Now a licensed wedding and conference venue set in 460 acres of parkland, it comprises conference rooms, private dining areas, events rooms, a lounge bar, professional kitchen and terraces.
In 2004 Cherrywood Investments bought and renovated the house after years of neglect.
For Whiting & Hammond, an established conference and special events firm, the acquisition will be seen as a slight departure. It currently operates six food-led pubs. Last year, it was chosen to operate the training kitchens and restaurant at the new £20m West Kent College. It is also keen to develop outside catering.
Earlier this year, Whiting said it was looking to build an estate of 20 pubs.