Few buildings are as closely tied to the Kent countryside as the oast house. With their distinctive round kilns, white cowls and conical roofs, they have become one of the county’s most recognisable architectural features, standing as reminders of Kent’s long history with hop farming and brewing. Today, many oast houses have found a new …
How Oast Houses Became One of Kent’s Most Iconic Buildings Read More »
Oast houses are one of the most distinctive and recognisable features of the Kent countryside. Instantly identified by their conical roofs and cowls, these historic buildings were once central to hop production and remain highly desirable today as heritage buildings and unique homes. At Dude & Arnette, we specialise in restoring, repairing, and adapting oast …
When it comes to traditional carpentry tools, there is a long and rich history of craftsmanship and innovation. Traditional carpentry tools have been used for centuries to create countless wooden structures. These tools have evolved over time, reflecting changes in technology, materials, and building techniques. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history behind some …
If you’re a history buff or just love exploring beautifully preserved Tudor architecture, then Kent and Sussex should be at the top of your travel list. These two counties in the south-east of England are home to some of the most stunning Tudor buildings in the country, all with their own stories to tell. Here …
Watermills have been an integral part of the British landscape for centuries, with their origins dating back to Roman times. These mills continued to play an important role in rural life in Britain and were in high demand as they enabled more efficient production of things like flour and corn. In this blog we’ll pick …
Kent is a county blessed with a plethora of natural beauty and picturesque landscapes, making it a paradise for landscape photographers. From charming coastal towns to historic monuments, there are always opportunities to capture breathtaking shots. If you’re a budding photographer, a local looking for some inspiration or new to Kent and visiting, here are …
The 9 best locations for landscape photography in Kent Read More »
Watermills and windmills alike have been an integral part of Kent and Sussex’ history and heritage for centuries. Watermill structures were once used to grind wheat, corn, and other grains into flour and were responsible for feeding the locals. Windmills were used once upon a time to convert energy from the wind into mechanical energy …
Best watermils & windmills to visit in Kent & Sussex Read More »
Did you know that September is hop-picking month in Kent? The annual hop harvest is a little more low-key these days, but travel back in time it was the main event on the agricultural calendar. But before we go any further, what are hops? Hops are the green cone-shaped flowers of the Humulus lupulus plant. …
The Dude & Arnette team were pleased to be asked to share some of our oast house knowledge with Patrick Grattan for his book Oast and Hop Kilns A History. This wonderful book was released at the end of last year and is a must-read for anyone with an interest in oast houses – which …
Oast and Hop Kilns: A History by Patrick Grattan Read More »
Hops have been grown in Sussex for around 500 years, meaning that oast houses have been a key feature of the Sussex landscape for half a millennia! Our nation’s love of beer all started at Sussex’s Winchelsea harbour around the 1400s as the first recorded imports of hopped beer began arriving on British soil. This …
