Franks Hall, Grade I listed country house in Horton Kirby and South Darenth, England.
Franks Hall is a three-story red brick country house with stone-framed windows, a tiled roof, and Doric columns marking the eastern entrance. The estate includes various outbuildings such as a gazebo and stables set across the spacious grounds.
Lancelot Bathurst built the house in 1591 after moving from an older mansion across the river that had become too damp. The new location offered better conditions for the family residence.
The interior holds decorated plaster ceilings, ornate stone fireplaces, and oak paneling that reflect how wealthy families furnished their homes during the Elizabethan era. These crafted details show the craftsmanship and taste of the period.
The house sits in a rural location accessible by country lanes, so plan your route carefully if visiting. The scattered outbuildings and uneven grounds mean you will need time to explore the full estate.
During World War II, the private residence became a maternity home serving the local community. This wartime conversion shows how grand estates were adapted for public service during the conflict.
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