Eastgate House, Rochester

Eastgate House stands on Rochester High Street as one of the finest Georgian residences in the Medway towns. Built in 1591 and remodelled in the 18th century, the building is Grade I listed and retains its elegant red-brick facade with period sash windows overlooking the historic high street. The house features exceptional interior woodwork and plasterwork reflecting its status as a merchant's residence in a prosperous trading town.

The property is particularly known for its rare 17th-century Japanese Room, a remarkable survival decorated with hand-painted chinoiserie panels and landscape motifs. This ornamental chamber offers a striking glimpse into the tastes of wealthy Georgian collectors. The house also contains Dickens memorabilia, as the author had strong connections to Rochester and frequently featured the town in his novels. Visitors can explore the rooms on a guided or self-guided basis, discovering the domestic arrangements and period furnishings of an affluent Georgian household.

Eastgate House now operates as part of the Charles Dickens Centre, allowing visitors to understand both the architectural heritage of Georgian Rochester and the literary landscape that inspired Dickens' work. Its position on the High Street makes it easily accessible on foot from Rochester Station or via the number 151 bus route, and it sits within a conservation area rich in period buildings and historic associations.