‘Britain’s oldest home’ has sold for a staggering £2million

Kents Cavern – ‘Britain’s oldest home’ Nestled in the picturesque town of Torquay in Devon, Kents Cavern came into existence over 2.5 million years ago and has captivated visitors since the 19th century. This independent heritage attraction had been under the ownership of a single family for an impressive span of 120 years. The caves’ historical significance dates back approximately 100,000 years, making them a treasure trove of ancient artefacts. More than 80,000 stone age relics have been unearthed within their depths, including a fragment of a prehistoric upper jawbone believed to be the oldest anatomically modern human fossil ever discovered in Northwestern Europe. The sale of Kents Cavern marks a significant milestone in its history, with the property listing describing it as “Britain’s oldest home” and a thriving independent heritage attraction boasting residential accommodation in the stunning coastal setting of Torquay, Devon. The property listing reads: “Kents Cavern is Britain’s oldest home, and a successful and long established independent heritage attraction, with residential accommodation, in a coastal setting in Torquay, Devon. The caves hold special significance to experts “It is the most important prehistoric cave complex in Britain with a long and rich record of ancient human occupation. “Britain’s first Stone Age people reached Kents Cavern 500,000 years ago. “Neanderthals used the caverns around 100,000 years ago and the oldest human remains in North-Western Europe were discovered here.” In the early 1900s, Kents Cavern underwent a transformation into a tourist attraction. Concrete paths were laid, electric lighting was installed, and visitor facilities were constructed to enhance the experience for those venturing into this ancient realm. Today, the main attraction remains the guided cave tour, which operates year-round, regardless of the weather. Trending The property sold for £2million Spanning across a sprawling 2-acre site, Kents Cavern has become a versatile venue, playing host to weddings, film screenings, musical performances, and performance art. With a license to sell alcohol, visitors can enjoy a drink while immersing themselves in the rich history that surrounds them. In addition to the cave tours, Kents Cavern boasts a fully refurbished three-bedroom holiday cottage, a retail shop offering unique souvenirs, and a 100-seat restaurant where visitors can indulge in delicious food. For more than a century, Kents Cavern has remained under the stewardship of a single family. The current owner’s great-grandfather acquired the site back in 1903, ensuring that this remarkable piece of history remained in their care for generations. As Kents Cavern embarks on a new chapter with its recent sale, its legacy as Britain’s oldest home and an extraordinary heritage attraction continues to inspire awe and fascination. Visitors from near and far have the opportunity to step back in time and explore the mysteries of our ancient past within these hallowed caves. This article was crafted with the help of AI tools, which speed up Express.co.uk ‘s editorial research. A news editor reviewed this content before it was published. You can report any errors to readercomplaints@reachplc.com.