Schools aren’t known as the elite in architectural or interior design in the property world. Memories of harsh fluorescent overhead lighting, 'temporary' classrooms in porta cabins and Lino flooring spring to mind.
So it's refreshing to consider how 'Lot 51'— a former -school house, now disregarded building, could be transformed, as it is available to purchase via auction with Clive Emson, with a guide price of £480,000 — £500,000. The property goes under the hammer on February 9.
The Grade II listed building is believed to have been built circa 1873, and ‘may offer potential for a wide variety of uses, subject to all necessary consents being attainable’ according to the auctioneers overseeing its sale.
It’s a lukewarm statement for what could be an intriguing renovation project if in the right hands.
There's ample of space on offer with the ground floor comprised of an entrance hall, rear hall, two classrooms; a library room, washrooms, art room, staff rooms and several store cupboards (no doubt full of crumpled bits of un-finished homework assignments).
The first floor houses an attic room, with no further clues given as to size or height.
The former playgrounds and outdoor space is include in the sale and offers excellent options — whether lovingly updated as gardens or as part of a lifestyle business restaurant venture with seating.
Lot 51 is for sale via auction with Clive Emson at a guide price of £480,000-£500,000 — see more pictures, or enquire with the agent for further details.
Benenden: What you need to know
Location: In the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Kent. Mainline rail services run from Staplehurst, Headcorn and Marden stations into central London.
Atmosphere: There is an excellent butchers within the village, plus a village shop, post office, primary school and pub. Nearby Cranbrook, Tenterden and Tunbridge Wells have more extensive facilities.
Things to do: Plenty of walking and cycling routes around the High Weald AONB and the nearby larger towns provide further leisure facilities.
Schools: Primaries include Benenden, Sissinghurst and Cranbrook and for secondary there is Malborough House, Cranbrook Grammar School, Sutton Valence School and Benenden School.
See more property for sale in the area.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
-
The dream home that never was for one of Britain's greatest film stars, back on the market for the first time in half a centuryAnna White takes a look at the beautiful Wallers Mead, in the Buckinghamshire village full of links to Hollywood movies from James Bond to Star Wars.
-
Country Life Quiz of the Day, September 16, 2025 gets Brutal(ist)Divisive architecture is among the themes of today's quiz questions.
-
The dream home that never was for one of Britain's greatest film stars, back on the market for the first time in half a century
Anna White takes a look at the beautiful Wallers Mead, in the Buckinghamshire village full of links to Hollywood movies from James Bond to Star Wars.
-
A 500-year-old cottage in West Sussex that's as beautiful as you could ever hope to see, with a pool ringed by flowers, stables and a croquet lawnJames Fisher was in need of some balm for the soul when he came across Woodshill House.
-
A Clarkson's Farm of one's own: Five properties with just enough farmland for you and your family, from under £1 millionMoving to the country is one thing; moving to the country and being able to grow and rear all your own food is another level entirely, and all these properties offer exactly that.
-
Six superb homes, from chocolate box cottages to grand Tudor mansions, as seen in Country LifeOur regular round-up includes charming home counties houses and superb grand country house in Ireland.
-
A billionaire's thatched cottage is for sale in Surrey, once owned by the oil magnate J. Paul GettyChestnut Cottage is a joyous little home — albeit one with the most unusual bedrooms to acreage to price balances we've ever seen. Toby Keel takes a look inside.
-
Medieval Italian? 19th century French? 16th century German? You're spoilt for choice if you're looking to buy a gorgeous continental castleFrom hills of Italy to a Bavarian palace, Toby Keel takes a look at three of the finest castles for sale across Europe today.
-
How to buy a house at auctionBuying at auction can mean you secure your dream property for a bargain price, but preparation is the key
-
The homes of two 1980s TV icons are both up for sale at the same timeThe houses where Bob Monkhouse and Sir Terry Wogan spent decades of their lives are currently on the market. Annabel Dixon takes a look.
