Big Surprise

When Justin Cooke told his wife Jaime that he had found the perfect home, she never imagined it would be so grand.

- Seán O’connell

There is more than an air of romance about the home of Jaime and Justin Cooke. Not only was this Jacobean-style mansion in Kent the scene of countless society balls – it was built in 1870 by the third Marquess Camden – but Justin bought its west wing as a surprise first home together after proposing to Jaime.

Seeing the house for the first time left an indelible impression on Jaime, for several reasons. She recalls: ‘I was staggered by the building’s beauty and its peaceful surroundings.’ A tranquillity that was quickly shattered, however, when a rock band arrived to film a video. ‘It was surreal – the band, The Darkness, and their extras, were dressed up in outlandish garb and shooting scenes all around the house and grounds,’ says Jaime.