This Grade I-listed manor was once home to the polyamorous politician Sir William Cowper who united Scotland and England – and it could be yours for £2.2m.
Sir William Cowper was appointed Lord Keeper of the Great Seal and conducted the negotiations between the English and Scottish to unite England with Scotland.
Ratling Court, located in Canterbury in Kent, UK, was the home of Cowper’s father who was also a member of parliament. Sir William was polyamorous as he bore children to his wife and mistress who both knew of the other woman.
The Grade I-listed manor of Sir William Cowper located in Canterbury, Kent, has gone on the market for £2.2million
Ratling Court was the home of Sir William’s father, who was also a member of parliament in the 17th century
This cosy sitting room has an ornate log burner as well as neat alcoves with plenty of space to store books and DVDs
The sprawling manor has a study with storage space for books and a grand oak desk as well as another small fireplace
The light and airy family bathroom is spacious and features a timeless roll top bathtub as well as a contemporary shower
The luxurious manor has also been recognised as an historic building of Kent given its longevity in the area
It is alleged that Sir William was polyamorous as he bore children to his wife and mistress who both knew of the other woman, and he was integral to the negotiations that saw England and Scotland united over three hundred years ago
The manor house comprises five bedrooms, two bathrooms, an entrance hall, drawing room, sitting room, snug, study, dining room, kitchen, cellar and pantry.
The estate also features a donkey wheel house which is currently used as an entertainment space as well as stables, an oast house and a Kentish barn.
The 14th century property, originally in possession of the de Ratling family, had additions in the 15th and 17th centuries. During the Cowper family’s time at the house, a king post roof was added to the old hall which is one of very few in existence in Kent.
There is potential for the oast house above the garage to be turned into an annexe. The thatched-roof donkey wheel house was built to provide water for the manor house but has been used as an outdoor entertainment area by recent owners.
With grounds that add up to nearly five acres, Ratling Court is currently on the market with Strutt and Parker for £2.2m.
‘Ratling Court is an historic Grade I listed house of considerable architectural importance with a remarkable and intriguing history,’ the listing states.
‘It was the former home of Sir William Cowper, whose son became the first Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain in the 18th Century.
‘The day-to-day entrance opens to the large farmhouse style kitchen, complete with a walk-in pantry, a utility room and a cloakroom.
A traditional wooden door leads into a spacious dining area with hardwood floorboards and classic sash windows
This sitting room has a unique exposed brick wall, while rustic wooden beams run along the ceiling of the area
The imposing wooden ceiling beam frames the bed in this bedroom which contains traditional features from the 14th century
The landing area is full of quirky features, including this wooden door and small windows as well as rustic beams
The Grade I listed manor has plenty of sitting space such as this charming room with exposed brick wall and wooden beams
The manor has luscious garden space where Sir William would have enjoyed time with his family in the 18th-century
This outdoor entertainment area used to be a donkey wheel house and provides the property with fantastic character
The area comprises paved flagstones and would make for an ideal area to host family and friends in the summer months
‘The fascinating donkey wheel house has a thatched roof and was installed in the eighteenth century to provide water for the manor house; it is now used as an entertaining space and is ideal as a cool, shaded area to escape summer sun.’
Ratling Court is on the market with Strutt and Parker for £2,200,000, for more information please visit https://www.struttandparker.com/properties/aylesham.