Those in search of a project need look no further than Denton Court (or, The Manor of Denton, as it was once known). The property has an elegant history, with a building being on the site since before Domesday. Its entry described it as being ‘worthy of sixty shillings, arable land of three teams, four villans, with two borders have one team’. Should you be out of shillings, arable lands or ‘villans’, the Cranbrook and East Kent office of Savills are asking for offers in excess of £2.75m.
In the centuries since it was first occupied, the property has changed hands numerous times, as well as being rebuilt twice — once in 1574, by then owner William Boys, and again in 1860, by William Willats.
Now a substantial building of some 17,300sq ft in total, with 27 acres of gardens and grounds, Denton Court ‘provides a magnificent restoration project with the opportunity to create a grand country home or a boutique hotel,’ according to selling agent Julien Hunt.
Despite being — ahem — not in the best condition, externally and internally, the house boasts a wealth of period features that would provide inspiration and elegance for any restorer.
Of particular note are the high ceilings with ornate cornice work, wooden floors and wall panelling, impressive sash windows and period fireplaces in many rooms.
That is to say nothing of the magnificent central staircase, which sweeps around the hall and would offer a setting for endless grand entrances to any parties that you might wish to throw.
The grounds consist of extensive lawns and parkland, with mature trees throughout, as well as paddocks down to grazing.
There are two further properties — somewhere to stay, perhaps, while you carry out the required work? The Gate Lodge has two bedrooms, while Court Cottage has four. There are various other outbuildings, including woodstores and a workshop.
Denton Court is for sale via Savills at £2.75m — see more pictures and details.
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
Credit: H Tiddy
12 stunning character properties for sale at under £400,000
Thatched homes in Cornwall and West Sussex are among the many highlights of these gorgeous character cottages for sale.
Spectacular Scottish castles and estates for sale
A look at the finest castles, country houses and estates for sale in Scotland today.
-
Vertigo at Victoria Falls, a sunset surrounded by lions and swimming in the Nile: A journey from Cape Town to CairoWhy do we travel and who inspires us to do so? Chris Wallace went in search of answers on his own epic journey the length of Africa.
-
A gorgeous Scottish cottage with contemporary interiors on the bonny banks of the River TayCarnliath on the edge of Strathtay is a delightful family home set in sensational scenery.
-
A gorgeous Scottish cottage with contemporary interiors on the bonny banks of the River Tay
Carnliath on the edge of Strathtay is a delightful family home set in sensational scenery.
-
Six rural properties with space, charm and endless views, as seen in Country LifeWe take a look at some of the best houses to come to the market via Country Life in the past week.
-
380 acres and 90 bedrooms on the £25m private island being sold by one of Britain's top music producersStormzy, Rihanna and the Rolling Stones are just a part of the story at Osea Island, a dot on the map in the seas off Essex.
-
A home cinema, tasteful interiors and 65 acres of private parkland hidden in an unassuming lodge in KentNorth Lodge near Tonbridge may seem relatively simple, but there is a lot more than what meets the eye.
-
A rare opportunity to own a family home on Vanbrugh Terrace, one of London's finest streetsThis six-bedroom Victorian home sits right on the start line of the London Marathon, with easy access to Blackheath and Greenwich Park.
-
A tale of everyday life as lived on Britain's most expensive streetWinnington Road in Hampstead has an average house price of £11.9 million. But what's it really like? Lotte Brundle went to find out.
-
Damon Hill's former home in Marbella is the perfect place to slow downThe glorious Andalusian-style villa is found within the Lomas de Marbella Club and just a short walk from the beach.
-
A 327-acre estate in the heart of 'England’s Côte d’Or', with a 26,000sq ft Georgian style home at its heartStokes Hall in the Crouch Valley is an inspiring property looking for a new owner.
