The end of over-30s club as mansion’s owner seeks to sell

Bridge Place has hosted the last of its popular club nights as its owner looks to finally sell the sprawling country mansion.

Peter Malkin has abandoned plans to turn his home into a luxury hotel and instead put the 17th century property on the market for a second time.

The businessman, who says he does not have the appetite to run such a demanding new business, hopes to find a new venue for his monthly over-30s night.

But first he needs to secure a buyer for Bridge Place, which has an asking price of £2.45 million – down from the £3 million it was marketed for in 2013.

Mr Malkin admits it will be a wrench to leave the Grade Ii-listed home he has lovingly restored over 50 years, but says he is now “100% committed” to moving on.

“Although I have spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on the place over the years, it really is time for me to downsize and hand it on to someone else,” he said.

“To be honest, I don’t need a big place like this anymore or the cost of the upkeep. After some thought, I have decided that running a hotel will be too demanding, although I still think it would make a fabulous opportunity for someone else. It will be a wrench, but I’m 100% committed to selling, although I want to stay in the area.”

Mr Malkin first opened his club in the swinging Sixties and revived it about 12 years ago.

“We held our last club night on Saturday, but I have my eyes on a new place in the Canterbury area which already has a licence.” Bridge Place – which has eight bedrooms and sits in five acres of rolling countryside – has quite a history.

It was built by Dutchman Sir Arnold Braems – the first manager of Dover Harbour Board – and named Bridge Place in about 1650. When Mr Malkin previously offered it for sale, among the potential buyers was Queen guitarist Brian May, who came to view the mansion.

It is now being sold through Strutt and Parker, which says the building has “the most extraordinarily well-presented 17th century features.”

Picture: Barry Duffield FM3870939 Bridge Place owner Peter Malkin says he is moving on

Picture: Barry Goodwin FM2494126 A major restoration work at the stately home has been completed