These images show the UK's very own Kremlin nestled in Kent as shocked residents say they knew nothing about the Russian Embassy's country house.
The Seacox Heath is found between Flimwell and Hawkhurst near the border between Kent and East Sussex.
As Russia's unjustified invasion of Ukraine wages on for the eighth day, residents were surprised to learn of a link to Vladimir Putin's regime hiding in the greenery of the countryside.
The property is 1,750 miles away from the actual Kremlin in Moscow and a half-mile beyond the small black gated entrance is a lavish grade-II listed castle built in the 19th century.
This country house estate is that of Russian diplomats.
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The house was built in 1871 and presented to the Soviet Government by the English Lord Gushen as a gift following the Second World War after Russian sailors saved his son during the battle.
Eliza Hart, 22, said she was completely unaware of the diplomatic grounds.
She told KentOnline : "I drive up and down that road so much, but had no idea what was there.
"I thought it was just housed along there but to hear what it actually is quite a surprise.
"It's quite crazy really to think you can live somewhere for so long and not really know what or who is living in the same area."
Engineer Paul Hurst, from Flimwell, added: "It's hidden away pretty well with all the woodlands and no signs on the road, but I guess why would you signpost it?"
The prestigious building was built by the first leader of the Hawkhurst gang before it was rebuilt decades later.
The notorious gang was led by Arthur Gray and had a nasty reputation that went from Deal all the way down to the Dorset coast.
They have been described as the 'Mafia' of the early 18th century.
They were initially supported by the poor in the area as they offered employment.
The gang was involved in smuggling from the South East from 1735 until 1749.
Gray and Thomas Kingsmill were executed in 1748 and 1749 after they lost a battle with the Goudhurst Militia.
