Chapel Cleeve Manor

The oldest part of the house was built as an inn for pilgrims attending the chapel of St Mary which was built by the monks of Cleeve Abbey in the mid-15th century. The chapel was built to replace one which had fallen into the sea; however, the later version no longer exists. Following the dissolution of the monasteries, the house was leased by Henry VIII to Anthony Busted (Bustard?). However, this was revoked and the estate given to Robert Radcliffe, 1st Earl of Sussex for his services to the king. In the early 17th century, the property was owned by the Stewkley family who used it as a family home until 1723. It was then purchased by Sir James Langham, 7th Baronet. when the house was…

In 1998, the house was bought for £360,000 by a couple who intended to restore it with friends. Part-restoration of some areas was completed in 2002. After having parted ways, the remaining owner, Jeannie Wilkins, unable to afford further restoration works and upkeep, placed the 17-bedroom house, with 7 acre of land, up for sale with a price of £1,695,000. However, it was estimated by Jeannie Wilkins it would take at least £500,000 to make it habitable. In 2012, after having been on the market unsold for over a year, the manor was used in an episode of the Channel 4 television series Country House Rescue. Strategies were discussed and tested, with the house used as a location for…