Fit For A King: This 600-Year-Old Estate Is Officially Back On The Market

Fancy a dip in the pool? Or a game of tennis? Yes please. The country estate of Vane Court is quite literally fit for a king (more on that later) and lucky for you – it’s back on the market (all for a cheaper price).

Inside Vane Court

First put on the market back in Sepetmber 2023 for £5.5m, Vane Court is now back up for sale for the reduced price of £3.95m.

First built in 1419, Vane Court is regarded as the oldest house in the Kent village of Biddenden, and has been featured in numerous historic editorials which described the property as ‘the only house in Biddenden of the Wealden type’ (think timber-framed and Tudor in style). As you step in, step back in time: history runs through this mansion’s veins – or ‘vanes’ – with the property retaining many of its original features, including the oak panelled entrance hall and staircase decked out with finial ornaments.

No need to fear creaky floorboards and draughty hallways, however, this Grade II listed property has been updated with all the modern conveniences you’d wish for from a 21st century home, from a walk-in wardrobe and lavish bathroom to the home gym and updated kitchen.

Spanning a total of 6652 sqft, Vane Court boasts six bedrooms with a further 67 acres of gardens (that’s around 50 football pitches) outside. The grounds feature a formal sunken rose and water garden (showcasing various ponds), alongside tennis courts and a heated swimming pool – box-hedged for the utmost privacy. Located just off Smarden Road in Biddenden, the home offers transport links to London plus a short drive to the M25, offering the benefit of country living without scrimping on your London fix. 

The History

Have you ever heard of Biddenden? With a population of just under 3000 people, Biddenden is a largely rural parish in Kent, but one that is steeped in history and ancient folk tales. Most famously, Biddenden was once home to the Biddenden Maids – also known as Mary and Eliza Chulkhurst. Born in 1100, the Chulkhurst sisters were conjoined twins, physically connected at birth by their hips and shoulders.

Upon their deaths in 1134, Mary and Eliza left five plots of land to the village and the income from this land was given to those in need of food and drink at Easter. This tradition has continued to this day with the charity doling out tea, cheese and loaves of bread to local pensioners.

While the legended sisters were long gone by the time Vane Court was built in 1419, the home has attracted many more famous faces over the years, having briefly housed Sir John Kotelawala. The former Prime Minister of Sri Lanka (then known as Ceylon), he moved to the property in self-imposed exile following his electoral defeat in 1956.

However, the most notable owner came a couple of decades earliers. 

In 1937, Vane Court became the royal residence of King of Siam (what is now Thailand), Rama VII, the last absolute King of Siam, following his abdication in 1935. Forced to abdicate over political clashes with the new quasi-democratic government and concerns with his failing health, he relocated to Vane Court for a quiet life in the British countryside. 

It is believed that the king had to sleep in the attic room (now known as The King’s Bedroom) because of Siamese custom that meant no head in the house could be higher than his. The King and Queen Rambai Barni adjusted to village life quickly and were frequently spotted out and about on their bicycles and attending fetes. It is also believed that the royal couple were so concerned with being seen to have favourite businesses in Biddenden that they had to alternate between the shops they frequented.

While you can no longer spot royalty on your trip to the shops, Biddenden remains home to many well-known faces, including MasterChef’s (recently disgraced) Gregg Wallace, actress and singer Denise Van Outen and Coldplay musician Will Champion. 

Vane Court is on the market for £3.95. Find out more at search.savills.com