Marle Place Road, Horsmonden, Tonbridge, TN12

In a tranquil location, nestling within Kentish countryside and close to productive apple orchards in a small group of charming properties, an exceptionally atmospheric and handsome example of stunning period architecture that has been enhanced with modern additions. Surrounded by its own lovely gardens and grounds, the property is believed to have origins possibly dating back to the fifteenth century together with fine, sixteenth, seventeenth and nineteenth century additions, together with a recent renovation and extension out in place by the current owners. The house has all the grandeur and elegance one would hope to find in such a romantic and evocative property and has spacious, well-planned accommodation laid out over three floors. A warm and welcoming atmosphere pervades throughout the characterful accommodation, which extends to just in excess of 7,000 square feet. Exterior elevations chart its evolution over the centuries and include exposed oak timber frames with plaster, tile hanging, red brick, stone plinths, tall chimneys and various clay tiled rooflines, while windows styles include diamond and rectangular leaded light casements. Internally, ceiling heights are very good with some exposed oak beams, there are oak floors, timber latched doors and an elegant, easy rising main staircase. The principal reception rooms have a wonderful atmosphere with ample grace and charm, as well as lovely views over the gardens. The drawing room has floor to ceiling wall panelling and a brick fireplace, whilst a double reception room creates a sitting area with large inglenook fireplace with oak bressummer and wood burning stove as well as a formal dining area. Fitted with under floor heating and furnished with fine, floor and wall cabinetry, black granite work surfaces, integrated appliances by Miele and a two-oven oil fired Aga, the kitchen is open to the dining area from where there are French doors out to the garden and is in turn, open plan to the family room, which has a vaulted ceiling displaying a handsome oak frame and enjoys a triple aspect with oak bi-folding doors at one end that open out to the charming decked terrace with views of the stream. Elsewhere on the ground floor is the study/library furnished with fitted shelving, the utility room and – usefully – two cloakrooms.
Accessed either via a marvellous, dark oak staircase or a secondary stairs case, laid out across the upper levels are seven bedrooms supported by five bath/shower rooms. The principal suite, enjoying a dual aspect with commanding views over the grounds, has wide plank oak floors, a walk-in wardrobe and a spacious en-suite bathroom with a separate shower cabinet. Of the four further first floor bedrooms, two have en-suite bathrooms with the other two sharing a bathroom. The second floor is given over to two bedrooms that share a bathroom and a large attic storage space.

Outside

The house sits within a plot of about 3.5 acres. Lovely herbaceous borders contain a large variety of perennials, roses, shrubs and a riot of spring flowering bulbs, designed to provide year-round colour and interest. Large swathes of well-tended lawn are peppered with specimen shrubs and trees of all shapes and sizes, carefully positioned to create shade where required, adding an almost sculptural quality to the garden, a terrace and a decked area for outdoor entertaining. A pretty stream meanders through the garden and has bridges for access to the extended garden area where there is a tennis court – in need of renovation – and a swimming pool - also requiring a measure of refurbishment -with terracing and a pool pavilion. Timber outbuildings provide storage and workshop opportunities. To the front, the property is approached via a pair of solid timer gates, that open on to an extensive, gravelled parking and turning area.

Situation

In idyllic peaceful, rural surroundings, the house is set on the edge of the popular village of Horsmonden, which has a local village stores as well as hostelries and restaurants. Cranbrook is about eight miles away and has a larger selection of stores, antique shops and cafes, whilst the popular Royal Spa town of Tunbridge Wells is just over nine miles to the north. There are many highly regarded schools in the area at both primary and secondary levels, in the private and state sectors. The boarding grammar school of Cranbrook is highly sought after, as are the grammar schools in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, along with public schools such as Tonbridge, Sutton Valance and Sevenoaks, whilst popular prep schools include Holmewood House in Tunbridge Wells, the Schools at Somerhill near Tonbridge and Dulwich, Cranbrook with primary schools in Goudhurst, Brenchley and Horsmonden. The area is renowned for its beauty providing many locations for walking and horse riding, golf clubs include Chart Hills and Lamberhurst and sailing at Bewl Water.

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Additional Information

Tenure: Freehold
Services: Oil fired central heating and hot water. Private drainage via a Titan purification plant.
Local Authority: Tunbridge Wells District Council. Council Tax Band H