Chawton House — Alton, United Kingdom
About Chawton House
Stay in the North Apartments on the estate owned by Austen's brother, Edward. It's down the street from Austen's home, but features glimpses into Austen's life: the perch from which she overlooked the grounds, the dining table where she likely ate with her family, and the graves of Austen's mother and sister in the churchyard on the acreage. Between strolling the gardens and leafing through the tomes in the women writers' library, you might find some inspiration. Three bedrooms on multiple floors are both quirky (and reflect the Elizabethan roots of this home) and modern (Jane didn't live in a world with refirgerators in the kitchen and extinguishers on the walls next to the desk). Nevertheless, you can bring 5 friends and channel your inner Jane in the 3 double rooms (2 showers). It's an authentic Elizabethan, 17th c. manor house that's historically preserved, even as it was updated to…
Literary significance
Chawton House often runs special events: Austen-themed afternoon teas, lectures, garden tours, and suppers. You must check their "Events" calendar when booking a stay. Staying in the North Apartments gives you privileged access to these.
Authors
Location
Chawton House, Chawton, Alton, Hampshire GU34 1SJ, United Kingdom