Got big plans? This could be yours for 7.5m
13:42, 19 May 2011
There is a long history to a Grade II* listed property which has just come on to the market with estate agent Knight Frank.
Bedgebury, near Goudhurst, which stands in 91 acres was the former home of Field Marshal Viscount Beresford. He is best known locally today for first starting the neighbouring 350-acre Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest in the 1840s.
The pinetum itself was acquired by the Forestry Commission in 1925 and it is still managed by the commission for the nation.
The property includes extensive purpose-built school buildings, as it has been run as a school since 1920 and is owned by the Bell Educational Trust, a charity which specialises in language training.
Possible suitable future uses would include a school, a hotel or simply a magnificent home.
Emma Cleugh of Knight Frank says: "It will appeal to a number of markets given its stature, history, beautiful setting and potential for a variety of uses. We anticipate strong interest from buyers, not only from the UK but also from overseas."
The sandstone clad stone mansion retains many original period features, beautiful Adam style marble fireplaces, rococo columns and marble flooring, maple wood panelling and ornate decorative ceiling cornices and plasterwork.
There are also purpose-built facilities in the grounds, including teaching accommodation, sports and assembly halls and pitches and pupil and staff accommodation.
In the gardens, sweeping terraces and balustrade walkways lead down to the formal gardens and lakes, swimming pool and tennis courts.
The international boarding school, Bell Bedgebury International School, is to close in July, at the end of the academic year. Owners the Bell Educational Trust said in November that they had reluctantly arrived at the decision that it was no longer viable in the long term.
For more information ring Knight Frank on 020 7861 5427.