The History and Purpose of Kent’s Oast Houses
Aren’t oast houses lovely? Today alas most are holiday homes. These unique Kentish buildings were originally used to dry hops to brew beer, their conical roofs designed to help create a draught for the fire, the white cowls on top pivoted to control airflow.
Originally, oast houses were square in shape, and it was only around 1800 that the designed became more circular, as it was believed to be more efficient. Most had two or three drying floors, and one or more kilns.
Today you can see oast houses dotted across Kent (and Sussex) landscapes, and it is paramount that we save them. How tragic would it be, if they disappeared to be replaced by some ugly monstrosity buildings? Fortunately, most are now Grade II listed, so can’t be demolished.
So why don’t oast houses dry hops any more? Mostly due to technology. When hop-drying machines were invented, the lowly oast houses had no purpose. A few do remain as museums, if you fancy a visit.
A few people have even bought old oast houses as homes, and converted them into unique properties. But unless you have around £500K or more spare, it’s unlikely you are going to be able to afford one!
