Charles Dickens’s Summer Home For Sale – Bleak House

A home that once belonged to author Charles Dickens has hit the market. The six-bedroom Grade II listed property in Broadstairs has been renamed Bleak House and is also home to a Dickens museum. The author wrote part of his novel David Copperfield and the BBC reports he also is believed to have planned Bleak House there.

The property was built in 1801 and was constructed as the residence of the fort captain during the Napoleonic Wars and the lower level includes prison cells. The home’s study, where Dickens wrote has ocean views. It is listed here at £2 million.

History – The house was originally know as Fort House as it was built as the residence of the Fort Captain during the Napoleonic Wars. This was one of Charles Dickens’ favourite lodging houses during the summer months and here he wrote David Copperfield in 1851 and planned Bleak House, the novel. The building was renamed many years after the book was published. The lower ground floor has been retained as the Dickens Museum, the mahogany grand staircase and some fireplaces are original.

Dickens Museum – Access to the museum is via a glazed wooden door located in the inner hallway adjacent to the kitchen. There are steps leading down to the lower ground level. As you enter the museum there are many quirky features and artefacts from smugglers to the Napoleonic War. There are original prison cells and white painted arrows on the floor, directing you to the safe exit which finishes in an inner lobby at the opposite end of the kitchen from where you started.

Charles Dickens Study – 15′ 10″ x 10′ 7″ (4.83m x 3.23m) This room is where Charles Dickens got his inspiration for his famous novel David Copperfield. Decorated with a wealth of personal items from his day, including the writing desk he sat at which is situated in front of the large bay window overlooking the sea. Many of the items contained within this room are available under separate negotiation with the current owners.