Hidden just a stone's throw from one of Kent's most charming high streets lies a historic gem. The 32-acre Hales Place estate in Tenterden, featuring a Grade II*-listed Tudor house and 17th century detached barn, is one of the county's most beautiful and intriguing sites. Last week, the estate's owners decided to share the splendour and secrets of their gardens, which boast two 16th century turrets.
Inviting KentOnline and 25 members of the Kent Gardens Trust, a charity that aims to preserve the county's historic gardens, they opened their gates for an exclusive tour, revealing the rich history of the estate. It was once owned by the Hales family, from High Halden, one of the wealthiest families in Kent, who built the first property on the site sometime during the reign of Henry VI between 1422 to 1461. Now, the plot off Golden Square is owned by Jane and Jonnie Kent, who have lived there for the past two-and-a-half years.
It has only been up for sale three times in the past century and is estimated to be worth about £4.5 million. KentOnline visited the impressive gardens at Hales Place, Tenterden, which could soon be open to the public In a speech delivered to guests last week, Mrs Kent revealed they would like to open the gardens to the public.
"Something we would like to do in the future, which this area would lend itself to perfectly, would be to put on a play," said Mrs Kent. "I can't help but think about Romeo and Juliet being performed here. "it would be lovely to use.