About

Tessa and Stuart Wheeler bought Chilham Castle in April 2002.  With the help of a dedicated team of architects, historians, builders, friends and interior specialists, the Wheelers refurbished the castle, completing the project in December 2004, to make it one of the finest country houses in England.

The period of the restoration was a happy one; the whole team worked well together and everyone concerned is to be congratulated:

Architects: 
Giles Quarme and Dr. Archie Walls
http://www.quarme.com

Builders: 
Cardy’s of Canterbury
www.jjsystems.co.uk/

cardys.asp

Interior Designers:
Jane Ormsby Gore
http://www.jrdesign.org/

Furniture Consultant:
Christopher Gibbs
www.christophergibbs.com
 
Garden Designers:
Mary Keen and Pip Morrison

Tessa Wheeler is a photographer, horsewoman and writer with a special interest in Tangier, where she owns a house. Born into the Codrington family, one of Tessa's ancestors is Admiral Sir Edward Codrington, who fought and defeated the Turks at the Battle of Navarino in 1827. Tessa's book of photographs, Spirits of Tangier, is published by Arcadia Books and can be ordered in any bookshop, or from Amazon.co.uk
www.spiritsoftangier.com
www.arcadiabooks.co.uk

Stuart Wheeler was the founder of the spread betting company IG Index. He retired in 2001 and now divides his time between the family's flat in London and Chilham Castle. He is an active supporter of anti-torture charities; is a keen bridge and poker player and a supporter of the Conservative party.
www.stuartwheeler.co.uk

Tessa and Stuart have three daughters, Sarah Rose, Jacquetta and Charlotte and a dog, Tara.

Chilham Castle is inextricably linked to the rest of the village of Chilham.  The castle archive is patchy but includes documents which have been in the house for centuries.  In 2003 the Chilham Society lodged its own records here.  Enquiries should be directed, please, to our volunteer historian Michael Peters – see under Contacts.

For anyone interested in visiting Chilham, please see the following websites:

http://www.chilham-parish.org.uk/chilham.
http://www.chilhamvillagehall.com/
http://www.moncktoncottages.com/cottages.website/Chilham%20Village.html
http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/NorthDowns/gallery_image.asp?PageId=21&ImageId=19
http://www.thewhitehorsechilham.co.uk/
http://www.ruralways.org.uk/countrybreaks/browse/kent/chilham/