_Medieval estate and residence of Archbishop of Canterbury turned Surrey family home comes to market

Guide price: £2,950,000

Few homes can wear the badge of one of Britain's oldest inhabited homes while offering the very best in modern living; now, there is a rare opportunity to purchase Addington House in Surrey, which has seen almost unbroken occupation from its foundation in 1450, when King Henry VI ruled over feudal, Medieval England.

The earliest part of this house - Medieval Hall House as it was then known - the sitting room with Inglenook fireplace, was built around 1450 determined via the surveying of timber beams, which are still visible from the loft. The flagstones in the kitchen have been treaded on for 400 years and are suspected to date back to the 11th century.

According to the quirk of historical lore, the monarchy required the residents of Addington Manor, to serve the king or queen a bowl of porridge upon his or her coronation.

History buffs will further delight. Subterranean tunnels are said to link the manor houses of Addington - Addington House is the only ancient house of the Addington Palace estate to remain - to Wickham Court, which was used by the King to reach Anne Boleyn when she was staying with her family there.

The property has been expanded, added to, embellished and modernised through the passage of time and its changing architecture. The estate's numbered 'phases' are historical reference points to the advancements in house building and the materials used to create this extraordinary postcard to a condensed British history packaged into bricks and mortar.

According to records, the property was first extended with an additional floor in the 1600s. Phase 'three' saw the house extended again in 1700s to create the heart of this Georgian home, its extensive living space and brewhouse.

The Archbishops of Canterbury purchased Addington House in 1807 when they came to live in their newly built summer residence, Addington Palace, after moving from their original palace. Addington House has been blessed by Archbishops and the local church - St Mary the Blessed Virgin - built in 1080 (5 Archbishops of Canterbury are buried at St Mary's).

For those that like their mod cons to rub shoulders with historic accoutrements, the house has retained many original features, including a 15th century staircase, 16th century cupboard and Inglenook fireplace with Tudor bread oven.

Although the bones of this exceptional home are Medieval, it is the handsome 'boxy' proportions of Georgian aesthetics that elevate this home to its grand and visually pleasing proportions.

It's an inspired family home on all levels - metaphorical and physical - as suited to entertaining as it is to modern family living. At this heart of the home and setting the scene for the rest of the property is a sweeping entrance hall leading on to no less than seven reception rooms - versatile in use and many with crown mouldings, fireplaces and soaring timber beams - a traditional farmhouse kitchen and, the place where everyone wants to be rainy days, a substantial party/music room - formerly a brewhouse.

On the lower ground floor is an altar to luxury modern living with cinema room, games room, sauna and wellness suite as well a magnificent wine cellar built from authentic brick chambers. 

Spread across the first floor are six well proportioned, bright and airy bedrooms including a spectacular principal suite with a dressing room and bathroom while the upper floor benefits from two further contemporary bathrooms.

Outside, the property has a triple garage with loft space above - there is the possibility of creating an annexe here for staff or older teenagers here  - and secluded landscaped grounds.

The grounds approach 1.3 acres and form part of the Addington Village Conservation Area. To the east of the plot is an array of trees including a walnut tree, lime tree, fig tree and various yew trees thought to be over 500 years old.

There is also wild area to the rear of the garden and outside entertaining area equipped with a heated swimming pool as well as an al fresco bar and plenty of space for sun lounging and relaxing.

Addington House is close to The Addington Golf Club and Spring Park and is well placed for access into Croydon Town Centre with its extensive shopping facilities and East Croydon Rail Station with direct services to London Bridge and Victoria, in about 14 and 16 minutes respectively.

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