Max Gate, Dorchester

Hardy built Max Gate, an austere Victorian townhouse, in 1885 and it was his main residence for over 40 years until his death.

The writer was keen to be accepted by Dorset’s wealthy middle classes, hence the property’s grand design, and it was named after a tollgate keeper called Mack.

Both “Tess Of The d’Urbervilles” and “Jude The Obscure” were written here.

The property is also now owned by the National Trust.