Holmesdale Road | South Darenth | Kent | DA4 9AQ
Giffords
GIFFORDS
Nestled in the heart of the charming riverside village of South Darenth, Kent, this imposing four-storey Georgian detached period home offers a rare opportunity to own a property steeped in history, character, and elegance. Set within an approximate 2-acre plot, this Grade II listed residence showcases a wealth of original period features while seamlessly blending modern comforts.
With five generously proportioned bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two en suites, the home provides ample accommodation for family and guests with an annex arrangement. The principal suite, with its triple aspect Georgian sash windows, fitted wardrobe and private en suite, epitomises understated luxury. The additional bedrooms, each with their own unique charm, are complemented by elegant bathrooms featuring period-appropriate fixtures.
The home boasts four versatile reception rooms, including a grand sitting room with working fireplace, a formal drawing room with hand-carved stone surround, and a dining room adorned with fabric wall coverings and Georgian sash windows with shutters. An adjoining study offers a quiet retreat, while the attic library studio provides an inspiring space with exposed beams and built-in shelving.
The kitchen/breakfast room is a true centrepiece, blending traditional style with contemporary function. Bespoke cabinetry, granite worktops, and a Britannia electric double oven enhance the practicality of this light-filled space. The cellar, divided into two main areas, features fascinating historical elements such as a priest hole.
The exterior is equally impressive, featuring manicured lawns, mature trees, flower beds, and a variety of outbuildings, including a Grade II listed circa 1760 spacious detached carriage barn with development potential (STPP), a granary, potting shed, gardener’s store and toilet. For relaxation and recreation, the 50’ pool house with swimming pool and changing rooms provide a private oasis.
The property’s in-and-out carriageway driveway and additional gated parking enhance convenience, while the home’s idyllic location in a soughtafter riverside village combines tranquillity with excellent accessibility. Whether enjoying the charm of the local community and shops or exploring the surrounding Kent countryside, this Georgian masterpiece offers an unparalleled lifestyle opportunity and is now looking for its new custodian to make it their family home.
Seller Insight
We’ve lived very happily in Giffords since 1994,” say the owners. “We had always loved the idea of living in a Georgian house located right in the middle of a village, however we never quite believed that we’d find one. Then, one day we happened upon the details for this property. We instantly fell in love with both the look of the house and the setting; for us, Giffords had it all!”
“The house is perfectly place within the village, just a stone’s throw from the shops in one direction and picturesque walks in the other, and we’re only a short drive from the Bluewater Shopping Centre so everything we need is within easy reach. We’ve also enjoyed excellent connectivity to London via the train – the station is only a ten-minute walk away – as well as several motorway links, so it’s ideal for commuters, and we also benefit from having some really good schools close by, most notably the Dartford and Wilmington Grammar Schools, so it’s a lovely place to raise a family.”
“Giffords itself is a uniquely beautiful house, with every façade being equal in terms of its impact. Each of the rooms is a good size and bursting with character, and the flow of the house has been perfect for both busy family life and entertaining. We also love its orientation, which allows sunlight to stream in from morning to late afternoon so it’s wonderfully light and bright, and because the house sits right in the middle of the garden, the views are just lovely.”
“The house has a very warm and welcoming feel to it and there’s always been a delightful hubbub in the kitchen; it’s a great meeting place for informal get-togethers and it can swallow up a lot of people. The snug is lovely in the evenings; an afternoon cup of tea in the living room is a real joy, and the dining room has provided an elegant backdrop to many celebrations and dinner parties. In fact, birthdays, formal and informal get-togethers, and indeed sleepovers have been the energy of the house over the years, and at Christmas, when the lights and decorations are up, there’s a wonderfully inviting party feel, both inside and out.”
“The garden is another really lovely feature of the property. It extends to around two acres and therefore there are lots of lovely places where we can sit out, relax and entertain. The huge sycamore tree just outside the back door has had swings and hammocks hanging from it over the years; we have an area we call the ‘croquet lawn’, which is nice and flat so ideal for children to play on, and the covered swimming pool has been such an asset, providing a great place to host events with family and friends alike. We also have a barn that offers an enormous amount of recreational space.”
“It’s going to be a real wrench to leave Giffords. We’ll miss sweeping into the drive, seeing the house and thinking how lucky we are to live here. We’ll also miss our neighbours who have become our friends, and the community within the village. It has been such a wonderful place to call home and we’ve no doubt that the new owners will love living here every bit as much as we have.”*
* 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.
Location
South Darenth is located on the right bank of the River Darent, south of Dartford and is a village in the civil parish of South Darenth and Horton Kirby in the Sevenoaks District of Kent. The village nestles in the Darenth Valley a few miles from Dartford and boasts several local shops. Its church is dedicated to St Mary and the nearest railway station is at Farningham Road. The A225 road between Dartford and Sevenoaks passes to the west of the village. There are road links from the area giving access to A2/M2, A20/M20, M25 and Dartford Tunnel as well as Ebbsfleet International station, airports, the coast and Channel Tunnel.
Transport Information
Train Stations:
Farningham 0.5 miles
Longfield 2.4 miles
Dartford 3.3 miles
The property is also within easy reach of Ebbsfleet Eurostar International Station.
The distances calculated are as the crow flies.
Local Schools
The village boasts several nursery schools.
Primary Schools:
Horton Kirby Church of England Primary School 0.6 miles
Sutton-At-Hone Church of England Primary School 0.7 miles
Greenlands Primary School 1.1 miles
Fleetdown Primary Academy 2.1 miles
St Pauls’ Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School 2.2 miles
Fawkham Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School 2.4 miles
Bean Primary School 2.4 miles
Steephill School 2.4 miles
Secondary Schools:
Parkwood Hall Co-Operative Academy 2.2 miles
Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy 2.3 miles
Leigh Academy Dartford 2.7 miles
Wilmington Grammar School for Boys 2.8 miles
Wilmington Grammar School for Girls 2.9 miles
Stone Lodge School 2.9 miles
Dartford Grammar for Girls 3.3 miles Dartford Grammar for Boys 3.4 miles
Information sourced from Rightmove (findaschool). Please check with the local authority as to catchment areas and intake criteria.
Useful Information
We recognise that buying a property is a big commitment and therefore recommend that you visit the local authority websites for more helpful information about the property and local area before proceeding.
Some information in these details are taken from third party sources. Should any of the information be critical in your decision making then please contact Fine & Country for verification.
Tenure
The vendor confirms to us that the property is freehold. Should you proceed with the purchase of the property your solicitor must verify these details.
Council Tax
We are informed this property is in band H. For confirmation please contact Sevenoaks Borough Council.
Appliances/Services
The mention of any appliances and/or services within these particulars does not imply that they are in full efficient working order.
Measurements
All measurements are approximate and therefore may be subject to a small margin of error.
Viewings
Monday to Friday 9.00 am – 6.30 pm Saturday 9.00 am – 6.00 pm Viewing via Sevenoaks Fine & Country office.
Giffords Holmesdale Road, South Darenth, Kent
Approximate Gross Internal Area
Main House = 4804 Sq Ft/446 Sq M
Barn = 1253 Sq Ft/116 Sq M
Other Outbuildings = 1642 Sq Ft/153 Sq M
Total = 7699 Sq Ft/715 Sq M
FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY - NOT TO SCALE
The position & size of doors, windows, appliances and other features are approximate only.
© ehouse. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited. Drawing ref. dig/8628765/SS Denotes restricted head height
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 20.01.2025
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