Kings Hill

This is a house, likely dating back to around 1300 or earlier, with subsequent alterations and additions. It is timber-framed and has rough rendering, with a plastered gable facing east. The roof is covered in red plain tiles. The house has a complex "T" plan, with additional ranges extending to the north. A central chimney stack is built of red brick panels on the east range, while another exterior stack stands south of the west range. The house is one storey and attics or two storeys high.

The south face of the eastern range features a three-window arrangement, with a mix of vertically sliding sash windows and casements; the window on the ground floor to the left is an angled bay. A lean-to porch with a 20th-century door extends from the south east of the west range.

The roof of the eastern range is a simple 2-armed crown post construction. A splayed scarf with undersquinted abuttments is visible on the north wall top plate. Inside, there is a back-to-back inglenook fireplace, stop-chamfered ceiling beams on inserted ceilings, and an 18th-century cupboard. The western range has been significantly altered and its age is uncertain.

In the garden, approximately 4 metres south of the house's south wall, stands the Whispering Court Post. The south face is dated 1867, the east face 1340, and the north face bears a plaque commemorating restoration in November 1935. The post is believed to have originated at Kings Hill, Rayleigh, during the reign of Henry III (1216-1272). Legend has it that it originated when a returning Manorial Lord overheard tenants plotting his murder, and they were subsequently commanded to assemble annually to perform homage in whispers. Robert Riche, second Earl of Warwick, is thought to have moved the Court to Kings Hill, Rochford. Deeds related to the Manor of Kings Hill specify the post must never be removed; in the 18th century, a feast was held at The Kings Head before attendees proceeded to the Whispering Court. Nos 1 and 2 Kings Hills Cottages were likely part of the original homestead.