It was once the country retreat of the Deans of Canterbury Cathedral, who would have no doubt appreciated the handsome property’s splendour and privacy set in three acres of gardens.

Now long in private ownership, this “exceptional and intriguing” Grade II*-listed house at Chartham, still known as the Deanery, is on the market for £2.75million.

The impressive property, which is surrounded by a moat, retains features dating back to its 14th century origins.

It was largely restored and remodelled in 1728.

Now, visitors are greeted in the magnificent former Great Hall, which is a huge vaulted reception room and entertaining space with a sweeping bifurcating staircase and period fireplace.

The sale also includes the Deanery Cottage - formerly a brick barn that has recently been renovated.

The main house is approached by a gravel driveway to the pillored entrance.

It has a large farmhouse-style kitchen/breakfast room leading to a scullery, utility room, boot room and dog room which lead to the kitchen garden.

There are three reception rooms with oak flooring throughout, and shutters to the windows.

The house has four bedrooms, including a master suite with its own steam/shower room, dressing room, bathroom and library, with doors to a west-facing balcony.

To the front of the house, lawns interspersed with mature specimen trees are divided by the gravel driveway, which continues past the house and a back drive returns to Parish Road.

The more formal gardens lie to the rear of the house and are enclosed by traditional brick walls and high fencing.

Agents Strutt & Parker describe the property as an “important Grade II*-listed house with a fascinating ecclesiastical history” which would make an exceptional and intriguing home.