This impressive estate was built in the first half of Henry VIII's reign, the creation of Henry, 1st Lord Marney. By building their home to this scale the Marney's were following the example of their King, who believed that a building should reflect the magnificence of its owner. After the 2nd Lord Marney's death the estate passed into the hands of Sir Brian Tuke who was Treasurer to the Royal Household and Governor of the Kings Posts. His daughter-in-law entertained Queen Elizabeth here in 1579, who probably stayed in is what is now known as the billiard room within the gatehouse. From Sir Tuke and through the centuries the house has passed into many different hands. The house is currently occupied by the Carrington family, after Gerald and Susan Carrington, who were married in Layer Marney church in 1957, bought the property in 1959. Reports over the years of supernatural goings on include being haunted by an author of ghost books, a gardener has been seen many times and there were graves found of small children. Certain rooms seem to hold a presence and residents feel watched and become agitated.