A hidden gem in the heart of Rochester to be revived for future generations
A partnership between Medway Council and the Friends of Eastgate House to revive and reimagine Dickens’ Writing Chalet as a vibrant cultural space for the community.
What it was
Charles Dickens’ Writing Chalet was a place of peace and imagination – a personal retreat where the author found inspiration and space to write. Originally located in the gardens of his home at Gad’s Hill, the upper floor offered views across the marshes and a quiet stillness that nurtured creativity.
It’s said Dickens used mirrors placed around the room to rehearse his characters aloud, refining the voices that would later shape his novels and plays. The Chalet was, quite simply, where stories came to life.
What it’s become
Today, the Chalet stands in the gardens of Eastgate House in Rochester — quietly present but in a state of disrepair and largely inaccessible to the public.
Once a vibrant space of creative energy, it has become overlooked and underused — a hidden part of Dickens’ legacy in need of care, attention, and a renewed purpose.
What it could be
The vision is to revive and reimagine the Writing Chalet as a place for inspiration, education and entertainment. Open again to the public, it will be a cultural asset for the community and a creative venue shaped by its literary heritage.
By harnessing the enduring power of Dickens’ name, the restored Chalet will enrich Rochester’s visitor experience and contribute to Medway’s cultural and economic landscape.
