Max Gate (NT)

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Overview

Max Gate, an austere but sophisticated town house a short walk from the town centre of Dorchester, was the home of Dorset's most famous author and poet, Thomas Hardy. Hardy, who designed the house in 1885, wanted to show that he was part of the wealthy middle classes of the area, to reflect his position as a successful writer, and to enable him to enter polite society. The house was named after a nearby tollgate keeper called Mack. Many of Hardy's possessions were dispersed before we acquired the house, but the rooms have been furnished as they would have been when he lives and wrote here. Some of Hardy’s most famous novels were written here, including Tess of the d'Urbervilles and Jude the Obscure, as well as much of his poetry. You will find the garden much as it was originally planned, with high walls and large trees encircling the property to preserve Hardy's privacy. The sundial, designed by Hardy, was erected in his memory.

Location

Alington Avenue, DORCHESTER, DT1 2AB

About the area

Dorset is made up of rugged coastlines, high chalk downlands and a chain of picturesque villages and seaside towns that make up Britain’s Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, noted for its layers of shale and numerous fossils embedded in the rock. Hidden gems of Dorset can be found down winding, country lanes that lead to snug villages hidden from view.

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Nearby places to stay

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Dorchester Dorset Things To Do in Dorset

Max Gate (NT)

Alington Avenue, DORCHESTER, DT1 2AB

01305 262538

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Max Gate (NT)

Recommended by

Overview

Max Gate, an austere but sophisticated town house a short walk from the town centre of Dorchester, was the home of Dorset's most famous author and poet, Thomas Hardy. Hardy, who designed the house in 1885, wanted to show that he was part of the wealthy middle classes of the area, to reflect his position as a successful writer, and to enable him to enter polite society. The house was named after a nearby tollgate keeper called Mack. Many of Hardy's possessions were dispersed before we acquired the house, but the rooms have been furnished as they would have been when he lives and wrote here. Some of Hardy’s most famous novels were written here, including Tess of the d'Urbervilles and Jude the Obscure, as well as much of his poetry. You will find the garden much as it was originally planned, with high walls and large trees encircling the property to preserve Hardy's privacy. The sundial, designed by Hardy, was erected in his memory.

Location

Alington Avenue, DORCHESTER, DT1 2AB

About the area

Area image

Dorset is made up of rugged coastlines, high chalk downlands and a chain of picturesque villages and seaside towns that make up Britain’s Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, noted for its layers of shale and numerous fossils embedded in the rock. Hidden gems of Dorset can be found down winding, country lanes that lead to snug villages hidden from view.

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)

Dorchester Dorset Things To Do in Dorset