The Archbishop’s Palace,
Maidstone

Location

The Archbishop’s Palace, Maidstone, ME15 6YE

The Archbishop’s Palace is in an excellent location, close to the centre of Maidstone, next to All Saints Church in the heritage quarter of the town with The Tyrwhitt-Drake Carriage Museum on the opposite side of the road.

The property is situated between the River Medway and the A229, to the south of the high street, within a short walk of both Maidstone West and Maidstone East Railway Stations.

Lockmeadow Entertainment and Shopping Centre is opposite the property, on the other side of the River Medway.  There are pedestrian bridges on both sides of the property, Maidstone Bridge to the north/northwest and the Millenium Bridge to the south/southeast.  There are several public car parks within the immediate vicinity of the property, including one on Mill Street itself.

Description

The Archbishop’s Palace is suitable for a variety of potential uses, subject to planning and obtaining necessary consents. It has previously been described as one of the county’s most popular wedding venues. The Property is available to let as a whole or in up to three distinct parts.

Steeped in history, The Archbishop’s Palace is one of several palaces that were built for the Archbishop to use when travelling around the diocese. The Palace Complex includes a Terrace Garden overlooking the River, the Walled Herb Garden and the three building elements: the Palace, the Gatehouse and the Gaol/Undercroft.

The Gatehouse is located close to the property’s boundary with the A229. It was previously used as an office and comprises an open plan area with small kitchen and toilet. Potential uses include wedding ceremonies and tea rooms. The Gatehouse comes with a small car parking area and is located within the grounds of the Palace adjacent to the entrance driveway and landscaped gardens and the pedestrian  right of way.

The Undercroft/Gaol and the Terrace Garden sit next to the Palace, both accessed via the walled herb garden. The Gaol is of stone construction and is in poor condition. Potential uses include a restaurant/wine bar.

The Palace is arranged on several levels. The ground floor leads to a reception area with adjoining lift. There are various small ceremony rooms, offices, interview room and lavatory facilities. The rooms to rear have views of the River Medway. The first floor comprises the main hosting rooms, The Great Hall (circa 100 seated) and the Solar room (circa 60 seated) along with additional rooms/ceremony rooms and a potential kitchen/preparation room. The Great Hall and the Solar room are linked. There is also a potential bridal preparation suite linking to both The Great Hall and the Solar room. The second floor has several rooms/potential bedrooms along with a kitchenette.

There are drop off areas in front of the Palace and two small parking areas to one side of the Palace and next to the Gatehouse. There are also three public car parks within the immediate vicinity.