An old country estate with a royal connection to the last king of Thailand recently went on the market. The property, which spans more than 67 acres, was originally owned by Prajadhipok, also known as Rama VII, the final absolute monarch of Siam (current-day Thailand). The estate was built in 1419.
Rama VII ruled the country from 1925 to 1935, a chaotic and revolutionary period, and passed away in exile in England at the age of 47 in 1941. This charming mansion in the English village of Biddenden, a former centre of the iron industry, combines both richness and rustic charm, along with a fascinating history.
The property, known as Vane Court, is held by Will Peppitt of Savills and is being offered for slightly more than $7 million.
The property still boasts several antique features, such as an entrance hall with an old oak staircase, in addition to modern conveniences like a heated pool and tennis courts. (Source: Savills website)Two years after his abdication, in 1937, the late former king and his queen, Rambai Barni, moved here and made a quick adjustment to country life. According to The New York Post, Prajadhipok is thought to have slept in the attic, now known as the King’s Bedroom, in accordance with a Siamese tradition that stated no other head could be above his in the house.
The property still boasts several antique features, such as an entrance hall with an old oak staircase, in addition to modern conveniences like a heated pool and tennis courts.
Depending on how the arrangement is used, there are six to seven bedrooms inside, two with ensuite bathrooms, a dining room with an inglenook, an oak-framed gym, various fireplaces, and a kitchen with granite countertops, an oil-fired Aga, and furniture made of American walnut. The roofs are primarily tiled.
A variety of formal gardens may be seen outside, including the King’s Pond in the water garden and a now-buried rose garden.
There are two concrete-framed barns on the property alongside the main house, and they now have “planning consent” to be turned into homes with a four-bedroom and a three-bedroom, respectively.
Additionally, there is “ample parking,” which includes a carport and a four-bay garage with an open front. There is also a heated swimming pool enclosed by established hedging and an adjacent tennis court which is also bounded by established hedging.
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