Property Description
What the sellers say: "We have loved living here, the charm of our home and restoring it with love, enjoying the wildlife, watching the many species of birds: woodpeckers, nuthatches, jays, robins, great tits and wrens as well as visiting ducks and moorhen, in spring and autumn. And coming across in the dark, a bright glow in the grass around July, of the glowworm. Lovely sitting near the pond and watching the dragonflies and the carp swimming and leaping out of the water. We were running our business from the yard, but we are now downsizing and passing on our beautiful home for another family to enjoy." Set within approximately three acres and tucked away behind the old London Road, this Grade II period farmhouse is believed to date back to the 16th century and was probably once a Medieval Kentish Hall House. The farmhouse is well laid out with a wrap-around garden and patio area, and positioned at the entrance to the grounds, a cottage and a studio annexe provide privacy for the main home, making them ideal for high-end Airbnb rentals. The original character of the house has been thoughtfully maintained and restored by the current owners for modern family life. There is ample parking for guests and residents in the central area, as well as a double garage, which could also be converted. Beyond the grounds, there is a delightful pond (with its own patio) that could be converted to a natural swimming pool, as well as a stream on the boundary, a paddock and extensive woodland. Additionally, a substantial commercial yard, accommodating up to 30 large vehicles, offers potential for a thriving business venture. As you enter the home from the side door, there is a large boot room with plenty of storage space and a bench (perfect for removing muddy shoes or cleaning the dog), which leads to a utility room. There is also a back door with access to the centre of the home, the kitchen and a downstairs W.C. The farmhouse kitchen and a modern adjoining full glass oak-framed conservatory overlook the terrace, ideal for alfresco dining, entertaining and enjoying the natural environment this home offers. The main reception rooms include a timbered principal reception with a magnificent inglenook fireplace and oak bressummer beams. The adjoining drawing room is currently used as a billiards room, and there are two further rooms off the main reception, ideal as a guest bedroom and study. Two independent staircases lead to the upper floor, with one providing private access to an upstairs bedroom. We highly recommend viewing our video for a good understanding of the home's unique flow and thoughtful layout. The principal bedroom takes your breath away, with its vaulted ceiling, exposed beams, and a spacious modern en-suite with bath and shower, as well as two versatile adjoining rooms. One is perfectly suited as a private nursery or quiet study, and the other is currently used as a large dressing room. A second double bedroom also features a vaulted ceiling and an en-suite shower room. Cottage Annexe: Adjacent to the main house, on the other side of the pebble parking forecourt, a detached single-storey contemporary cottage is perfect for guests or as a grandparents' annexe. A spacious dual-aspect reception room, a large kitchen/diner with underfloor heating and a conservatory, offer ample living space. With a dual-aspect bedroom and en-suite, all on the same ground level, this is an ideal space for people with limited mobility. The cottage has its own private terrace, which is great for holiday rentals or even long-term rentals, providing an excellent regular income, subject to the relevant planning consent. Studio Annexe: An additional self-contained studio annexe, with a shower room, lounge area, small kitchen and dining area, could also be used as a home or business office, subject to planning. Outside: The mature grounds benefit from flowering shrubs through everglades and shaded areas, as well as fir, conifer, horse chestnut, copper beech, oak and tulip trees. There is a good-sized duck pond with a patio area, which could be converted to a natural swimming pool. The southern side boundary extends just beyond a stream and a small bridge towards the south-eastern corner provides access to a fenced paddock with walnut and cherry trees, and vehicular access at one end. Close by is a stable/tack room, which could also be converted. There is access onto the Old London Road, now a disused lane, perfect for dog walking or children learning to ride a bicycle. On the north side of the gardens, there are further areas laid to grass, with a nut grove of mainly cob and hazel, vegetable gardens and useful storage facilities. On the opposite side of the house is a small period barn, also with potential to convert. Location: Hidden from view, in a semi-rural location, Walnut Tree Farm is situated within its own private grounds with no close residential neighbours, yet relatively close to a nearby commercial site. There is a railway line at the end of the land. The tiny hamlet of Westwell Leacon is nearby, as well as a local vineyard. The thriving market town of Ashford is just 4 miles south, with high-speed train services to London St Pancras in just 37 minutes and a great choice for shopping. Charing Village also offers convenience shops, a primary school, surgeries and a train station. Known as the Garden of England, Kent offers unspoilt rolling countryside, as well as easy access to the Kent Coast, a short drive away. The area also offers a variety of state, grammar and independent schools, such as the highly esteemed King's School Canterbury, just a 30-minute drive away. Guide Price: £950,000 Tenure: Freehold EPC: Not Required (Grade II Listing) Council Tax Band: G Ashford Borough Council Please quote reference MA0771 when enquiring about this home
Property Details
