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HomeLocal NewsMedieval 600-year-old manor on market for millions

Medieval 600-year-old manor on market for millions

A medieval moated manor once owned by crusader knights and visited by kings has been listed for sale.

The historic estate of St John’s Jerusalem in Sutton-at-Hone, near Farningham, is on the market with a guide price of £3.25 million.

View along the front of St John's Jerusalem in the summer. Climbing plants cover section of the walls with leaves Photo David Sellman National Trust
View along the front of St John’s Jerusalem in the summer. Climbing plants cover section of the walls with leaves Photo David Sellman National Trust

The property is being offered under the remaining 97 years of a 125-year lease from the National Trust, which was first granted in 1997.

The Grade II-listed house, dating back to the 13th century, sits on an island surrounded by a moat fed by the River Darent.

It includes 24 acres of grounds, a 13th-century chapel, and a two-bedroom lodge cottage.

The estate was originally founded in 1199 by the Knights Hospitallers and later passed through various owners after the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

It was gifted to the National Trust in 1943 by former owner Sir Stephen Tallents.

St John’s Jerusalem is a Grade II* listed chapel Photo National Trust
St John’s Jerusalem is a Grade II* listed chapel Photo National Trust

The current leaseholders, Dr Giles Brown and Liz Drey-Brown, took on the property when it was in poor condition and spent two years restoring the house and reviving its historic landscape.

The main residence contains eight bedrooms, four bathrooms, a grand staircase and an arched basement currently used as a gym.

Outbuildings include a garage, garden buildings and a shed.

A National Trust spokesperson said: “St John’s Jerusalem is a Grade II* listed chapel and garden attached to a larger residential property currently held under a longstanding residential lease with the National Trust.

“The current leaseholders are offering the lease for sale.

“Public visitor access to the chapel is included as part of the lease arrangement.

“The chapel is currently open to the public for one afternoon a month from April to September.

“Any enquiries regarding the purchase of the lease should be directed to the leaseholders’ appointed estate agent.”

Strutt & Parker is managing the sale through its Sevenoaks office.

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