Chessenden Lane, Smarden, Ashford, Kent, TN27

Architecture & Interior
Beautifully landscaped and architecturally striking, this captivating, unlisted country home offers a real mixture of elegance, character, and opportunity. Nestled within two acres of beautiful verdant grounds, it presents an exquisite lifestyle for those who value space, craftsmanship, versatility and something extraordinary.

Originally Victorian, the main house has been sympathetically transformed with a meticulous eye for detail. The home unfolds from a welcoming hallway into a grand lounge filled with natural light from three sides, a space that gives a true sense of calm and sophistication. Across the hall, a formal dining room sets the tone for intimate dinners or family gatherings, while a separate snug provides a hideaway for those quiet moments we all need at times.

At the heart of the house lies the show stopping kitchen and breakfast room. Fitted with a bespoke Smallbone kitchen and top-tier appliances from Sub Zero, Wolf, Gaggenau, and Miele, it is a culinary space designed for entertainment and performance. Bi-fold doors open fully onto the rear terrace and gardens, inviting the outdoors in and creating a flow between house and landscape.

Practicality has not been forgotten, with a cloakroom, boot room, and generous utility completing the ground floor layout. Upstairs, the first and second floors are devoted to four luxurious bedroom suites and a striking mezzanine lounge or fifth bedroom. The main suite features a large dressing room, which could easily double as a nursery, and a beautifully designed en-suite, while the guest suite also includes its own dressing area and private bathroom.

The upper floor surprises with its triple aspect mezzanine where an elegant balcony offers sweeping views across the gardens. Equally, this space may be redesigned as another bedroom. Every element speaks of refined taste and quiet luxury, straight through to the second-floor bedrooms - two with en-suites, each featuring a piece of art within the tiled walls.

The Normandy Barns
Adding an extraordinary layer to this estate are two remarkable Normandy barns, each with its own distinct character and opportunity.

The 15th century barn, attached to the main house, currently features two carports and a garden store below, with a breath-taking triple aspect office space above, the ultimate home workspace or studio with views that inspire. Subject to consent, it could also evolve into additional living accommodation or an annexe.

Meanwhile, the 18th century detached barn stands as an area of versatility. Currently used as a Golf Coaching Academy, its vast vaulted ceiling, mezzanine, luxurious facilities and sophisticated design of the surrounding grounds have earned international recognition, with the PGA describing it as “World Class.” Whilst this is the ultimate luxury for any golfer - Professional or keen enthusiast, this space can easily be converted for use as a wellness, music or art studio, holiday home or guest accommodation, or as a 3-4 bedroom home (subject to planning permission), which is perfect for multi-generational living.

The Grounds & Outdoors
The beautifully designed two acres of landscaped gardens and dedicated golf practice areas offer a wonderful sanctuary for those looking for a perfect country home.

Amongst its many delights are two ponds, a meandering stream, and mature shrubs making it as captivating outdoors as it is indoors.

The sophisticated golf practice areas offer a fantastic opportunity for the keen golf enthusiast, which include 1800 sq. ft chipping green, championship putting green, splash bunker, and a St Andrews revetted bunker.

Whether you are looking for a golf space, or wish to reimagine it, there is no denying this is not only the perfect habitat for wildlife, but also for those who appreciate nature, gardening, and rural living. It is places like this that give Kent its reputation as being the Garden of England.

History
Every home carries a past, but this one wears its history with quiet confidence.

Originally built in the late Victorian era, the main house began life as a country retreat for a family drawn to the calm and beauty of the locations landscape. Its design reflects that moment in time when craftsmanship mattered, and houses were made to last. Generous proportions, tall windows, and the soft rhythm of symmetry that makes Victorian architecture so instantly striking.

Over the years, it has evolved gracefully, each owner adding something of themselves while respecting the home’s original spirit. The recent renovation was no different, a sensitive enhancing what was already here rather than overwriting it. The result is a house that feels both settled and refreshed; lived-in yet well and truly alive.

The two Normandy barns tell an even older story. The first, dating back to the fifteenth century, once formed part of a working farm, its oak frame still bearing the marks of hand tools from another age. The second, built in the eighteenth century, arrived when agriculture in the region became more ambitious, and buildings began to take on a sense of purpose and pride.

Centuries later, both barns have found new meaning. One serves as a creative workspace with sweeping views across the gardens; the other, transformed into a golf academy, stands as proof that old buildings can be reborn without losing their character.

Taken together, the house and its barns form a small piece of living history, a gentle reminder that the best homes don’t just belong to one era. They gather stories over time, each chapter adding depth and warmth to the next.

In the Neighbourhood
The village of Smarden exudes the classic English village charm and appeal with its timber framed homes and cottages dating back to the 14th century, 3 thriving historic pubs, a local butcher, art gallery and post office/community store. The centrepiece of the village is the Minnis where cricket has been played since 1771. Smarden is also home to the Big Cat Sanctuary which is a conservation centre housing various species of cats, leopards, lions, and tigers.

Just down the road is Headcorn Aerodome which is a great asset for light aircraft, and it’s past holds great importance as a base in World War II. From Appletrees, you can enjoy the sight and sound of the Spitfire at the annual air show or when enthusiasts take the Battle of Britain Experience flying over the White Cliffs of Dover, Beachy Head & the Battle of Britain Memorial. Headcorn Aerodrome also has a Sky Diving Club.

There are many lovely places and National Trust sites within driving distance in nearby villages and towns, such as Tunbridge Wells, Canterbury, Leeds Castle, Sissinghurst Gardens, the beach at Camber Sands and the historic town of Rye.

For families looking for reputable private education for their children, there are several private schools located within 20–40-minute drive, such as Benenden School, Ashford School, Dulwich Prep Cranbrook, King's Canterbury and Sutton Valence School.

Transport & Connections
Just a few minutes’ drive away are the train stations of Headcorn and Pluckley, offering regular services to London Bridge, Waterloo East, & Charing Cross. There are also connections from Charing to Victoria and Ashford International to St Pancras. The M20 is a 20-minute drive away, providing access to London, Folkstone and Dover and the M25 (40-minute drive) links with the rest of the country.

This makes the vibrant village of Smarden a great rural location with ease of access to both London and Europe. For those looking for the possibility of working from home, well, there is no finer office space!

Material Information

• Property construction: Traditional timber & brick
• Heating type: Underfloor heating & gas fired warm air central heating
• Utilities: gas, electricity, water & broadband
• Gas Supply: Independently supplied by EDF Energy
• Electricity supply: Independently supplied by Eon Next
• Water supply: Mains connected by South East Water
• Sewerage: Mains connected by Southern Water, billed by South East Water
• Broadband: Standard download speed 18Mbps, upload speed 1Mbps, Superfast available (d/s 80mbps, u/s 20Mbps) Source: Ofcom
• Mobile signal/coverage: Likely good external cover on EE & O2, variable external cover linked
• to Vodafone & Three. Likely no internal cover on any networks Source: Ofcom
• Flood risk:  Very low to no risk of any type of flooding. Source: Gov.uk  
• Planning permission: No planning affecting the property known at time of listing. Source: Ashford Planning
• Accessibility/adaptations: Not suitable for wheelchair users
• Coalfield or mining area: No. Source: The Coal Authority
• Flight path: Yes. Source: Flightradar24

EPC rating: F. Tenure: Freehold, Service charge description: N/A, Known building safety issues or planned/required works: None known upon listing. Mobile signal information: Likely good external cover on EE & O2, variable external cover linked to Vodafone & Three. Likely no internal cover on any networks Source: Ofcom