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Mystery potential buyer of Boley Hill House, Rochester, believed to be from Medway

If you’ve still got that £2 million burning a hole in your pocket there’s still time to snap up Medway’s grandest property.

As revealed in last week’s Messenger Boley Hill House, the large family mansion in the shadow of Rochester castle and cathedral, is on the market with all the proceeds being given to a charitable trust.

The seven-bedroom, early 19th century home with many original features, has attracted steady interest with one firm offer, but remains unsold.

Boley Hill House, Rochester - on the market for £2 million
Boley Hill House, Rochester - on the market for £2 million

A spokesman for Tunbridge Wells estate agents Freeman Forman, said: “It is still available. We have had viewings this week and have more viewings into next week.”

Hilary and Marie Halpern brought up their three sons and two daughters at the Grade II-listed building they bought more than 50 years ago.

Mr Halpern, a respected architect and cultural philanthropist, died two years ago and his wife passed away in April this year.

After their parents’ deaths, the family took over the reins of the self-funded Halpern Charitable Foundation set up by their father.

In an extraordinary gesture of generosity, they have agreed to hand over the proceeds to the charity, which provides affordable space for artists to work and exhibit in Medway.

Daughter Dalia Halpern-Matthews, 45, the chief executive of Chatham Maritime Trust, said: “There was no real discussion. We all agreed the money should go to the trust.”

Mrs Halpern-Matthews, who has fond memories of her childhood home, was tight-lipped as to who had put in a firm offer.

The drawing room at Boley Hill House, Rochester
The drawing room at Boley Hill House, Rochester

She would only say the mystery potential buyer was local to Medway and was fairly well-known.

The foundation also acts as an emergency fund for the upkeep of Chatham Memorial Synagogue, should it fall into financial problems.

Mr Halpern was a stalwart of Medway’s Jewish community and set up a £200,000 trust fund to pay for maintenance of the synagogue in Rochester High Street every seven years.

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