FIR TREE HOUSE
TEA ROOMS

 

Fir Tree House was originally part of the Penshurst Estate owned by the Sydney family and was a tied or rented cottage with a little land. Built in the 16th century in the Kentish style, it retains many original features such as the inglenook fireplace and wide oak floorboards.

In late Victorian times the house was substantially altered, with the Kentish cat-slide roof being replaced by two gables and the brick bread oven was also removed, making a more spacious house.

Early in the 20th century it was the saddler and harness maker’s shop, and about 1930, with the demise of horse drawn transport, the saddler’s wife set up the Tearooms. Taking afternoon tea was a popular activity and there were no less than five tearooms in the small village of Penshurst at that time.

In 1985 Fir Tree House was sold by the Estate to the present owners who continue, with a little modernisation, to serve home baked fare in the house and garden.

The Fir Tree after which the house is named leaned out across the road at the front of the house and was a familiar landmark. After the storm of 1987 this 250 year old Scots Pine gradually died and in 1990 was ceremoniously cut down. The trunk was then milled, left in stick to season for one year and then made into five beautiful tables for the tearooms by local craftsmen.

Opening Times in 2008:

The Tea Rooms are closed in February

Open weekends in March   2pm - 5.30pm until Easter

From Easter onwards Wednesdays - Sundays 2.30pm

Open Bank Holiday Mondays.

English Cream Tea Trail
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