FOR SALE – THE BIRTHPLACE OF AVIATION . A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO OWN A PIECE OF HISTORY MUSWELL MANOR – ISLE OF SHEPPEY , KENT
Muswell Manor is a 16th Century Grade II listed manor house steeped in history , most notably being the site where the earliest aviators performed their first flights . Names such as Charles Rolls , Frank McClean , Maurice Egerton , John Moore-Brabazon , amongst others , founding members of the World ’ s First Aero Club , practised their aviation skills on a stretch of marshland at Shellbeach near Leysdown on the Isle of Sheppey in early 1909 using the nearby farmhouse , Muswell Manor ( which they referred to as Muscle Manor ) as their clubhouse .
The Short Brothers were some of the first occupants of the grounds and they acquired a licence to build copies of the Wright aircraft and set up one of the world ’ s first aircraft production lines at this very site in Leysdown .
On 2nd May 1909 John Moore-Brabazon ( later Lord Brabazon of Tara ) made a flight of 500 yards in his Voisin at nearby Shellbeach , this is officially recognised as the first flight by a British pilot in Britain and is one of several firsts recorded in the Guinness Book of Aircraft as having taken place at Muswell Manor .
That same week the Wright brothers visited the Aero Club flying ground at Shellbeach . After inspecting the Short Brothers ’ factory , a photograph was taken in front of the clubhouse door of Muswell Manor of the Wright Brothers with all of the early British aviation pioneers to commemorate their visit to Britain , this very photograph hangs above the fireplace in the pub in Muswell Manor ( formerly the clubhouse of the Aero Club ) and is the only photograph known to exist of all the early aviators together .
Not only does Muswell Manor offer this fantastic piece of history , the former clubhouse resplendent with photos , plaques , statues and memorials which have been donated and given to commemorate the value of the building and its surrounding grounds , it also offers lucrative business opportunities and income . Firstly there is the pub , with room for 100 covers , ( serviced by a fully functioning and maintained professional kitchen ). The pub has a Freehouse licence , as well as licensed flexible opening hours .
The current owners have regular and repeat customers who have been enjoying the pub and restaurant for decades under the current ownership . Within the Manor House there is also a successful five star Trip Advisor rated Bed & Breakfast business which occupies three of the bedrooms in the manor ( all with en-suites ). The other part of the manor house is the private residence of the owners with a large double bedroom and en-suite , large living room and dining room as well as a separate generous-sized family bathroom . Additionally , there are two further rooms at the top of the family living quarters , with an en-suite bathroom .
Finally , there is the caravan park in the grounds which consists of static caravans and chalets ( 47 in total ) being owned outright by the occupants for ten months of the year ( although this could be extended to twelve months if so desired ). This produces a generous yearly income from the ground rent and from the sales of the chalets and statics .
There are also two large workshops adjacent to the manor house . The manor has been the scene for several TV and Radio recordings and interviews over the years , as well as many books recording the aviation history here .
Rolls Royce approached the manor to do an air show in 2010 following the centenary fly over in 2009 ; this was to mark the anniversary of Charles Rolls ’ untimely death in a fatal accident in an air show a hundred years before .
In 2009 there was a commemorative Battle of Britain Air Show on the Grounds of Muswell Manor . The owners have emails and a letter from the Wright Brothers ’ great grand niece authenticating the building ’ s significance to them personally and to their country .
Lastly , and by no means least , this grade II listed property and its grounds offers spectacular views of the sea and coastline , surrounded by peace and quiet and secluded countryside and nature reserves . If you are interested in living in a beautiful location that offers both history and an established income-generating business , do not miss out on this opportunity to purchase Muswell Manor .
Offers in the region of £ 1,850,000 ( no separate offers for individual components will be considered ).
All enquiries should be made direct to Jemima Neal : E : sales @ jemima-neal . com T : 07845 056536
Please do not contact the property itself , no direct enquiries will be entertained .
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