Finchcocks is a fine early 18th century house set in wooded farmland. The house is named after the family who lived here in the 13th century.
In 1568 the property was acquired by the Bathurst family. Edward Bathurst, kinsman to Earl Bathurst, inherited Finchcocks in 1718. He was barrister and Master of the Bench in the Middle Temple. Having married a local heiress he found himself with sufficient means to build a splendid new house.
The house was completed in 1725 and this date can be seen on the rainwater heads.
In 1797 Finchcocks was sold to the Springett family who retained the property until 1860 when it was sold to Edward Hussey of Scotney Castle.
The house was let several times before being sold again in 1918.
Subsequently Finchcocks passed through several hands until it was purchased by the present owner, Richard Burnett, in 1971. He is a pianist, leading exponent of the early piano, collector and entrepreneur.
When the house was bought it was is poor state of repair and the Burnett family spent five years restoring the building before it was opened to the public in 1976.
Finchcocks is an impressive baroque manor noted for its fine brickwork.
There is a tall central block flanked by two lower wings. The high proportions and Doric pilasters of the entrance front are attributed to Thomas Archer. The brickwork is warm orange and there are high quality rubbed-brick window-surrounds.
The house is well-preserved with much of the original panelling and joinery. The grand oak staircase remains, as do most of the Georgian glazing bars and glass.
Finchcocks now houses Richard Burnett's collection of historic keyboards, mostly from the 18th and 19th centuries.
There are some 80 instruments with the largest category being early pianos. There are also harpsichords, virginals, spinets, clavichords and chamber organs. About half of these are restored to full concert condition and are played whenever the house is open to the public.
The high ceilings and panelling provide the perfect setting for these early instruments and the aim is to enable the works of classical composers to be played on the instruments for which they were intended, to produce the sound the composers envisaged.
The walls are hung with fine paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries on musical themes and there is also display relating to 18th century pleasure gardens which includes costumes and tableaux.
Today the music centre at Finchcocks has an international reputation and many larger set-piece musical events and festivals are staged here.
Finchcocks is surrounded by beautiful grounds with extensive views over parkland and hop gardens.
The walled garden have been restored.
2008: Easter-Sept: Sun, Bank Holiday Mons & Wed-Thur in August. House:14:00-18:00; Gardens: 12:30, musical demonstrations in afternoon from 14:45. Other days by appointment for groups.
Tel: 01580 211702 Finchcock Website
