Petts Farmhouse was originally located about four miles away from Kent Life, just south of Burham Village. Last occupied in 1981, by 1995 it had become derelict through vandalism and decay.

The former grade II listed building was dismantled in November 1995. The long process of dismantling, repairing and reconstructing took nearly 2 years of dedication and hard work, finally opening to the public in September 1997.

A clay pipe, a bone handled knife, a shoe and a wooden doll were found in the walls and floors of the farmhouse during dismantling. The doll appeared suddenly on the floor. Limbless, with shorn hair and a scarf circling her neck, her mutilated body is believed to have been hidden in the plaster near the front door…

The shoe is over 150 years old and was found hidden under the floorboards. A superstition dating back to Victorian times says that hiding a shoe protects the house from evil spirits. To maintain protection, the shoe has been replaced, along with a modern time capsule.

Now restored to Victorian splendour, Petts Farmhouse and its wonderful history remains safe and secure at Kent Life.