2 Highfield
Row Dow Lane | (Otford Hills) | Sevenoaks | Kent | TN15 6XN
Highfield is a substantial four bedroom conversion, being Part of a former Country Mansion House. Originally built in 1881 by the architect Spencer Chadwick, ‘Highfield House’ in the Parish of Shoreham was his country estate until 1897, when it was sold to a prominent and influential local family. Sir Herbert Cohen died in 1968 without a direct heir and subsequently the entire Highfield Estate was sold, and the house divided into four luxury dwellings each with their own secluded private gardens, extensive guest and resident parking and double garages en-bloc.
Situated in a peaceful and tranquil semi-rural setting on the spur of the North Downs ‘Highfield’ an historic Victorian manor house, is surrounded by open fields and ancient bluebell woods and is approached by a sweeping driveway with bordering woodland and specimen shrubbery.
This impressive period property with living accommodation (3311 sq. ft) arranged over three floors. With two entrances one on the ground and another on the lower ground floor this makes this property ideal for multigenerational living arrangements. The main entrance is approached via wide steps to a grand entrance.
The bright and spacious sitting room is located to the rear in an elevated position overlooking lawn areas. The open plan kitchen dining room is to the front and enjoys views over the property’s private garden.
To the first floor there are three double bedrooms, with ensuite bathroom to the principal bedroom and a further family bathroom.
The versatile lower ground floor is where the fourth bedroom is located with an ensuite shower. Further accommodation on the lower ground floor includes a study or office for home working, a large store that has previously been used as a gym and further storerooms. With its own separate entrance this level lends itself to various uses, including a grandparent or older child that wants their own space.
Outside, the private gardens and grounds extend to approximately 1.26 acres and is made up of many elements with a laid to lawn area with an adjoining area of woodland, a small sun terrace to the front of the house enjoys a view over the main garden. There is an en-bloc double garage and extensive parking to the front of the property. The substantial plot approached by a sweeping driveway enjoy views over the surrounding countryside.
This elegant Victorian property situated on the outskirts of Otford village known as Otford Hills and maintains a wealth of period features including high ceilings, attractive fireplaces, large picture windows and panelled doors.
Seller Insight
Highfield is an impressive Victorian country mansion, and number 2 is a spacious, comfortable and elegant home. Twenty eight years ago, Jo and Alastair decided to leave London and bring up their young family in a rural environment. As they drove up the sweeping driveway, they were immediately delighted by the attractive façade of the building in its beautiful setting, and the interior with the large rooms and high ceilings of the period: whilst the acre of garden and woodland completed their tick list. They have loved the house and the superb lifestyle it has given them.
Jo and Alastair have made changes to create a home suited to family living. The galley style kitchen was opened into the large dining room and is now a sociable area where the cook can chat with friends and family who naturally gather together in its inviting ambience.
To further enhance the house, they created a large ensuite shower room in the basement bedroom, installed a new ensuite bathroom in the master bedroom, and redecorated all the bedrooms, lounge and the basement rooms, whilst adding ceramic tiles down the stairs and throughout the basement, which is also aesthetically pleasing.
Jo and Alastair enjoy the whole house and appreciate the sense of space in the rooms, the attractive oak framed windows and ornate ceilings. The lounge is a room where you can relax before the warmth of the wood burner but is also a sophisticated setting for more formal occasions. There have been many parties over the years, including a hen party for Jo’s sister. It is a home which welcomes people.
The garden is a charming eclectic mix of lawns, flower beds, mature trees and woodland. The keen gardener can work on the raised vegetable beds or potter in the potting shed and greenhouse. It has been a joy to watch the changing seasons, the springtime bluebells and wood anemones, and observe the wildlife in the two ponds. However Jo and Alastair added a patio area with a fountain and say this is their favourite place where they can simply sit and savour the tranquillity that surrounds them.
Highfield enjoys an excellent location, only a mile and a half from Otford village with its shops, restaurants, pubs and station and rail links to London. Sevenoaks is three miles away and there is easy access to the M25 providing links to Gatwick, Heathrow and the Channel Tunnel. There are endless walks to explore, and Lullingstone World Garden and Mount Vineyard are local attractions.
Jo and Alastair will sorely miss their neighbours, local friends and especially the house which has been a safe place for their family to grow and enjoy. They are sure the new owners will love it as they 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
Otford Village is an attractive 16th century village approximately 3.7 miles from Sevenoaks town centre. The village has a variety of small shops, historic houses, several pubs and a restaurant, a 16th century church, a library, the village primary school and nursery, a recreation ground and playground for small children as well as two halls which host events and club meetings. There are two private prep schools in the area: St Michael’s school which takes children from age 2 to 13, and Russell House School. At the centre of the village is a very picturesque spring-filled pond which is the location of the smallest listed duck pond in England. The attractive village green is surrounded by historic buildings including Chantry Cottage and St Bartholomew’s Church. Otford has a mainline rail service with frequent services to Victoria. Sevenoaks mainline station is approximately 3 miles away and provides frequent services to London Bridge/ Charing Cross.
Directions
From our Fine & Country Office in Otford Village, head East on the High Street, at the roundabout take the first exit onto Station Road A225. Turn right onto Pilgrims Way East, then turn left into Row Dow Lane. Take the left fork in the road at the top of the hill, at the triangle grassed area continuing along Row Dow Lane. Highfield’s entrance will be on your right hand side.
Transport Information
Train Stations:
Otford 0.9 miles
Shoreham 1.1 miles
Bat & Ball 2.4 miles
Kemsing 2.4 miles
The property is also within easy reach of Ebbsfleet Eurostar International Station.
The distances calculated are as the crow flies.
Local Schools:
Primary Schools:
Russell House School 0.4 miles
St Michael’s Prep School 0.5 miles
Otford Primary School 0.7 miles
Shoreham Village School 1.4 miles
Kemsing Primary School 1.4 miles
Secondary Schools:
Trinity School 2.2 miles
Knole Academy 2.3 miles
Walthamstow Hall 2.9 miles
Sevenoaks School 3.7 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 is taken from third party sources.
Should any of the information be critical in your decision making then please contact Sevenoaks Fine & Country for verification.
Tenure/Service Charges/Ground Rent
The vendor confirms to us that this property is Leasehold for a term of years from 21/12/71. We are advised by the vendor that the service charge for the previous year was nil and ground rent for the previous year was £3,600. 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 F. 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 & Country Otford office.
Highfield, Row Dow Lane, Sevenoaks
Approximate Gross Internal Area
Main House = 3311 Sq Ft/308 Sq M
Garage = 368 Sq Ft/34 Sq M
Potting Shed & Greenhouse = 142 Sq Ft/13 Sq M
Total = 3821 Sq Ft/355 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/8649397/SS
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 © 2025 Fine &
Ltd. Registered office: Clifton & Co (Hartley) Limited, 2 High Street, Dartford DA1 1BY. Company Reg No. 6385219
