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Provender was built in 1342 as a medieval hall house for Lucas de Vienne, the Chief Archer to the Black Prince. Only a few of the 14th century rooms remain including the solar or Crown Post Room, with its fine crown posts. A second hall house was connected to it in the 15th century, followed by wings and additions from the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Provender is a fascinating record of English building traditions over seven centuries.
When Princess Olga Romanoff inherited it from her mother in 2000, it was almost derelict and since then, under direction of historic buildings architect Ptolemy Dean and with support from English Heritage, it has been restored, using traditional craftsmanship and appropriate materials. Some sections of the house remain unrestored, and may sometimes be viewed by pre-booked private groups. Provender has rooms and architectural features from Medieval, Tudor, Jacobean, Queen Anne, Georgian and Victorian times.
Provender was the home of the Tsar Nicholas II's eldest nephew, Prince Andrew Romanoff, after he married Nadine MacDougall, whose family owned Provender. The current owner, Princess Olga Romanoff, is their daughter. She conducts many tours personally, and often talks about about her father's experiences in pre-Revolutionary Russia and how he came to live at Provender.
Sunday public open day tours: the first and last Sunday of every month from May to October inclusive.
Weekday public open day tours:the first Tuesday of every month from May to October inclusive.
Bank Holiday public open day tours: April 25th, 2nd May, 30th May, August 29th.
Tours start at 10.30am and 2pm. Booking is not required, but places are limited to 15 per tour so to guarantee a place, please call 07583 859790 in advance.
Please note that in 2011, Provender is NOT OPEN on Sunday 29th May.
Entry £11 per adult, £9.50 concessions and children 12-18. Not suitable for children under 12.
Please contact the property for up to date opening times
Provender is available as a film location. It offers a wide range of historic styles and period detail within one building, and there may be some access to the unrestored sections of the house.
Groups and special visitsBack to top
Description as above. Private pre-booked groups may be able to see parts of the house normally closed to the public. Group prices start at £100 for up to 10 people. Groups larger than 10 are charged at £10 a head.
Please call in order to arrange a group visit. | Tailor Made Facilities | | Visits to House | Yes | | Visits to Garden | No | | Other Events | No | | Light Refreshments | No | | Lunch | No | | Dinner | No |
| Contact Details | | Contact: | | Princess Olga Romanoff | | Address: | | Provender | | | Provender Lane | | | Norton | | Town: | | Faversham | | County: | | Kent | | Postcode: | | ME13 0ST | | Phone: | | 07583 859790 |
There are plans to apply for a wedding licence, so if you are interested please telephone. The Crown Post Room holds up to 40 people, the 14th Century Dining Room 12 people, and there may be options for larger parties in the Hall. The lawn may be suitable for a marquee.
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