IT HAS stood since the reign of Henry VIII.

It has survived plagues, wars, and the bulldozers of eager property developers.

It has also been the home to one of Brentwood's most distinguished residents.

Gents Farm, in Hullett's Lane, Pilgrims Hatch, has been standing since it was first built by Tudor merchants in 1530.

Currently home to Yasmine and Martin Ward and their two sons, the property is one of the most historic in the borough.

For much of the 20th century, the timber-beamed house was home to Sir Geoffrey Nightingale, the noted physician who worked at the old Warley Hospital.

The Nightingale Centre was eventually named after him.

The family has lived in the Grade II listed house for nine years.

Mrs Ward said: "It's lovely living at a house which has such history behind it.

"The central beam which runs through the house and holds up the staircase dates from the 14th century, and it is thought that it came from a ship."

The family say that rather than finding the house, it found them.

Mrs Ward said: "We were living in Germany and moved back to the area about 15 years ago.

"We were sent details from estate agents for different places, and Gents Farm was included in the pile.

"It wasn't meant to be, because it was out of our budget, but it had become stuck to another one thanks to a coffee stain on the paper.

"I went to have a look at it anyway just because I was intrigued, and ended up stood outside the gate thinking how lovely it was."

However, the family settled on another property, until six years later when they were looking to move again.

"We were going though another stack of property details," Mrs Ward said, "and somehow Gents Farm had accidentally been included again.

"This time I really wanted to find out more, and we ended up moving in.

"I think the house chose us."

Oliver, 17, and Henry, 9, were the first children to live at the house, which has one of the oldest surviving mullion windows in England, for a century.

When Sir Geoffrey lived there, he dedicated himself to restoring Gents Farm, using the original wooden floorboards from the house to turn into unique doors.

Each is engraved with a different carving, including Sir Geoffrey's crest.

The work also uncovered an ancient plaque, engraved with a childish carving of "George Gent", perhaps a member of the family the house is thought to be named after.

Mrs Ward said: "It's amazing having these links to the past.

"As well as living there, you feel you are looking after it.

"You're a custodian, preserving it for future generations."

The family are now moving out of the house, and looking for another family to take on the responsibilities of the ancient building.

To find out more, call Mrs Ward on 07703 981811.