A Buckinghamshire Super Estate With A Barn Constructed From The Mayflower’s Timber

If all of the planks of wood which make up a ship are replaced over time, does it remain the same ship? Or is it completely new? So goes Plutarch’s philosophical thought experiment the Ship of Theseus. So too, if a barn is constructed from the wood of The Mayflower ship, does it make it, in essence, The Mayflower ship itself? While Plutarch (and most good philosophers) would argue probably not, it is a very impressive flex none the less. And one which this historic Buckinghamshire barn is able to boast. 

Inside A Super Estate Rich In Quaker History

The History Of Old Jordans Estate

Built in the 16th century, Old Jordans Estate (for which the village of Jordans in Buckinghamshire is named) was originally owned by the Russel family and run by the then prominent Quaker preacher and thinker William Russel. One of the most important religious sites for Quakers in Britain, the estate served as a hideout for Quakers fleeing the religious persecution brought about by Oliver Cromwell’s rule which sought to enforce Puritanism as the only Christian doctrine. Adjacent to the estate sits another important Quaker site, the Quaker Meeting House built in 1688 where the 17th century English writer and Quaker theologian William Penn now rests. Purchased by the current owner after The Quaker’s Trust 400 years of ownership, Old Jordans holds a unique place in British history. 

What Was The Mayflower?

Celebrating the 405th anniversary of its voyage on 16 September this year, the Mayflower embarked from England to North America in 1620. Setting sail from Plymouth in Southampton with 100 passengers on board, the pilgrims en route to the new world were divided into ‘saints’ and ‘strangers’ – the Puritans looking to establish a new religious order, and the everyday tradesmen in search for a new life overseas. Crammed with the passengers of the Speedwell – a ship which had set sail on 15 August earlier that year but was forced to return to Plymouth when a leak was discovered – the Mayflower was no more than 100 ft long and 24 ft wide, making it smaller than a penalty box on a football pitch. 

Delayed by the Speedwell, the conditions on the Atlantic Ocean were rougher and stormier than planned by the time the Mayflower was able to set off. As a result, many of the passengers were seasick and could barely stand up, with one passenger swept overboard by the waves. Arriving in America after two months at sea, they landed at Cape Code (now known as Provincetown, Massachusetts) in November. While Virginia was The Mayflower’s original destination, strong winds and bad weather prevented the crew from sailing further south. Returning back to England after its journey across the seas, Roger, the brother of the Mayflower’s Captain Christopher Jones, who owned Old Jordans at the time allegedly constructed a barn from the timbers of the famous ship, which still stands to this day. 

Step Inside

Described as a ‘super estate’, Old Jordans boasts the unconstrained layout of a country estate, alongside the architectural look of a modern London town house. The eighteenth century manor house offers a modern feel with its open plan living space. Surrounded by the rolling Buckinghamshire countryside, the Grade II listed property is set amongst six acres of Japanese-inspired landscaped grounds, including a natural swimming pond. With ten bedrooms in the primary house, the estate also boasts a cluster of historical buildings, with seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms in the secondary house as well as a guest cottage with two, two bedroom apartments. Updated with contemporary additions, all the renovations have been approved by English Heritage to retain its rich history. 

Where Is It?

Located in Jordans, the Buckinghamshire village sits just outside the M25 and is only a short commute into London. 

How To Buy

The property is on the market with Knight Frank for £15,000,000. Find out more at knightfrank.co.uk