A former brothel turned AirBnB has been taken off the heritage at risk list.

Stone Court Hotel in Lower Stone Street, Maidstone, originally found itself on the register in 2018 after the building had major damp problems and structural issues.

The Grade II-listed building has had an eventful 700-year history.

It was built in the 15th century as the private residency to Lady Sackville of Knole House before becoming a lodging space for judges visiting Maidstone to work in the crown court.

It then became a hotel but in 2012 it was discovered it was operating as a brothel where two men and one woman were arrested with offences related to prostitution after a police drugs raid.

The hotel closed for business in 2015 as the building fell into disrepair.

It was then bought by new owners Saban and Belinda Demirbasa in 2019 for £550,000 with the couple returning it to its former glory with hopes of running an AirBnB-style business.

Speaking in January, Saban said: “We were about to move abroad, but we saw it come up in auction and it was very popular.

“However, many people didn’t go for it as the property was on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register and there was an enforcement order placed on it by the council.

"Another couple of winters and the house would have collapsed.

“When we got the funds, we phoned the auction house and said we would like to buy it.”

Saban is a successful entrepreneur who has had 21 patents to his name while Belinda is a leading psychologist helping treat patients across Kent.

When hearing of the news from Historic England Saban said: "It's just great we managed to save an historic property and convert it into a successful AirBnB."

On their Facebook page Belinda made a statement: "Stone Court House was one of 11 historic sites in Kent saved last year.

"Sadly, another 11 was added, it's a continuous fight to save our historic sites but for the current period Stone Court House is safe in our hands and enjoyed by our guests.

"Would have been a shame to lose this beautiful history. Onwards and upwards as they say

Alice Brockway, Historic England’s inspector of historic buildings and areas, is delighted with the building’s transformation.

She explained: “Saban and Belinda have done the most extraordinary job.

“They have thrown all their passion and love into saving this amazing historic building, which now means it can be removed from the Heritage at Risk Register.

“It was in a really poor state of repair, with a major structural issue in the front of the building but they approached the repair and conservation with open minds and have been really keen and passionate about learning and using traditional techniques and materials.”

Due to their efforts the couple were shortlisted for 2022's restoration awards.

Stone Court house offers six double en-suite rooms at the front of the building and one two bedroom apartment at the back.

The en-suite rooms range in price form £80 – £125 per night with stays in the apartment starting at prices of £125 per night.

Having only started taking bookings since June the couple have already been flooded with positive reviews on their website.

Ricky Lambert said: "Absolutely fabulous. Thank you for your superb hospitality, in your beautiful house.

"The family suite was the best accommodation we've ever booked."

Ana Feiteira said: "Absolutely beautiful building. Great communication from the host who was very friendly and accommodating.

"Only stayed there a night on the way through but would have liked to have stayed a little longer."