House Of Ideas

Lamb House has an illustrious literary history, most famously home to writer Henry James. The National Trust has just begun a three-year restoration programme.

- Amanda Hodges

“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.”

Such were the sentiments of American novelist Henry James and few would disagree. As one of Lamb House’s most distinguished residents, he’d surely take great pleasure in the new courtyard café recently opened at his beloved home, one of many congenial improvements initiated during restoration work begun by the National Trust in 2018.

For more than 50 years visitors have not been able to access the first floor of the house (as it always had tenants in situ) but now, with the trust in sole possession, all has changed. Kate Shaw, programming and marketing manager at the National Trust, says: “We have opened a new floor to enhance the visitor’s experience. The impetus was the opportunity to do this with the natural end to the previous tenancy agreement and the National Trust’s aim of access for all where possible and investment in conservation of the nation’s heritage.

“We hope to open further areas in the house as the project is a three-year one with work ongoing.” With the intention to allow visitors further access “and enjoyment of such an important house in literary history,” James’ bedroom – the grandly named King’s Room – and The Green Room where he often worked late into the night are now accessible. The King’s Room – with its impressive surviving panelling and corner chimneypiece – derived its name from a visit by George I who, blown ashore on Camber Sands by a fierce storm in 1726, took refuge at Lamb House, the mayor’s home.