Folkestone, Kent

West Lodge

Peene | Folkestone | Kent | CT18 8BA

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West Lodge

With a backdrop of the North Downs and surrounded by 2.67 acres of grounds, this imposing Grade II Listed residence, with its origins in the 1850s, is in a beautiful location and offers enormous potential for a variety of opportunities. It includes two good sized paddocks (one currently used as a dog agility arena) and a sand school that needs reinstating if required, stables and a variety of other sizeable outbuildings, two large and very well stocked vegetable gardens as well as plenty of parking areas for cars and larger vehicles. Internally the property still retains many original and period features such as high coved ceilings, dado and picture rails, panelled doors, fireplaces and the original staircase that give it such a delightful character.

The house is set well back from the lane with a large front garden consisting of lawns, trees and impressive shrubbery. It is approached along a gravel driveway that leads either to the paddocks and buildings behind the property or to the attractive front porch. The front door with its original stained glass skylight opens into the hall.

There is a good sized drawing room and an elegant lounge with original windows and shutters and fireplace as well as bi-fold doors that open into the dining room, providing a wonderful overall space for entertaining. From the dining room there is a door to the study and there are French doors to the large conservatory that open onto a block paved terrace with a gravel surround and an inner fenced garden with a large lawn interspersed with fruit trees. The traditional farmhouse kitchen/breakfast room has a range cooker, free-standing appliances, an inset boiler, two large cupboards, a walk-in larder and plenty of space for a table and chairs as well as an adjacent utility/boot room.

At the top of one side of the divided staircase is a galleried landing, the family bathroom and two double bedrooms including the very large first bedroom with a basin and fitted bedroom furniture as well as delightful far-reaching views. On the other side of the house there are three further double bedrooms, a large airing cupboard and access to the partially boarded attic.

For anyone looking to develop ‘the good life’ and who want to keep various farm animals, alpacas or who have equestrian interests there are a variety of opportunities with the two paddocks that both have access to water. Subject to the appropriate permissions it could also be possible to develop a camp site, ‘glamping’ or holiday cottages.

Outside there is a raised koi carp pond, a greenhouse, a chicken house and run and a rabbit hutch plus a large workshop and double gates to the stable block. This consists of a tack room, two large stables with rubber flooring and two attached sheds that could be converted into additional stables if required but are currently in use as a hay store and storage. The sand school is being used as additional car parking and leads to a log store and a high ceiling garage that could be used to house a horsebox or motor home/caravan. As if that was not enough a secondary driveway leads to a large, recently rebuilt barn with double entrance doors, a toilet and surrounded by a concrete path.

Seller Insight

We moved here about 21 years ago with an extended family and horses and it has been an ideal, intergenerational home but our situation has now changed and we feel it is time for us to downsize. During the years we have been here we have built a number of outbuildings that could offer potential business opportunities for new owners. We really love the location, despite being near the Channel Tunnel we rarely hear any noise and it is very quiet and peaceful but also very safe as the village is part of the regular Channel Tunnel perimeter checks carried out by the police. There is a friendly community and the Elham Valley Railway Museum is charming. There are also wonderful places to go for walks as well as an all-weather bridle path nearby.

At the same time we are not far from a variety of amenities including a large Tescos, the Folkestone retail park and Cheriton for individual shops. There is easy access to both Etchinghill and Sene Valley golf courses, the Folkestone Rugby club and Folkestone West station or Ashford for the fast train to London as well as the Channel Tunnel for a trip to the Continent. Canterbury is within easy reach as is the charming Cinque port town of Hythe if you want a day on the beach or wander round charming shops or stop off at one of the delightful bars and restaurants. *

* 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.

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 © 2023 Fine & Country Ltd. Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg. No. 2597969. Registered office address: St Leonard’s House, North Street, Horsham, West Sussex. RH12 1RJ. Printed 07.06.2023

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