Saltcote Place started life as a Wedding present, for many young couples a toaster is far more likely to be the main present.
Designed by the influential architect Sir Reginald Blomfield in the Queen Anne style. The French side of this famous family funded the development for Captain AAR Hennessy and his young bride.
The house was completed in 1905 having taken over two years to build and came with 18.5 acres of grounds. The yield from the fruit and vegetables was enough to run the house and pay for the staff who lived on the estate.
It took us over 4 years to restore the house to its former glory after purchasing in 2003, extensive re-wiring and replumbing and of course a new roof.
Saltcote Place enjoyed a varied past but now as a private home demonstrates how these larger properties can offer intimate family space a diverse usage whilst maintaining a homely feel.
Above the portico leading into the vestibule we have the Royal Cypher of the late Queen Mother, perhaps in recognition of happy times spent here with the Hennessy family between the Wars.
Because of the heritage, we named the suite on the first floor “The Hennessy suite” which is occasionally available as part of family celebrations.
The Hennessy suite is ideal for a family gatherings for example a mature gathering to celebrate the lives of Parents and Grand Parents.
The suite is not available to book online and is available on a discretionary basis.
The Hennessy suite is not available to book online, it is reserved for Guests who have been before who are returning with their family for an exclusive use event.
With exclusive we are happy to have children here as long as it works, Breakfasts will still be after 9am 😉
Used as a Military headquarters, a nursing home and three times as a School the first being in 1922 Saltcote returned to private ownership in 2003 for the first time since 1920.
Now fully restored there are elements of Saltcote available to be enjoyed by visitors who we hope will enjoy our home as part of their visit to Rye.
Captain Hennessy referred to Saltcote in correspondence as his “white elephant” not because he disliked the house but due to the fact he had other homes in Norfolk and Eaton Square London.
One reputable company offering property for sale in Eaton Square have an interesting page of property for sale in Belgravia have a look at the prices and know a small flat there would buy two of Saltcote Place – ha ha we’re not about to buy a flat there 😉
In later years his life revolved more around London, the main residence being in Eaton Square.
Saltcote Place was sold at auction in July 1939 at the George Hotel the Estate for £8,000, it was sold in many parts – the fields to the north west becoming Mill Place Estate now known as Mill Road.
We have the 1922 sales particulars which set a high standard for property descriptions describing how Saltcote benefitted from three radiators and a company telephone. Oh how times have changed.
Saltcote affords splendid views from the garden; the secure location lets you relax and with plenty of free parking and only 7 to 8 minutes walk to the town center.
Over the years many former school girls return for significant wedding anniversaries. If you have images from the time when Saltcote Place was a Girls school we would enjoy seeing them and perhaps including them here https://saltcote.co.uk/saltcote-girls-rosa/
Private Functions
Hosting private functions remains an enjoyable part of our year, our catering team will prepare your selected menu and wines, we do not have “packages” so every event here is unique.
Great Views
Outstanding views ranging from Dover to Fairlight over Romney marsh toward Camber beach and the English channel. The harbour is clearly visible and of course panoramic views of Rye bay. From the penthouse looking at the horizon you have uninterrupted panoramic views of at least 50 miles of land and sea views.
Weddings at Saltcote Place
As a sought after Sussex wedding venue we specialise in the smaller intimate Ceremony and receptions. We never mix Weddings with Guests so if you see a Wedding here you will certainly have been invited by them.
Our Rye Bed and Breakfast or Rye B&B is probably one of the best places to stay in Rye. We had two coveted 5 star Gold awards giving one up when we decided we no longer wanted to offer traditional “Self Catering”.
We have retained our 5 star gold award for Guest accommodation every year since 2008 and have been first in England and 3rd in the World on TripAdvisor.
Fire at Saltcote
On April the 20th 2017 at 4pm our lives changed with the fire that was to impact us heavily for the next 18 months.
Our renovations are now complete, we look forward to sharing the house with you, we have retained the classical feeling and have new features such as the French doors that now lead the main rear lawns.
These are some of our recent Reviews
