The Architecture of Camden Place
Hidden in plain sight, learn more about the architectural secrets of this unique historic house.
- Camden Park Rd, Chislehurst, Kent, BR7 5HJ, United Kingdom
Introducing Camden Place
Camden Place is a Grade II* listed building with a Grade ll folly which, since 1894, has been the magnificent home of Chislehurst Golf Club.
Over the years it has been the residence of some amazing people, hosted famous visitors, been the scene of a double murder, and witnessed the death of the last Emperor of the French.
Architecturally Camden Place has been described as a ‘bit of a dog’s dinner’. It is quite difficult to ascribe some changes to specific periods or particular residents. But that does not detract from the fact that it houses some unique and important architectural features.
The house went through three very distinct stages of transformation. Starting in the early 18th century as a country house, it was expanded in two phases into firstly, a Georgian mansion, before being converted into a French château. French and Jacobean panelling and decoration was salvaged for use in the house. Many of these features are still in situ to admire today.
Architects and designers who have worked on the property over the years have included the George Dances (senior and junior), James ‘Athenian’ Stuart and Henry Clutton.
In the grounds there is a temple shaped folly, based on the Monument of Lysicrates in Athens, and added by James Stuart.
The James 'Athenian' Stuart folly in the grounds of Camden Place is Grade ll listed.
The side of the house. The conservatory added by Strode in the 1860's can be clearly seen.
The rear of the house today.
The front of the house today.
Display of some of our heritage artefacts.
A unique clubhouse
‘You have undoubtedly, it must be evident to everyone who hears me, the best golf clubhouse in existence. I do not suppose that any other club, however ancient or famous, however large the number of its members, has ever been housed in a palace before.’
A.J. Balfour at the lunch to open Chislehurst Golf Club in 1894.
For some 130+ years, Camden Place has been home to Chislehurst Golf Club. The course is short and beautiful, providing a test for any golfer and often a surprising challenge for visitors.
Having Camden Place as its clubhouse also provides a very special environment that visitors tend to remember. The fact that Camden Place became a clubhouse has had a very significant impact on conserving the heritage of this remarkable property.
There is often an assumption that golf clubs are hugely wealthy places. This is not true. A look at the annual accounts of the Club shows the financial challenges faced over the decades. However what is true is that any monies available were typically spent on the course rather than on the house.
This has meant that no-one has tried to remove panelling or fireplaces in the name of interior design or fashion – a fate that would have been almost certain if the house had gone into private ownership. So today, should she return, Empress Eugénie would still recognise the architectural features of Camden Place that she enjoyed for the 11 years she lived here.
Over the years, monies that have been spent on the fabric of the building have tended to be used for maintenance rather than conservation. Today our heritage is much more understood, widely appreciated and supported by the members. It is included in the strategic planning of the Club and conservation activity is applauded.
This dedicated heritage website is intended to provide visitors and members with more information about Camden Place. It is also planned to provide access to our growing archive of material related to the French Second Empire, built on the Sygrave and Filon collections. We have been the lucky recipients of these artefacts and ephemera.
Explore the History
Discover Camden Place’s unique history through the people and events that shaped its story that spans more than 400 years.
