Chevening House: History, Residents, and Public Access

The name Chevening is synonymous with a world-class scholarship, but it originates from a very real and fascinating place: Chevening House. This grand historic estate in Kent is not just the namesake of the award but also the official residence of the UK’s Foreign Secretary. This guide explores the history of the house, answers the question “Who lives at Chevening House?” and explains how you can potentially visit its beautiful grounds.

A Brief History of Chevening House

Chevening House is a Grade I listed country house surrounded by 3,000 acres of parkland. Its history is rich and spans centuries.

• 17th Century Origins: The current house was primarily built in the early 1600s for Richard Lennard, the 13th Baron Dacre. The renowned architect Inigo Jones is often associated with its design, though this is debated by historians.
• The Stanhope Family: In 1717, the property was purchased by the Stanhope family (the Earls Stanhope), who owned it for over 250 years. It was during their ownership that the house and gardens took on much of their current form.
• A Gift to the Nation: In 1959, the 7th and last Earl Stanhope willed the house to the nation. His condition was that it should be used as a country residence for a senior government minister, such as the Prime Minister or Foreign Secretary.
• Modern Use: Since 1981, it has been the official residence of the UK’s Foreign Secretary (officially titled the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs).

Who Lives at Chevening House? The Official Residents

The most common question about the house is: “Who lives at Chevening House?”

• The Primary Resident: The official resident is the serving UK Foreign Secretary. It is provided to them as a perk of the office, much like 10 Downing Street is for the Prime Minister.
• Current Resident: As of the last update, the Foreign Secretary is The Rt Hon David Cameron. Therefore, he is the current resident of Chevening House.
• A Working Residence: While it is a private home, the house is also used for official government meetings, diplomatic receptions, and hosting international guests. It serves as a unique and impressive venue for British diplomacy.

Inside Chevening House: Architecture and Interiors

While the private apartments are not open to the public, some areas used for official functions are known for their grandeur.

• Architectural Style: The house is a stunning example of English Palladian architecture, characterized by symmetry, classical proportions, and columns.
• Notable Rooms: The house features a magnificent library, a grand saloon, and state rooms filled with important artwork and antique furniture from the Stanhope collection.
• Maintenance: The house and estate are maintained through an endowment left by Lord Stanhope and a grant from the Chevening Estate trust. It does not rely on general taxpayer funds for its upkeep.

The Gardens and Grounds of Chevening Estate

The house is set within spectacularly landscaped gardens and a vast parkland, which are partially accessible to the public.

• Landscape Design: The grounds include a beautiful lake, meticulously maintained formal gardens, woodland walks, and ornamental temples.
• Public Footpaths: A network of public footpaths crosses the estate, allowing walkers to enjoy the stunning scenery and views of the house from a distance.

How to Visit: Open Days and Public Access

While you cannot typically tour the inside of the house, there are ways to experience Chevening House.

• Open Gardens Days: The best opportunity for the public to access the gardens is through occasional Chevening House open day events. These are typically held a few times a year, often in partnership with charitable organizations like the National Garden Scheme (NGS). Tickets must be purchased in advance.
• What to Expect: On an open day, you can explore the beautiful gardens, enjoy the lake views, and sometimes enjoy refreshments. The inside of the house usually remains closed.
• St Botolph’s Church: The nearby St Botolph’s Church Chevening, which sits within the estate grounds, is often open to the public and contains memorials to the Stanhope family.

While your journey as a Chevening scholar may not lead you to reside at this storied house, it connects you to a legacy of diplomacy, leadership, and global engagement that the name represents. It is the symbolic heart of a programme dedicated to building a better future through international exchange.