Island Farm High Halden Road Biddenden Ashford Kent TN27 8JG

Island Farm High Halden Road Biddenden Ashford Kent TN27 8JG

Seller Insight Situated in the glorious Kent countryside, just a short drive from the charming and much sought after village of Biddenden is Island Farm, a beautiful period home that is enveloped by around four acres of stunning grounds. My wife and I purchased the property ten years ago, and at that time it was our weekend retreat, an escape from the hustle and bustle of London life, says the owner. However, after two years of traveling back and forth, we decided we might quite like to make it our permanent home, so we left the city and moved to this rural idyll and it was the best thing we ever did. The house dates back to 1483 and it s an absolute gem of a place. Fortunately it s been well loved by all who ve had the privilege of owning it, so when we bought it it was in really good order. And as its most recent custodians, we too have done our bit to enhance it further, but in a way that s entirely sympathetic to its wonderful sense of history. I describe it as a house that has ancient bones but a modern heart because although it has lots of original charm there s a dragon beam in the dining room, a number of gorgeous inglenook fireplaces and a very unique floor-to-ceiling oriel window in the drawing room it has really good water pressure, an effective heating system all the things needed for comfortable modern living. The house sits almost exactly in the middle of its grounds, almost like an island, so from every room we have the most beautiful outlook and there s a lovely feeling of seclusion within the property as a whole, continues the owner. We have a really pretty rose garden with a little swing, a dining area, a pool area, the tennis court and quite an expanse of woodland, so there are spaces for exercising, entertaining or just kicking back with a glass of rose, and it s been an absolute paradise for our children. In short, there s room for everyone to have a really nice time. It s yet another standout feature of the property and something that I m definitely going to miss when we leave. It s so hard to choose because each has its own individual character and charm, says the owner, but if I had to pick just one it would probably be the dining room. It has wood panelling, leaded windows and a really impressive inglenook, so it s incredibly atmospheric and an amazing room to entertain in. In terms of location, this has been a fantastic place to live, says the owner. We re equidistant from a number of well-served towns, and although it s only small, Biddenden is a lovely village with a lot to offer. It has a Michelin-starred restaurant, a couple of gastro pubs as well as one of the best golf clubs in the area. The choice of schools in the local area is also very good, so it s a great place to bring up a family. Most houses of this age can be a bit dark and feel quite pokey, but we ve been lucky because this property is very spacious, says the owner. We have three big reception rooms and the ceilings are high, so there s a lovely feeling of light and space throughout. This is not just a house, it s become a real home for us and we all absolutely adore it, says the owner. It s incredibly warm and welcoming and I love the way it changes with the seasons. In the winter the fires go on and the whole house takes on this cosy atmosphere, and then the sun comes out and the garden bursts into life and our world expands. I think we ll all be really sad to leave. * * These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.

Step inside Island Farm DESCRIPTION This charming Grade II Listed medieval residence is believed to date back to the 15th century with later additions. The property both internally and externally has many interesting and fascinating features adding to the beauty of this well cared for home. Throughout there are a wealth of period features such as lead mullion windows with oak frames, an abundance of beautiful oak timbers including a dragon beam in the dining room. There are vaulted ceilings to some rooms and overall good ceiling heights. The accommodation is spacious and beautifully presented. Located in rural Biddenden it is situated on approximately 4 acres surrounded by stunning gardens whilst further to the rear is an area of woodland also offering seclusion and tranquillity. GROUND FLOOR Offering stunning and spacious accommodation and entered via an original studded oak door leading to an entrance vestibule. To the left is an impressive triple aspect 21 ft drawing room with a large inglenook fireplace with a woodburning stove, oriel window and French doors leading to the terrace. The double aspect dining room has charming and distinct oak panelling with exquisite storage set within the panelling. There is also an inglenook fireplace with a woodburning stove. The inner hall has also doubled up as a study and is a beautiful area in its own right with a wealth of beams and a further fireplace with a woodburning stove, and an intricately carved balustrading to the staircase. The kitchen breakfast room has a stunning vaulted ceiling and comprises a range of grey wood wall and base cupboards with granite work surfaces with an inset double white ceramic sink and underlighting. The oil fired Aga has four ovens and three hot plates and an extractor unit over. In addition there is also a Neff double oven, Bosch electric hob, intergrated fridge/freezer and dishwasher. Adding to the comfort is underfloor heating. Adjoing the kitchen is the utility room with its own range of wall and base units with wood work surfaces incorporating a white ceramic butler sink. There is space for a washing machine and a tumble dryer. To the rear of the inner hall there is access to the cloakroom with a catchpole & Rye high level W.C and wash hand basin. There is access to the terrace via a stable door.

FIRST FLOOR Accessed via a beautifully carved oak staircase. The accommodation on this floor comprises three good sized bedrooms all with beautiful oak timbers. The master bedroom is magnificent with built in storage and a stunning en suite bathroom. This bathroom is beautiful with a free standing ball and claw roll top bath, a white ceramic wash hand basin on delicately carved wrought iron supports, high level W.C, and all are Catchpole & Rye. To the end of the landing is a shower room with a large shower cubicle, a counter top inset ceramic bowl within a Catchpole & Rye antique dresser. This room too has a Catchpole & Rye high level W.C. SECOND FLOOR LANDING This wonderful space comprises two bedrooms of which one could be a second sitting room. There is also a large storage area and a W.C and a ceramic sink.

OUTSIDE The property is located on approximately 4 acres and is approached via an electric timber gate and long gravelled driveway leading to a double garage and ample parking. The grounds offer a secluded setting within stunning gardens and woodland. The majority is laid to lawn interspersed with flower borders containing a variety of trees, shrubs and perennials. There is also a vegetable garden with an abundance of fruit and vegetables. The mini orchard nearby has apples, pears and plums. To the rear is a natural stocked pond creating the perfect habitat for wildlife. Further in there is a walkway leading to a heated swimming pool, tennis court and woodland. The outbuildings include a double detached garage with ancilliary accommodation comprising a kitchen, shower room and living/ bedroom area on the first floor. In addition there are two green houses, a shed and summerhouse with power and light. LOCATION Nestled in the Wealden countryside and tucked away in rural Biddenden yet within close proximity to several local amenties including sports and leisure facilities. Biddenden also enjoys the benefit of the renowned Charthills Golf Club and a Michelin star restaurant. The property is also within close proximity to leading independent schools such as Sutton Valence School and Ashford School whilst Kings Rochester, Kings Canterbury and Tonbridge are also within reach. There are many amenities available such as doctors surgeries, boutique shops and a Waitrose, Sainsburys and Tesco. There are good mainline links to London from Headcorn and Ashford International.

EPC Exempt Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Copyright 2018 Fine & Country Ltd. Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg No. 06959315 Registered Office: Morgan Alexander Kent Ltd (formerly Fine & Country Kent Ltd.) 36 King Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1BS. Printed 25.05.2018

Fine & Country Tel: +44 (0)1580 766 388 tenterdensales@fineandcountry.com 37 High Street, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6BJ