St Katherine’s Forge Lane | Shorne | Kent | DA12 3DP St Katherines Cover.indd 3
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ST KATHERINE’S Built in c1850, this exquisite Grade II listed country house and one time convent, occupies a superb semi-rural location on the edge of the sought after village of Shorne. “My Grandmother lived in the next village for many years and whenever I’d come to visit her I’d drive past this house and always admire it, but never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that one day I’d own it,” says Katie. “Then, just over three years ago my husband and I discovered that it had come onto the market so without hesitation we jumped at the chance to buy it.”
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St Katherine’s is a truly unique example of Victorian architecture boasting one of the area’s premium addresses. Enjoying the luxury of village and rural life but offering excellent connections via rail and road to London. This Grade II country residence has undergone extensive renovations by the current owners yet retaining the true integrity of the features and character of the period with open fireplaces, corniced ceilings and stained glass windows originating we believe from when the property was a nunnery. The entrance logia opens to the reception hallway with central staircase, there is fitted study and wine store, the double aspect lounge has ornate ceiling, feature fireplace and log burner. The separate dining room has feature panelling and gothic windows overlooking the rear gardens. The bright and airy bespoke kitchen is well-appointed with granite work surfaces, double doors open to the Amdega conservatory affording views of the gardens, surrounding area and the Thames Estuary. The practical utility room, boot room and bathroom complete the ground floor. To the first floor is galleried landing used as further reception area, a staircase from which leads to two storey tower rooms, a unique space ideal for creating further bedroom, study or hobby room. The sumptuous double aspect master bedroom also offers superb views of the surrounding area with en-suite bathroom and shower. There is further bedroom with en-suite bathroom, three double bedrooms and additional bathroom. Outside the property is approached via walled entrance providing circular driveway parking for several cars and garage. Gardens to the front are laid to lawn with mature walls, the formal gardens offer wide patio terrace with pizza oven, secluded level gardens are laid to lawn with mature flower and shrub borders, screening trees and hedges. The mature yew hedge leads to recently resurfaced tennis court.
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Seller Insight The previous owners had been here for well over thirty years and they’d looked after the house beautifully. However, although it was in really great condition and structurally very sound, we felt that the décor wasn’t quite to our taste so over time we’ve tastefully updated the whole of the interior and installed a new kitchen and bathrooms. We took up the carpets to restore the beautiful old floorboards and we’ve refreshed and updated the décor throughout. Everything has been done extremely sympathetically so nothing detracts from the wonderful sense of history of this lovely old building.” “This is a very old house, but it’s been really well designed so it’s a fantastic family home,” continues Katie. “Each of the rooms is generously proportioned, the layout flows beautifully and there’s an absolute wealth of gorgeous original features that create such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We’re also fortunate to have an amazing garden, which extends to just over an acre, and because the house sits in a slightly elevated position the views are absolutely stunning. Just outside the conservatory we have a lovely big patio terrace, then steps lead down to a huge open lawn beyond which is the tennis court that we resurfaced, something else that we’ve all enjoyed. My husband has tennis matches with his friends and we’ve also set up football goals down there for the children so it’s very flexible in term of its use. The garden as a whole is a feature of the property that we’ve really enjoyed during our time here and not only is it very peaceful but it’s also wonderfully private.” “I’d probably choose the kitchen and conservatory combined as my favourite part of the house,” says Katie. “One leads into the other creating a very sociable space that’s ideal for family life and entertaining, and because the conservatory faces out onto the garden, we can enjoy the most spectacular views of the grounds and the countryside beyond.” “Shorne is a lovely place to live,” says Katie, “it’s very peaceful here and everyone is really friendly. We have a pub just a stroll away, which is lovely for a Sunday roast by the roaring fire. There’s also a little parade of shops and we have a fantastic choice of state and private schools in the local area. Also Shorne Country Park is right on our doorstep, with great nature trails, playground and cafe. My husband works in London so it was also very important for him to have easy access into the City, and from here he can be at Ebbsfleet International in around 10-15 minutes and then it’s just an 11 minute journey to Stratford International or 19 mins into St Pancras. “The dining room is another very elegant room and a gorgeous space to entertain in,” says Katie. “It used to be the chapel when the nuns lived here so it has wonderfully ornate windows that beautifully frame the view of The Thames and surrounding countryside.” “I can honestly say that we all love absolutely everything about this house and it’s been a fantastic family home,” says Katie. “It’s definitely lived up to all expectations”. We’re moving to a smaller house in a nearby village to enable us to additionally buy a holiday home on the coast.* * 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.
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I’d probably choose the kitchen and conservatory combined as my favourite part of the house,” says Katie. “One leads into the other creating a very sociable space that’s ideal for family life and entertaining, and because the conservatory faces out onto the garden, we can enjoy the most spectacular views of the grounds and the countryside beyond.”
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The dining room is another very elegant room and a gorgeous space to entertain in,” says Katie. “It used to be the chapel when the nuns lived here so it has wonderfully ornate windows that beautifully frame the view of The Thames and surrounding countryside.”
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I can honestly say that we all love absolutely everything about this house and it’s been a fantastic family home,” says Katie. “It’s definitely lived up to all expectations”. We’re moving to a smaller house in a nearby village to enable us to additionally buy a holiday home on the coast.
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LOCATION Shorne is a picturesque village offering local shops, public houses, church and primary school. Adjacent to Shorne village there is Shorne Wood Country Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its wildlife value. The village is within easy reach of Gravesend and the Medway towns providing excellent schooling. There is convenient access to the M2 and M25 motorways linking to both Gatwick and Heathrow airports, London, Bluewater and the International railway station at Ebbsfleet offering a 17 minute link to London, and to Channel Ports. The commuter is also well served by a coach service running from the area to London, together with main line railway stations at Sole Street and Higham on the Victoria and Charing Cross lines respectively. DIRECTIONS From the A2 coast bound take the Shorne/Cobham turning. At the T junction turn right onto Brewers Road, turn first left onto Woodlands Lane. At the end of the road turn left onto Tanyard Hill. Follow through the village, once past Crown Lane
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TRANSPORT INFORMATION Higham Railway Station: 1.5 miles Sole Street Railway Station: 3.5 miles Ebbsfleet International Station: 5.3 miles All distances are approximate and calculated as the crow flies. For more information on the distance please visit: https://www.doogal.co.uk/MeasureDistances.php For information regarding travel please visit: http://www. kent.gov.uk/roads-and-travel
LOCAL SCHOOLS Primary Schools:Shorne Primary School: 0.2 miles Higham Primary School: 1.2 miles Cobham Primary School: 2.3 miles Meopham Primary Academy: 4.4 miles Secondary Schools: Strood Academy: 2 miles Thamesview School: 1.5 miles Gravesend Boys Grammar: 2.6 miles St George’s C of E School: 3.3 miles Mayfield Girls Grammar: 3.5 miles Fort Pitt Grammar: 4.2 miles Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School: 4.2 miles Rochester Girls Grammar: 4.3 miles Meopham Academy: 4.7 miles
Independent Schools: Gads Hill: 1.1 miles Cobham Hall: 1.8 miles St Josephs Convent: 2.7 miles Bronte School: 3.5 miles King’s Rochester: 3.5 miles St Andrew’s Rochester: 3.6 miles Information sourced from www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/ school-search
GOLF CLUBS Rochester and Cobham Golf Club: 1.7 miles Southern Valley Golf Club: 1.4 miles Redlibbets: 6.9 miles The London Golf Club: 8.3 miles HEALTH CLUBS Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing Gym: 3.1 miles Brands Hatch Thistle: 8.1 miles
Please check with the local authority as to catchment areas and intake criteria.
Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg No. 6385219 VAT No. 924699676 Registered office: Clifton & Co (Hartley) Limited, 2 High Street, Dartford DA1 1BY copyright © 2018 Fine & Country Ltd.
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EPC Exempt
USEFUL INFORMATION We recognise that buying a property is a big commitment and therefore recommend that you visit the local authority website www.gravesham.gov.uk and the following websites for more helpful information about the property and local area before proceeding. Some information in these details is taken from third party sources. Should any of the information be critical in your decision making, then please contact Fine & Country North Kent for verification. USEFUL LINKS www.mouseprice.com www.tfl.gov.uk www.environment-agency.gov.uk www.landregistry.gov.uk www.gov.uk/green-deal-energy-saving-measures www.homeoffice.gov.uk www.tkradon.org.uk www.fensa.org.uk http://list.english-heritage.org.uk COUNCIL TAX We are informed this property is in council tax band H, you should verify this with Gravesham Borough Council on 01474 564422. TENURE The vendor advises us that this property is Freehold. Should you proceed with the purchase of the property your solicitor must verify these details APPLIANCES/SERVICES The mention of any appliances and/or services within these sales particulars does not imply that they are in full efficient working order. MEASURMENTS All measurements are approximate and therefore may be subject to a small margin of error. VIEWING Via Fine & Country North Kent on 01474 700009 OPENING HOURS Monday to Friday 9.00 am – 6.30 pm, Saturday 9.00 am – 6.00 pm REF HA/SD/JT/181001 - 4592696/D1
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. Printed 08.10.2018
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FINE & COUNTRY Fine & Country is a global network of estate agencies specialising in the marketing, sale and rental of luxury residential property. With offices in the UK, Australia, Egypt, France, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Namibia, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain, The Channel Islands, UAE, USA and West Africa we combine the widespread exposure of the international marketplace with the local expertise and knowledge of carefully selected independent property professionals. Fine & Country appreciates the most exclusive properties require a more compelling, sophisticated and intelligent presentation - leading to a common, yet uniquely exercised and successful strategy emphasising the lifestyle qualities of the property.
THE FINE & COUNTRY FOUNDATION
This unique approach to luxury homes marketing delivers high quality, intelligent and creative concepts for property promotion combined with the latest technology and marketing techniques. We understand moving home is one of the most important decisions you make; your home is both a financial and emotional investment. With Fine & Country you benefit from the local knowledge, experience, expertise and contacts of a well trained, educated and courteous team of professionals, working to make the sale or purchase of your property as stress free as possible.
The production of these particulars has generated a ÂŁ10 donation to the Fine & Country Foundation, charity no. 1160989, striving to relieve homelessness. Visit fineandcountry.com/uk/foundation
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Fine & Country Tel: +44 (0)1474 700009 northkent@fineandcountry.com 1 Church Road, Hartley, Kent DA3 8DL
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