A luxury Jacobean manor house is still on the market - but the price has been slashed by another quarter of a million pounds.

Boys Hall in Willesborough, Ashford was advertised at a cut-price of £1.75m last year, after the property failed to sell for the initial request of £2.4m five years ago.

The price of the historic Grade II-listed building has decreased again and it is now being advertised by Christie & Co for offers in excess of £1.5m.

Set within 2.75 acres of land, the grand property has 10 bedrooms situated on the first and second floors and five reception rooms.

The main bedroom is oak panelled with a domed ceiling and a white marble chimney piece with intricately carved panels, which were believed to have been gifted from Windsor Castle.

On the ground floor, the house has retained much of its original character features, including a large reception hall with a chimney displaying English Delft tiles and inner halls with a period oak staircase.

The building also contains three cloakrooms, an air-conditioned conservatory and an indoor swimming pool.

A detached Victorian stable block is situated within the grounds, which is believed to have been constructed in 1832.

The stable block had previous planning consent to be converted into a home, but the permission has now expired.

In its history of more than 400 years, the building has been a home as well as being used to host weddings and conferences, and offering luxurious bed and breakfast accommodation.

The property was originally built in 1616 by the Boys family, who had previously been known as De Bois, having landed in England from France at the time of the Norman conquest.

The estate passed into the Mersham and Knatchbull families – and it is believed Charles I stayed at the home while fleeing the forces of Oliver Cromwell. Samuel Pepys, the 17th century British diarist, is also understood to have been among its visitors.

Andrew Moore, director at Christie & Co said: "Boys Hall provides a fabulous and unique opportunity to acquire a wonderful historical Jacobean property that has been under the same ownership for the past 16 years.

"Although currently closed, the property could easily be re-instated into a successful hotel, restaurant and wedding venue. It is ideally suited for either a hands-on owner operator or a multiple operator looking to add a beautiful venue to their portfolio.”

The business agent is seeking offers in excess of £1,550,000 for the freehold interest of Boys Hall.

For more information, visit: www.christie.com

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