A historic Grade II-listed home boasting its own labyrinth of caves and tunnels is up for sale for £1million.

Beckets is a historic house in the village of Eastry, Kent, but it is the network of tunnels that descend 50 to 60ft below ground that make the property stand out from others.

Local legend says Thomas Becket hid in the caves, which extend a long way under roads, fields and houses in the village, while fleeing the wrath of King Henry II in the 12th century.

The Archbishop of Canterbury had been the King’s Lord Chancellor but a rift formed when he became archbishop which saw them argue over the rights and privileges of the church.

The priest fled to France for six years and it is thought he hid in these caves in 1164 while waiting for a fishing boat to take him from Sandwich to France.

However he was killed by a group of knights, believing they were acting on the King’s orders, in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170 and canonised by the Pope soon after.

The historic five-bedroom home has been granted the red diamond Historic Buildings of Kent plaque, which can be seen on the outer wall.

The stunning Grade II-listed home boasts its own labyrinth of caves and tunnels

Local legend says Thomas Becket hid in the caves, which extend a long way under roads, fields and houses in the village, while fleeing the wrath of King Henry II in the 12th century

Local legend says Thomas Becket hid in the caves, which extend a long way under roads, fields and houses in the village, while fleeing the wrath of King Henry II in the 12th century

However it is the network of tunnels that descend 50 to 60ft below ground that make the property stand out from others

However it is the network of tunnels that descend 50 to 60ft below ground that make the property stand out from others

Beckets is a historic house in the village of Eastry, Kent

Beckets is a historic house in the village of Eastry, Kent

Centuries later, there is still evidence of the original part of the house, built in the 12th century with the medieval roof structure, wall framework and wattle and daub sections.

Sections were added later in the 18th century and the 1970s.  

It has lots of period features including exposed beams, original floorboards, doors and sash windows as well as stunning fireplaces.

The house has 2,531 square feet of accommodation with a kitchen and breakfast room, dining room, sitting room, drawing room, five bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Outside there is the all-important access to the caves, parking for four cars, a single garage, an old stable and the gardens which include a wildlife pond and treehouse.

The owners said: ‘We fell in love with Beckets as soon as we saw it and fought hard to buy this extraordinary home.

‘We were blown away by the history of a house that has evolved over many centuries. We are still making discoveries above and below ground, after more than 20 years here.

‘When making improvements we have carefully preserved the numerous historical features that contribute to making this a wonderful family home.

‘After much deliberation, we reluctantly felt that now is the right time in our lives to entrust Beckets to new enthusiastic owners to enjoy this remarkable place.’

The owners said: 'When making improvements we have carefully preserved the numerous historical features that contribute to making this a wonderful family home'

 The owners said: ‘When making improvements we have carefully preserved the numerous historical features that contribute to making this a wonderful family home’

The Archbishop of Canterbury had been the King's Lord Chancellor but a rift formed when he became archbishop which saw them argue over the rights and privileges of the church

The Archbishop of Canterbury had been the King’s Lord Chancellor but a rift formed when he became archbishop which saw them argue over the rights and privileges of the church

The priest fled to France for six years and it is thought he hid in these caves in 1164 while waiting for a fishing boat to take him from Sandwich to France

The priest fled to France for six years and it is thought he hid in these caves in 1164 while waiting for a fishing boat to take him from Sandwich to France

The house has 2,531 square feet of accommodation with a kitchen and breakfast room, dining room, sitting room, drawing room, five bedrooms and two bathrooms

The house has 2,531 square feet of accommodation with a kitchen and breakfast room, dining room, sitting room, drawing room, five bedrooms and two bathrooms 

Outside there is the all-important access to the caves, parking for four cars, a single garage, an old stable and the gardens which include a wildlife pond and treehouse

Outside there is the all-important access to the caves, parking for four cars, a single garage, an old stable and the gardens which include a wildlife pond and treehouse 

The owners said: 'We fell in love with Beckets as soon as we saw it and fought hard to buy this extraordinary home'

The owners said: ‘We fell in love with Beckets as soon as we saw it and fought hard to buy this extraordinary home’

The owners added: 'After much deliberation, we reluctantly felt that now is the right time in our lives to entrust Beckets to new enthusiastic owners to enjoy this remarkable place'

The owners added: ‘After much deliberation, we reluctantly felt that now is the right time in our lives to entrust Beckets to new enthusiastic owners to enjoy this remarkable place’

A spokesman for estate agents Fine & Country added: 'While there may be a considerable number of 'unique' properties in this country, there are unlikely to be many that include the only entrance to a labyrinth of subterranean tunnels and caves that descend to some 50 to 60 feet below ground'

The spokesman for estate agents added: 'If you add the legend that Thomas Becket hid in the caves while fleeing the wrath of Henry II before returning to Canterbury where he was murdered, you do have a property that is truly unique and steeped in history'

The spokesman for estate agents added: ‘If you add the legend that Thomas Becket hid in the caves while fleeing the wrath of Henry II before returning to Canterbury where he was murdered, you do have a property that is truly unique and steeped in history’

A spokesman for estate agents Fine & Country added: ‘While there may be a considerable number of ‘unique’ properties in this country, there are unlikely to be many that include the only entrance to a labyrinth of subterranean tunnels and caves that descend to some 50 to 60 feet below ground in some places and extend a long way under roads, fields and houses in Eastry village.

‘If you add the legend that Thomas Becket hid in the caves while fleeing the wrath of Henry II before returning to Canterbury where he was murdered, you do have a property that is truly unique and steeped in history.’

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