A Grade II-listed Airbnb-style hotel with a curious past is planning to become a wedding venue.

Stone Court House in Lower Stone Street, Maidstone, was rescued from ruin in a multi-million pound makeover and now aims to holds marriages.

Since opening in June last year, owners Saban and Belinda Demirbasa have had more than 900 reservations.

The 700-year-old historical building was previously used as lodgings for travelling judges in the 18th century.

Formerly known as Stone Court Hotel, in 2012 it was subject to a police raid and closure order as part of a drugs bust, and was also suspected to have entertained a different sort of paying guest.

It's now a far cry from its chequered past after the new owners took more than two years to renovate the building and turn it into a family home and boutique Airbnb-style business.

There are six double rooms with romantic four-poster beds, as well as a two bedroom flat available to book.

In November the property was officially taken off Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register following its successful restoration.

It's gone from strength-to-strength and Saban says they now plan on turning it into a venue where couples can tie the knot.

"It’s been brilliant so far, everything has been going well," he explained.

“You can see on people’s faces when they walk through the door, that they are absolutely blown away with what we have done with it.

“We've had a lot of couples calling us up about weddings after the Hadlow Manor closure.

"Previously brides and grooms have booked out the whole house for guests to stay.

"We thought why not have the opportunity to hold weddings as well?"

The couple already have an alcohol and live music licence in place, and last week they submitted a change of use to Maidstone council. (January 23)

The private part of the building – a living room currently used by the family – would instead hold civil ceremonies with a wedding license in place.

They also wish to add a 120sqm marquee in the rear courtyard, which will host reception guests, along with four unisex portable toilets.

If approved, the wedding licence would be valid for three years.

Saban added: “We can currently hold up to 27-30 people.

"The wedding marquee will hold between 80 and 100 people for dinner. Then you could have the entire house hired out.

“Our living room will be converted into a civil ceremony reception area where they can hold marriages. There’s also plenty of room for a ballroom disco!

“Not all wedding venues offer accommodation, but we do.

"The bride and groom won't need to worry about getting a car to the location, or for other guests to arrive – they can just come straight down the stairs."

In the past month, two wedding venues across Kent have closed, with dozens of couples left heartbroken.

Hadlow Manor Hotel in Tonbridge was set to shut in September and eventually be turned into 12 flats and homes.

However, this was brought forward to last Sunday (January 29), due to financial difficulties and 37 weddings were cancelled as a result.

The Blue Pigeons hotel in Worth, near Deal, followed suit and a further 15 couples were without a venue after they announced its bar, restaurant and functions will "cease operation immediately".

Saban added: "I think many hotel owners see more financial benefit by converting into residential homes.

“The problem is you are competing with the likes of Travelodge and Premier Inn.

“It’s tough out there, but you have just got to find that niche in the market.”