A former hospital and tavern that dates all the way back to the 13th century has gone on the market.

The five-bedroom property in Faversham is steeped in history, from the original fireplaces to beamed ceilings and exposed flint walls.

The original part of the building, known as the undercroft (or storage cellars), can be traced back to around 1255 and is thought to have been used as accommodation for a chantry priest.

The property also became part of the Hospital of the Blessed Mary of Ospringe, which was founded by Henry III in 1234.

The purpose of the hospital was to care for sick and elderly residents of the town, as well as provide shelter and provisions for pilgrims travelling to Canterbury.

Now known as Maison Dieu, the main hospital building has since been turned into a museum under the care of English Heritage and is currently used to display Roman artefacts from Faversham and the surrounding area.

By the 15th century, the house, which is on the market for £700,000, had become a pub. The tavern opened under the names the Saracen’s Head and The Crown until the 1920s, at which point it became a residential property.

The owners have worked to make this a family home while also showcasing the original features, such as exposing the lower flint walls and keeping the upper timber frame despite some of the walls becoming misshapen over the years.

The Grade II-listed building has five bedrooms, including a master bedroom with its own fireplace which was once part of the 17th century pub, and two bedrooms that have 18th century floorboards.

There’s also a striking kitchen which can be found in the oldest part of the house - the former undercroft -, a family bathroom and a living room which used to be two of the former inn’s bars.

This living room also leads to the cottage-style garden and gated off-street parking that can fit two vehicles.

The property is a 20-minute walk or 5-minute drive from Faversham’s town centre with its many independent shops, cafes, restaurants and Shepherd Neame pubs.

To find out more about this historic property, visit Saxon Shore.

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