The house was owned by the Twisden family until 1937 and portraits of the family remain in the house, charting the chequered 400 year old history of this fascinating family. Our booklet published in 2007 has an in depth account of all the major members of the family.

In 1938 it was purchased by the East Malling Trust for Horticultural Research, a charity, which still owns it, together with nearly 600 acres of adjoining land. The Trust’s income supports horticultural research at the nearby world famous East Malling Research Station, and elsewhere.

The first floor of the house has been converted to offices, but the main reception rooms on the ground floor are available for hire. They provide a delightful ambience for wedding ceremonies and receptions on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The venue is also an excellent meeting place for businesses during the week.