Home   Tonbridge   News   Article

Oldest shop in UK The Tulip Tree in Chiddingstone that was once owned by Tudor Queen’s family goes on market

A shop which claims to be the oldest in the UK has gone on the market.

The Tulip Tree in Chiddingstone, between Edenbridge and Tonbridge, first opened its doors in 1453 - 570 years ago.

The property must be kept as a shop and is a Grade I-listed building
The property must be kept as a shop and is a Grade I-listed building

The village's tearoom is a Grade I-listed building and has a post office, general store and tearoom.

Customers can buy items including gifts, furniture, greeting cards, sweets, ice creams, groceries, candles, scarves and jewellery.

It was also once owned by Thomas Boleyn - the father of former Queen of England Anne Boleyn - back in the 16th century.

Its heritage status means the site must be kept as a shop and post office, once current owner Nicoletta Fahie-Wilson finds a buyer.

She has put it up for sale with an asking price of £230,000 - 10 years after taking over the mantle of running what is believed to be the oldest working shop in the country.

Owner Nicoletta Fahie-Wilson is putting the Tulip Tree up for sale for £230,000
Owner Nicoletta Fahie-Wilson is putting the Tulip Tree up for sale for £230,000
The shop was once owned by Thomas Boleyn – father of former Queen of England Ann Boleyn.
The shop was once owned by Thomas Boleyn – father of former Queen of England Ann Boleyn.

It is also just two miles as the crow flies from Hever Castle.

Speaking before putting it on the market, Mrs Fahie-Wilson said: "I trained as a nurse, going into occupational health as my career progressed.

"In 2008 I visited the village of Chiddingstone with my family and completely fell in love.

"Five years later, the shop and tea room went on the market so I left my job in Canary Wharf to pursue my dream with the support of my husband and three children."

The Chiddingstone shop claims to be the oldest working shop in the country
The Chiddingstone shop claims to be the oldest working shop in the country
The shop in Chiddingstone first opened for business back in 1453 and now has a tearoom and post office
The shop in Chiddingstone first opened for business back in 1453 and now has a tearoom and post office

However speaking to the BBC, she now says the next owner has therefore "got to be someone who really wants to take on a lifestyle choice, as it's not just a shop, it's a community".

The property has also been used in films such as A Room with a View, which featured stars such as Harry Potter's Helena Bonham Carter.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More