland to the front. The garden to the rear is fully restored, with wide lawns, mature shrub borders, an orchard for wild flowers and a beautiful walled garden which is used for outside events. There is a brick terrace to the side of the house which is suitable for a marquee. There are extensive views over the Kentish landscape of park, farmland and hop-gardens.

Finchcocks Collection
In 1970 Finchcocks was acquired by Richard Burnett, leading exponent of the period piano, and it now houses his magnificent collection of over 100 historical keyboard instruments: chamber organs, virginals, harpsichords, clavichords and a wide range of early pianos; about 40 of these are fully restored to concert condition. There are also a number of barrel organs, musical boxes and other mechanical instruments. These can be seen and heard whenever the house is open.

The house, with its high ceilings and oak panelling, provides an ideal setting for music performed on period instruments. Finchcocks is now a musical centre and museum of international repute, and many events take place there. The instruments can also be heard in a large number of recordings made in the house by leading performers. There is a fascinating collection of musical pictures, prints and an exhibition on the theme of 18th Century Pleasure Gardens such as Vauxhall and Ranelagh.

Charges (house, garden & music)
Adults £8.00
Students £5.00
Children £4.00
Family Ticket (with children at school) £17.00
Garden Only £2.50
Season ticket (non-transferable) £18.00

Opening times
Sundays 8 April (Easter) - 30 September
Bank Holiday Mondays 9 April and 8 May (Bank Holiday Weekend 27/28 May & Monday 27 August)
Wednesdays and Thursdays in August
Garden Opens 12.30pm; House opens 2-6pm
Teas available in cellar restaurant without booking
Picnics allowed in the garden

Group Visits (by appointment)

Disclaimer: The information on this leisure attraction was presented with the best of intentions. Any reported errors will be corrected immediately. People interested in contacting the above leisure attraction should confirm for themselves the accuracy of any data presented.



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Another Kent Tourist Guide listing created by Let's Stay Kent.
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