The Filming of Chartwell
Supple Snakes Head Fritallia’s, captivating Camelia’s and magnificent Magnolia trees. From the moment you enter Chartwell you are enchanted by its very surroundings, they draw you in. Spellbound, you continue to walk down the path absorbing the breathtaking views from every angle and enjoying the fragrance from flowers abundant. There’s no wonder Sir Winston Churchill chose this iconic spot to lay his legacy.
The winding path draws up to the front doors, and as you succumb to the rich history within, you are immediately transported back into Churchill’s world, walking sticks on the left and Visitors Book just a step away, with so many famous names you’d struggle not to recognise anyone. Up the stairs and down the corridor slow, Lady Churchill’s bedroom as curated by Clementine herself is a masterpiece of history with her desk having centre stage in a room that is so eccentrically vast. Pay close attention to the ceiling and don’t miss the only two photographs on her desk.
Moving back down the corridor and taking a left, the study reveals itself, where so many decisions and speeches were no doubt made and written. You feel part of the tapestry as you walk among a great man’s achievements. The finest details are in every crevis of the room, the library hides a lion teddy called Rota as gifted to him with the real thing being kept at London Zoo. Just a few steps away and tucked behind a small door is the famous bedroom and bathroom en-suite where we know Churchill had many nights but only one sleepless.
Take us downstairs guide and winding round more corridors we come to the secretary’s office. The photo of the white house on the wall was yet another gift and hides a map which although can’t be opened, can be imagined. The original desk with the Remington noiseless typewriter displayed is something so full of history, trying to imagine the number of important letters written from within is futile.
The grounds, with such far and wide-reaching views, enrapture you to stay for longer and carry you back in time. There’s no wonder Churchill once famously said “A day away from Chartwell is a day wasted”. After filming there for 2 days, we were certainly sad to have to leave. It gave us a break from reality which is necessary at such a strange time. A break from reality which we all need.
