Valuable antiques from a Kent castle are expected to sell for at least a quarter of a million pounds when they go under the hammer.

The treasures were collected by former owners of Chilham Castle, Stuart and Tessa Wheeler, but are now being auctioned by the family following their deaths and the sale of their historic 17th century home near Canterbury.

The 158 lots range from paintings to porcelain and furniture to objects of works of art - and together have a lower estimate of £265,000.

They were largely sourced for the Wheelers, who lovingly restored the castle, by their long-time friend and illustrious design impresario, Christopher Gibbs, who is revered as the arbiter of bohemian country house style.

London-based auctioneers Drewetts have been appointed to conduct the sale at its Donnington Priory salerooms on Tuesday, October 4.

They say Gibbs had a specific vision for Chilham Castle, which would enable the Wheelers "to honour its rich history, while making their mark, as many generations of families had done before".

"The home that he created for them when they took ownership of the castle in 2002 became an exquisite showcase of the very best antiques with exceptional provenance," they say.

"They were complemented by Jane Ormsby Gore’s flamboyant textiles and design scheme that would make it, above all else, once again a spectacular family home, with a mix of periods, colours and styles that would amaze and delight regardless of one's preferred style."

One of the prize lots is a pair of matching Charles II kingwood oyster veneered wall mirrors which date from circa 1685 which are estimated to fetch between £30,000 and £50,000.

Another valuable item is a 16th century Belgian biblical tapestry which has a guide price of £20,000-£40,000.

Among the other highlights are a pair of stunning blue and white dishes for the Islamic market from the Kangxi period which carry an estimate of £7,000-£9,000.

A portrait of the Duchess of Roxburghe as Marchioness of Bowmount by Jonathan Richardson (1667-1745), who was one of the three foremost painters of his time, is estimated to fetch between £6,000 and £8,000.

And a pair of 18th early 19th century Chinese export padouk and marquetry chairs formerly from Godmersham Park country house in Kent are estimated between £5,000 and £8,000.

Dreweatts Head of House sales and Collections, Joe Robinson said: "It offers collectors the unique opportunity to purchase works that have been thoroughly researched and chosen for their quality, provenance and aesthetic beauty."

The auction catalogue is expected to be available online very shortly.