Max Gate now run by the National Trust is the former home of Thomas Hardy. Built in 1885, this Victorian Villa was designed by the author himself and created the environment he wished to live and write within. It was here that "Tess of the D'Urbervilles", "Jude the Obscure" and "The Mayor of Casterbridge" were written. Hardy lived here for forty years until his death in 1928. Visiting areas are the hall, dining room, drawing room and garden. Some of the furniture formerly belonged to Thomas Hardy.