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Nestled in the High Weald countryside, Bateman’s is a soft sandstone 17th-century house sitting beautifully within the garden and the valley beyond in the lovely landscape of East Sussex, England.
A modest yet charming house, Bateman’s was built, extended and renovated over a long time, where parts of the house are even older than the 1634 date which the house was completed.
Rudyard Kipling and his wife, Caroline, bought Bateman’s in 1902. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1907 and is known for works such as The Jungle Book and the poem ‘If—’.
Maybe you might know one of his works, “The Jungle Book”, composed of seven tales starring animals and children, such as the famous character Mowgli, the story that was the basis for Disney movies.
Hence, the 33 acres around Bateman’s offered privacy and helped keep curiosity at bay, as Rudyard was widely known.
Over the years, Kipling gradually acquired more of the surrounding farmland, which currently comprises the 300-acre estate where you can follow several routes to take in some of the best features of this inspiring landscape.
Rudyard Kipling died in 1936, and his wife passed in 1939. Under the terms of her will, the house was donated to the National Trust, which has maintained it ever since.
The house is a Grade I listed building, the highest grade reserved for only a few buildings of “exceptional architectural or historical importance”.
Inside Bateman’s
Nowadays, the interior remains much as they left them, with oriental rugs and artefacts recollecting his strong connection with the East.
The house contains an extensive collection with nearly 5,000 memorabilia pieces, including his Nobel Prize, his Rolls-Royce Phantom I, several oriental objects and paintings he collected.
The garden and estate
Kipling helped shape the garden around the house, including the orchard, rose garden and lily pond. There are also paths through the surrounding fields and woodland.
There’s also a working watermill on the estate, where Kipling installed equipment to supply the house with electricity, with help from his cousin, architect Ambrose Poynter.
His efforts to create a lovely garden for his family and friends to enjoy inspired Kipling to write one of the most frequently quoted gardening poems: “The Glory of the Garden”.
Admission and visitor information
National Trust members can visit free of charge. For other ticket options and opening times, check the Bateman’s visitor information.
How to get there
The address is Bateman’s Lane, Burwash, East Sussex, TN19 7DS. Follow the National Trust signs rather than directions through narrow School Lane, and check the official Bateman’s directions and parking information before travelling.
Etchingham is the nearest mainline station, around three miles away. There isn’t a taxi rank at the station, so plan the final part of the journey in advance. You can check train times and tickets on Trainline and use the official Bateman’s transport information to organise your arrival.
A pre-booked Flexibus journey may be an option for reaching Bateman’s. Check the official transport information for the service area, operating days and booking details.
Nearby places to visit
If you want to combine Bateman’s with another visit, you could consider:
- Bodiam Castle.
- Scotney Castle.
- Sissinghurst Castle Garden.
- Smallhythe Place.
Are you planning a day out with the family? You’ll find space to play and plenty to see and do around the Bateman’s garden and estate.
And as you finish your tour, why not stop by the Mulberry tea room to sample their selection of hot and cold drinks, snacks and light meals?
I’m sure you will have a lovely day around there.
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