The sale of a £4.5 million Grade I listed house designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens
Once described as “Britain’s smartest bed and breakfast” by the Financial Times, The Salutation in Sandwich, Kent has also appeared on Channel 4’s Four in a Bed and Gogglebox programmes. The Grade I listed house, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, is now for sale for £4.5 million (update September 2014: Reduced to £3.5 million).
Built for the Farrer family, whose firm remains to this day as one of Britain’s best known legal practices, The Salutation was constructed between 1911 and 1912 and includes 11,438 square foot of accommodation. In addition to the main house, there is also a 4 bedroomed secondary residence, a converted coach house, a gardener’s cottage and a gatehouse.
Standing in 3.5 acres and incorporating part of the medieval town walls, the main highlight of this property are the gardens “designed in the spirit of Gertrude Jekyll”. Restored by the current owners, Dominic and Stephanie Parker, the gardens have been open to the public and have attracted up to 30,000 visitors per annum. Tickets are priced at £6.50 for adults and £3 for under 16s and with a gift shop and tea room, further income has also been generated.
Of why they are selling, Dominic Parker told Kent Online:
“The Salutation is hard work and not really working for us as a family now the children are growing up. It is time for a change after nine years, but I will miss it as it is a beautiful place”.
“It is a big responsibility and we were always aware we were just another custodian. We have done our bit and quite excited about having new people coming in”.
This Queen Anne style house is undoubtedly one of this Cinque Port town’s finest homes. It is for sale through Knight Frank.
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What a beauty and better value than a London townhouse. I’d buy this in a jiffy if I won the lotto.
A beautiful house but clear out the tourists. Who’d want them traipsing across the lawn?
It needs better artworks on the walls but other than that I like it.
A beautiful historic property next to a wonderful town. To those who would clear out the tourists! Why would you hide a national treasure? I hope it finds a open minded philanthropic owner.
Both my wife & I stayed there last year and it is a very special house indeed.
I agree with the FT it is certainly Britains smartest and also one of the most charming. Dominic Parker is also one of the most charming hosts so it is sad they are selling from that point of view.
It also seems a very air price for something so special.
4.5m would hardly by you terraced house 2 hours up the road in London!!