National Trust homes of literary greats open for exploration after winter break

Dorset's most famous literary sons have flung open the doors to their historic homes, just in time for spring.

Novelist and poet Thomas Hardy's childhood home, Hardy's Cottage, and his self-designed Victorian abode, Max Gate, have both reopened to the public after a winter break. And if that wasn't enough, the tiny abode belonging to TE Lawrence - aka Lawrence of Arabia - is also opening its doors next week.

2023 marks a century since Lawrence first arrived in Dorset and inhabited Clouds Hill, which is also owned by the National Trust.

Rachael White, the Property Operations Manager overseeing the grand reopening, said: "We're really excited to be reopening the doors at Hardy's homes and Clouds Hill once again. The houses will be looking at their best following deep cleaning that has taken place over the winter by our conservation team."

But it's not just a spring clean that's in store for visitors. Original artefacts of Lawrence's are returning to Clouds Hill. Three small models, a power boat, an Avro Supermarine Southampton, and a stainless-steel seaplane are set to be on display, after being locked away for years.

And at Hardy's Cottage, the woodshed has been restored, and a new perimeter deer fence has been constructed, so visitors can get up close and personal with some of the area's most famous fauna.

As for Max Gate, Hardy designed the home on the outskirts of Dorchester back in 1885 to reflect his success as a writer and enable him to enter polite society. The house was named after a nearby tollgate keeper called Mack.

Visitors will be welcomed with introductory talks from knowledgeable volunteers before being invited to explore the rooms and gardens for insight into the lives of these two historical figures.

But don't dawdle. Pre-booking is essential for Hardy's Cottage and Clouds Hill, with booking strongly advised for Max Gate. Get ready to step back in time and into the lives of Dorset's literary greats.