History of Saltcote Place starts when the young Captain and Mrs Edith Hennessy took over the newly built property as their Wedding present, for many young couples a toaster is far more likely.
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. Between 1922 and 2003 various parties stripped the income and property assets from the estate notably the former Sussex County Council being responsible for profiteering.
It took us over 4 years to restore the house to its former glory after purchasing in 2003, with 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 a series of intimate family spaces, in addition to 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.
When visiting Rye there are a great deal of things to do in Rye for all ages and levels of energy.
We are happy to discuss your ideas of what to see and do, places to eat and even bespoke vineyard tours can all be arranged.
The Hennessy suite is our premium suite and now available to book online, it offers unequalled comfort for mature Guests. It is ideal for hosting exclusive use family functions.
With exclusive we are happy to have children here as long as it works for everyone and the children are known to everyone, breakfasts will still be after 9am 😉
Used as a Military headquarters in WW2, 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 1922.
Now fully restored, some areas of Saltcote Place are available to be enjoyed by our Guests 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 entire 18 plus acre Estate made £8,000, it was sold off 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 8 to 10 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 sands 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.
Wedding Celebrations at Saltcote Place
As a sought after Sussex wedding venue we specialise in the smaller intimate receptions from 12 up to 130. We never mix Weddings with Guests so if you see a Wedding here you will certainly have been invited to attend as their Guest.
We never mix Weddings with non-wedding Guests.
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 and Saltcote Place enjoys low operating costs as a smart home with features a new build would envy whilst retaining the charm pursuant to it’s heritage.
We look forward to sharing the house with you, we have retained the classical feel and have new features such as the French doors that now lead from the main lounge onto the formal rear lawns.
These are some of our recent Reviews
