Building record TQ 55 NW 636 - High Weald, Parkfield, Sevenoaks

This two storey detached house is painted white under a red clay tile roof. Originally known as High Winds until at least 1968. It was designated a Building Contributing to Character in the SDCs Conservation Area document. It was designed by J.T. Allison FRIBA and J B Drew FRIBA in 1934. Husband and wife team James Alliston and Dame Jane Drew were both Fellows of the RIBA and had offices in Woburn Square in London. At a time when architecture was a male-dominated profession, Dame Jane Drew went on to become arguably the most distinguished British female architect of the 20th century. The house is difficult to view from the road. A two storey cottage was built in the grounds for King Haakon VII, the first King of Norway after the 1905 dissolution of the union with Sweden. for his occasional visits. King Haakon married Princess Maud, daughter of England's Edward VII. Following the German invasion of Norway, he fleed to England in 1940 and established a government in exile giving many radio broadcasts in London. He returned to Norway in 1945. The cottage (possibly built during the war but not after) is still there and appears to be of similar design to the house. (1)

<1> Sevenoaks District Council, Sevenoaks District Council Local List of Heritage Assets (Index). SKE53505.