Gravesend, Kent

South House

One of Meopham’s best kept secret. Take the unassuming entrance besides St John the Baptist’s Church along the long driveway thronged with wild flowers and you are presented with South House. Forming a major portion of this historic country manor, you are immediately aware of it’s grand proportions as you step into the church-like reception hallway with vaulted ceilings extending to 35 feet. Ornate stone carvings precede over both reception rooms depicting reading and writing rooms, a nod to its opulent past. The main lounge is double aspect with walnut clad bay windows giving delightful aspect over the park-like gardens. There are stunning high ceilings with exquisite plaster panels. Another feature to note is the mosaic tiled fireplace depicting two griffins either side. The equally impressive second reception room has a period fireplace and original base dresser. The kitchen family room provides access to both a usable cellar and conservatory. The shallow stairs lead to the galleried landing with stunning full height leaded light stained-glass windows on east and west aspects. The principle bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe and shower rooms. The large second bedroom has a double aspect over the south and west lawns. A lobby leads to a third first floor bedroom and stairs leading to two second floor bedrooms and a large attic room offering further scope for conversion. Outside lawns border St John the Baptist’s Churchyard and the gravel driveway provides generous parking; a large garage/workshop is set away from the main house. A wide patio leads to the delightful grounds extending to 1.5 acres with wide expanses of lawn with mature specimen trees that back onto open fields; a true haven of peace and tranquillity.

Seller Insight

Once part of a local manor house dating from the 1400s, Meopham Court South was rebuilt in the mid 1800s and became an independent dwelling when the original house was divided into three in the 1950s. This splendid house sits behind the Norman parish church and is reached via its own private, tree-lined driveway.

Together with her family, the current owner moved into Meopham Court South in 1972. On first viewing, the family were initially taken by the extensive private garden, overlooking farmland, and by the breath-taking, spacious hallway, lit by east- and west-facing stained glass windows. In addition to the hall, the house comprises two very large ground floor reception rooms, together with a kitchen that was refitted soon after the family moved in, conservatory and ground floor bathroom. The grand wooden staircase leads to a gallery landing that provides access to the mezzanine, first and second floor accommodation, which includes a second bathroom, three first floor bedrooms, one with an ensuite bathroom, two second floor bedrooms and a large loft space, currently used for storage.

The spacious garden, with large lawns to the south and west, contains mature flower beds and a number of interesting trees, including giant sequoias, yew, cedar, and gingko. There are a number of fruit trees and, in the past, plots for growing vegetables and soft fruit. In addition, a disused swimming pool has been transformed to a flourishing sunken garden but retains the potential to be converted back to a pool. Together, the house and gardens have always been a fantastic venue for large gatherings, including family weddings and parties.

Although the house is quietly tucked away, there are a wealth of amenities nearby. Meopham sits between two major motorways with fast links to Dover and the channel ports, the Kent coast, and the national motorway network. Meopham station, with trains to Victoria, is within walking distance, and Ebbsfleet International, with trains to St Pancras and connections to the north and continent, is a short drive. The Medway towns and Gravesend are within easy reach, as is the beautiful countryside of the North Downs and weald.

The house now exceeds the owners needs and it is time for another owner to enjoy life in this fabulous home.*

* 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

Meopham offers shopping facilities, restaurants and a main line link to London, road links give access to A2/M2, A20/M20, M25, Bluewater and Ebbsfleet International Station. Meopham village also benefits from schools going up to senior levels, a library and churches. The recreational facilities include a leisure centre, tennis club and cricket on the green opposite the historic windmill.

Directions

From Meopham Parade proceed up the Wrotham Road A227 passing the Church Hall on your left and the historic St. John’s Church, the entrance to the property will be found immediately on the left hand side.

Transport Information

Meopham Station: 1 mile Sole Street Station: 2 miles Longfield Railway Station: 3.6 miles Ebbsfleet

International Eurostar Station: 6.8 miles The distances calculated are as the crow flies.

Education

Please check with the local authority as to catchment areas and intake criteria.

Golf Clubs

Rochester and Cobham Golf Club: 5.3 miles Redlibbets Golf Club: 4.7 miles The London Golf Club: 8.8 miles

Health Clubs

Brandshatch Spa Ltd: 5.3 miles Nuffield Health and Fitness & Wellbeing Gym: 10.1 miles Rochester Health Club: 14.7 miles

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.

Council Tax

We are informed this property is in council tax band G, you should verify this with Gravesham Borough Council.

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.

Measurements

All measurements are approximate and therefore may be subject to a small margin of error.

Viewing

Strictly via Fine & Country North West Kent.

Ref HA/SD/SK/010323 - HARD2202454.

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 © 2021 Fine &