Eastgate House

Family

Heritage and Gardens

Image: The Swiss Chalet at Eastgate House

This Grade I listed 16th and 17th Century townhouse is one of the most impressive and distinctive buildings on Rochester’s historic High Street. It also has many fascinating stories to tell…

Once the family home of Sir Peter Buck, a senior officer at the Royal Tudor Dockyard, the house has also been a Victorian boarding school, a hostel, a museum and an inspiration to the great author Charles Dickens.

As part of a £2.2million Heritage Lottery Funded project, Eastgate House underwent major refurbishment works and is now open to the public.

Many of the building's original features and decorative schemes have been carefully restored, and new heating and lighting has been installed. The second floor of the house is open to visitors for the first time in more than 40 years.

Visitors to the house can explore the amazing rooms of the house while learning the remarkable story of those who lived, worked and played here throughout the centuries.

In the gardens of the house stands Dickens’ Swiss Chalet, used by the author as his study at his home at Gad’s Hill Place.

For details of upcoming events see listings below or follow Eastgate House on Facebook and Instagram.

Step inside Eastgate House and explore a maze of beautiful rooms and displays telling the stories of those who lives there throughout the centuries.