Nestled in the Kent countryside, Leeds Castle today goes on the market with an asking price of £125,000,000, as it prepares to take on a new owner in 2024, following the ending of its current 50 year lease.
Before last owner, Lady Olive Baillie, died in September 1974, she put plans in place to create a charitable foundation to which the Castle and grounds would be transferred.
Upon creating the Leeds Castle Charitable Foundation, Lady Baillie specified that the Foundation would have a 50 year lease, before passing the baton onto the next owner. Lady Baillie was a true arbiter of taste, and had a fascination for design and reinvention, which is why she stipulated a change after 50 years.
Helen Bonser-Wilton, Chief Executive Officer at Leeds Castle, said: “Lady Baillie was very clear that she wanted all future owners to appreciate the ethos of Leeds Castle; from its design, extensive history celebrating female power, recreation, and of course sparkling parties and fun.
“Leeds Castle embodies the spirit of Lady Baillie and the six medieval queens who have owned the Castle. The estate is focused on natural beauty, and celebrates the many cherished moments made by our visitors every day. We hope the new buyer will continue the ethos of Lady Baillie, as they write Leeds Castle’s next chapter.”
Leeds Castle comprises 20 luxurious bedrooms, six spacious entertaining rooms, splendid original interiors designed by renowned 20th century designers; Stéphane Boudin and Armand-Albert Rateau, 990 acres of grounds and farmland, multiple lakes, rivers, streams and a moat, two thrilling playgrounds, an extensive maze with an underground grotto, multiple guest houses and wedding venues, a spectacular birds of prey centre, on-site train and ferry, historical nine-hole golf course, cricket club and three beautiful gardens.
To bring Leeds Castle to the market, the Foundation contacted established local agent, Knight Edmonds, following in Lady Baillie’s wishes to support local businesses.
Alex Knight, Director at Knight Edmonds, commented: “Leeds Castle is a true national treasure, and to share a moment in history facilitating the sale of such an outstanding piece of English heritage is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
“The responsibility for selling the castle however extends far beyond that of finding a buyer, it is about finding a new custodian, and ensuring the future and preservation of one the country’s most admired buildings. We want to reassure the public that we will ensure the next buyers will take all necessary steps to protect and care for the Castle.”
Viewings are strictly by appointment only, and any prospective purchasers will be subject to a thorough vetting process prior to viewing.
To watch the full interview with CEO, Helen Bonser-Wilton, please visit: youtu.be/zrsJh9ppfMg
To review the property, please visit: knightedmonds.co.uk/property/20-bed-house-for-sale-in-broomfield-road-leeds/493917 or rightmove.co.uk/properties/121811942
Watch the full interview with CEO, Helen Bonser-Wilton:
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