Real Estate: Historic Mansion with Royal Thai Heritage Listed in Kent for £5.5 million

Hero Image: The King’s Room

In the tranquil surrounds of Biddenden, Kent, a historic mansion which has been a silent witness to a monarch’s abdication and the tumult of World War II, has gone on the market. The listing price for this 604-year-old architectural treasure, 70 kilometres southeast of London, is £5.5 million. The 67-acre estate was home to Eton-educated King Prajadhipok and Queen Rambhai Bari of Siam in the late 1930s.

Dating back to 1419, this remarkable Grade II* listed family home is listed by the premier real estate agency Savills. The mansion, thoughtfully restored over centuries, still retains its royal charm, providing a unique blend of antiquity and modern comforts. This resplendent residence was the cherished home of King Prajadhipok and Queen Rambhai Bari after the king’s abdication in 1935. The royal couple, embraced by the locals participated in local events and thoroughly enjoyed the tranquillity of the English countryside, whether it was walking their dogs, shopping in the village, or watching the ducks and fish in their home’s pond. However, with the onset of World War II, the royal couple relocated to Virginia Water in Surrey, where King Prajadhipok passed away in 1941.

Will Peppitt, the head of sales for south-eastern England at Savills, notes, “Vane Court’s prior use as a royal residence has truly left a mark on the home. With transport links back into London conveniently nearby, we think that Vane Court will appeal to those looking for the perfect slice of country living in the garden of England.” The later additions are at the back of the house and it is fully equipped with all the modern conveniences.

The Vane Court comprises six bedrooms, four bathrooms and an array of elegant reception rooms. A notable feature of this timber-framed building is the original entrance hall on the ground floor, with its majestic, original, oak staircase. The south-facing drawing room, complete with an elegant fireplace and wood burner, is another highlight.

The estate includes meticulously landscaped gardens, a sunken rose garden, a large heated swimming pool, and a tennis court. The beautifully constructed King’s Pond, equipped with its bridge, invites peaceful afternoons in the lap of nature.

The historic Vane Court now awaits its new chapter, ready to offer its next owners a slice of the past, resplendent with royal heritage, and a tranquil lifestyle in one of England’s most charming corners. A blend of timeless charm, architectural grandeur, and rural tranquility, it’s a living, breathing testament to history.

(Images courtesy: Savills)