13 August 2008 - Max Gate, Dorchester

A visit to the NT property that once was the home of Thomas Hardy.

Thomas Hardy served as an apprentice to local architect Thomas Hicks. He won prizes from the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Architectural Association. He never truly felt at home in London and when he returned five years later to Dorset. He decided to dedicate himself to writing. Max Gate was designed by Thomas Hardy. He lived here for 43 years from 1885 until his death in 1928. The house was originally smaller. The Towers were a later addition.

The small garden area. The rooms on the back of the house were also an addition to the original Victorian brick building.