Partial wreck, several careless owners, yours for just £2.75m — and it's worth every penny
No amount of dilapidation can take away the essential charm of a wonderful house like Denton Court, in Kent. James Fisher reports.


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.
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
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.
James Fisher is the Deputy Digital Editor of Country Life. He writes about property, travel, motoring and things that upset him. He lives in London.
-
How many puppies in the average litter? Country Life Quiz of the Day
Plus a 1960s house, Hollywood's most famous cavewoman and more in Friday's quiz.
By Toby Keel Published
-
Love, sex and death: Our near-universal obsession with the rose
No flower is more entwined with myth, religion, politics and the human form than the humble rose — and now there's a new coffee table book celebrating them in all of their glory.
By Amy de la Haye Last updated
-
The sounds of spring and stained glass in an Arts-and-Crafts masterpiece in Dorset
With 35 acres, more than 10 bedrooms, a swimming pool and tennis court, Winterfield has it all.
By James Fisher Published
-
An eight-bedroom wonder in East Sussex where the outdoors are an adventure
The interiors of Old Middleton are pretty good too.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
A lakeside farmhouse on the market in the beautiful heart of Pembrokeshire
A lake, streams, 15 acres and five bedrooms. Rogershook might have it all.
By James Fisher Published
-
An idyllic countryside home that's light, spacious and comes with a Grade II-listed folly
Hagg House is a gorgeous family home that just happens to have a miniature castle in the gardens. Annabel Dixon explains more.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
A historic villa for sale on the Via Nomentana worthy of Rome's rich history
Three floors, lots of balconies, and a private garden in one of Rome's loveliest neighbourhoods.
By James Fisher Published
-
Eight bedrooms of unlisted Edwardian elegance with sweeping views of Somerset
Ashton House sits near the market town of Chard and comes with a wealth of amenities both inside and out.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
A waterside cottage in Devon with a private quay, idyllic views and the prettiest summerhouse we've seen in years
Right beside the picturesque Yealm Estuary, No 1 Noss Mayo is an idyllic home that feels like an escape from the world. Annabel Dixon takes a look.
By Annabel Dixon Last updated
-
This elegant Greek villa offers would-be buyers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live in the shadow of the Acropolis
Athenian Legacy consists of two houses in walking —and almost touching — distance of one of the world’s most famous and precious landmarks.
By Rosie Paterson Published