WHERE VANDERBILT MARRIAGE FELL APART

T he name Vanderbilt had the same ring to it for many people during the early 20th Century as the Kardashians do today.

The Vanderbilts were a wealthy and glamorous family who had a fortune from railways and shipping (rather than reality TV) but they were just as much gossiped about.

By the early 20th Century the most talked about member of the clan was Consuelo Vanderbilt who, as heiress to the fortune, wanted to marry her US boyfriend.

Her mother had other ideas. She was married in 1895 against her will to Charles Spencer Churchill, 9th Duke of Marlborough and cousin of Winston.

After a marriage in New York the pair moved to Berkeley House near Faversham in Kent where previously flat-broke Charles enjoyed his new-found £75m fortune (in today’s money) while she unhappily got on with producing two sons.

Winston was a frequent visitor to the house. But after a short while the marriage was in name only and Charles and Consuelo both had extra-marital affairs.

They separated in 1906, divorced in 1921 and the marriage was annulled five years later. Quickie divorces did not exist then, even for the rich.

The house they lived in, like their marriage, went up in flames shortly after WWII but a new property was built on the site, which is now for sale.

Although lacking in the Victorian stature of its predecessor, it is far more practical for today’s lifestyles.

Hillside Berkeley House enjoys the same views over Kent as its predecessor and has six bedrooms, five stables, huge garden and a swimming pool. It’s for sale at £1.1 million.

More information from Humberts, 01227 452780.