A decaying hotel sitting empty for years has hit the market for £1 million with hopes it will return to “former glory”.

A series of unusual images snapped from inside The Harrow Inn, in Lenham, show the once-busy spot frozen in time, as if staff walked out only yesterday.

But the 17th-century building on Hubbards Hill has been shut for almost four years, after its doors closed amid the first Covid lockdown.

Pictures which emerged recently show moss has set into the venue’s once-white panelling, and weeds have almost entirely encased the car park and courtyards.

But now there is new hope for the hotel as estate agents hope it could be revived, or prove useful to developers for a housing scheme.

In its heyday, the three-star hotel served as a wedding and events venue boasting 16 rooms and a 40-cover restaurant.

In the restaurant, glasses have been left upturned on the bar, and empty liquor bottles can still be seen on shelves.

There is a strand of abandoned tinsel, and the bar stools are still ready and waiting by the taps.

Images of the kitchen show chef knives attached to a magnetic wall-strip among other utensils – a green chopping board remains perched on the sink.

In 2006 the operators, Maidstone-based London & Edinburgh Swallow Group, went into administration.

The Harrow was among 20 hotels to shut, and 13 staff members lost their jobs at the country retreat.

One of the fastest-growing hotel chains in the UK, The Swallow Group expanded from 13 hotels to 180 in just three years.

But insiders claimed the group expanded too rapidly.

It was one of the UK’s biggest private hotel and pub businesses, employing more than 7,000 people and operating almost 700 hotels and bars.

The business closed around the pandemic but was described as “run down” by some of its last guests.

One reviewer, writing in March 2020, said: “I only stayed overnight.

“It is pretty run down.

“The staff were friendly enough but the place needs a really good clean and some maintenance.

“I can not recommend I’m afraid which is a shame as its location is okay.”

Another visitor in November 2019 warned others to “avoid it at all costs”, adding: “It’s absolutely filthy dirty everywhere.

“The entire place stunk of sewage and damp.

“There were mouse traps in the bedroom and woodlice crawling over carpets in the room.

“The food was cheap and nasty and I had to send food back twice as it was frozen. They genuinely served us frozen garlic bread.

“We washed everything including our bags when we got home. The entire place made my skin crawl.”

However, not everyone was so harsh towards the inn, with one person two months prior saying: “My children and I stayed here for one night.

“It was basic but just what we needed. The folk were friendly, especially the waiter.

“The food was good and reasonably priced.

“It’s lovely and quiet of a country road and the shower was good.

“The place looks in need of some repair but we still enjoyed our stay.”

Estate agents Whoozoo say the venue is situated “amidst picturesque farmland” on the north downs of Kent.

“It measures 800 square metres with an overall site size of 1.75 acres.

“Known as The Harrow Inn, the site traded extremely well but ceased trading several years ago and is sold with vacant possession.

“Ideally suited to owner-occupiers to refurbish to its former glory, property developers for a housing scheme, care homes, educational sectors and registered providers.”

The Harrow also has a car park for up to 85 vehicles, as well as a commercial kitchen, staff room, office, meeting room and conservatory.