The immaculately restored Tudor property once owned by a prolific society painter
The stylish renovation of Bilting Court has combined Tudor charm with all the comforts of 21st century living.


Bilting Court in the dreamy Stour valley, six miles north-east of Ashford, last came to the market back in 2009. It was described by selling agents Strutt & Parker as ‘imbued with character and charm, but now in need of updating’ – all that work is now done, and this delightful house is for sale once more at a guide price of £2m, again through Strutt & Parker.
The 2009 sale came following the death, at the age of 89, of its previous owner, the prolific society painter John Ward.
Famous for his portraits of the great, the good and the royals (he gave sketching lessons to The Prince of Wales), which earned him a CBE in 1984, he and his wife moved from London to Bilting Court in 1954.
Ward’s wife predeceased him by several years and so the house, covered in hand-painted pastoral murals across its walls and ceilings, was in need of a serious overhaul when its present owners bought it.
Originally a 15th-century hall house, Bilting Court has seen many alterations over the years, including a major remodelling in the fashionable Lutyens-esque style in the early 20th century and, most recently, the addition of a garden room and a newly constructed range of outbuildings.
Centred around its magnificent medieval hall, the house has 4,952sq ft of comfortable living space, including splendid entrance and reception halls, two main reception rooms and a fabulous kitchen/dining room overlooking the gardens, the adjoining farmland and the Wye Downs - views shared by the newly built oak-framed garden room next door.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
A fine oak staircase leads to four first-floor bedrooms, the most impressive of which is the master, with its original timber framing and crown post and stylish contemporary bathroom—a nice touch of luxury that blends happily with the rustic charm of the ancient timbers.
The same love and attention to detail have been lavished on the garden, which has been landscaped to fit the surroundings of the house, with a meandering brick path running past lavishly stocked herbaceous borders to a circular bed with a restful seating area.
From here, lush lawns lead to a lightly wooded area at the end of the garden. In all, Bilton Court has almost 6½ acres of gardens and grounds, including a kitchen garden, a pond and a paddock.
Bilting Court is on the market with Strutt & Parker at £2 million – see more pictures and details.
Credit: Strutt & Parker
Tremendous Tudor properties for sale, from a place once owned by Elizabeth I to a historic home under £500k
Fancy your own Wolf Hall? These properties boast superb Tudor features, fit for a king — or Queen.
The Tudor mansion in Sussex where Lutyens and Jekyll pooled their talents
Legh Manor: The Tudor mansion in Sussex where Lutyens and Jekyll worked together
Credit: Jackson-Stopps & Staff
A Tudor-style house with character and land, within easy reach of the city
-
The real Bear Grylls: Country Life Quiz of the Day, July 2, 2025
Britain's longest pier is among the highlights of Wednesday's Quiz of the Day.
By Country Life Published
-
What do 19th century rowers, Queen Victoria and Giorgio Armani all have in common? They helped to popularise the world's most versatile jacket — the blazer
Everyone from royalty to rappers seems to have one in their wardrobe. Harry Pearson lists the merits of the blazer, a true sartorial team player.
By Harry Pearson Published
-
Where Venice once ruled: The roving Venetians left handsome imprints across the Greek world, from its religion to its rambling villas
Matthew Dennison explores the lingering traces of Venice's vanished empire — and the best places to buy where it once stood.
By Matthew Dennison Last updated
-
A delightful 16th century home with some of Kent's most beautiful gardens has come on to the market
The Grange puts the 'garden' into the Garden of England.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A pristine Scottish island for sale at the price of a garage in Fulham
A dot on the map of the west coast of Scotland has come on to the market, where you'll be surrounded by sea, living off grid and be neighbours with the local seal colony.
By Toby Keel Published
-
18 beautiful homes, from charming cottages to a Highland mansion with unbeatable views, as seen in Country Life
Our look at some of the best homes to come to the market via Country Life in the past week includes Georgian manor houses, charming commutable homes and the grandest home in Newcastle.
By Toby Keel Published
-
The gorgeous Somerset home of the designer behind one of Glastonbury's chicest spots
The Manor in Hinton Blewitt is a glorious Georgian home that ticks every box.
By Toby Keel Published
-
A 600-year-old National Trust property that you can call home
This blooming property in Kent showcases the original garden of England. Penny Churchill takes a look.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A wisteria-clad delight with lawns running down to the Thames at the prettiest riverside home for sale in London today
Deodar Road, near Putney High Street, offers unrivalled views of the Thames and is characterful in excess.
By James Fisher Published
-
Five of the most majestic properties for sale in Britain today, from a 1,700-acre estate to a private island, as seen in Country Life
Our look at the best homes to come to the market via Country Life this week includes some genuinely breathtaking places.
By Toby Keel Published