Historic Jersey Farmhouse Linked to Charles II Hits Market for £1.85 Million

A historic farmhouse in Jersey, with alleged ties to King Charles II and an unnamed mistress during the English Civil War, has been listed for sale at £1.85 million. The Grade III listed property, translated as 'The King's Farm' (La Ferme du Roi), is situated in St. Brelade and dates back to 1616.

Historical accounts suggest that Charles, then Prince of Wales, sought refuge at the secluded property around April 1646 while fleeing Parliamentarian forces during the English Civil War. He reportedly stayed for approximately six weeks before continuing his exile in France. Following the execution of his father, King Charles I, in January 1649, Jersey became the first location to proclaim Charles II as king in February of that year. He returned to the island in September 1649 with a large entourage and remained for nearly five months, officially residing at Elizabeth Castle.

The property listing, managed by Savills, does not specify which of Charles's two periods of refuge in Jersey involved the secret rendezvous or identify the mistress. Local records indicate that the surrounding area was once a fief du Roi, an estate from which the King derived full profits.

The 3,685-square-foot property includes a main house and a detached guest cottage, featuring six bedrooms and five bathrooms. The principal residence offers four bedrooms, a vaulted kitchen and dining room with exposed granite and wooden beams, a living room with a log-burning stove, and a home office. The property also includes a gym and a loft space that could be converted into a bedroom, studio, or cinema room. The granite guest cottage contains two en-suite bedrooms and an open-plan living area.

Externally, the property is equipped with a garage, traditional outhouse, garden store, and approximately three acres of land, comprising seven Jersey vergées. Two large fields on the property are currently leased for growing Jersey Royal potatoes, with the income reportedly covering parish rates and maintenance. The land also presents opportunities for equestrian use or livestock, and the garden area could accommodate stables, additional garaging, or a swimming pool, subject to planning permission.

Geri O'Brien of Savills described the property as "unique" with "an abundance of potential."

Charles II, known as the 'Merry Monarch', ruled Scotland from 1649 to 1651 and England, Scotland, and Ireland from the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660 until his death in 1685. His reign was marked by events such as the Great Fire of London and the bubonic plague. He was also known for his numerous mistresses and illegitimate children, though he had no legitimate heir.