Sevenoaks, Kent

An attractive and imposing Grade II Listed Manor House, believed to be built in c1590. This wonderful Elizabethan country house is full of the character of this period and has been listed for its special architectural and historic interest. The house is conveniently located for Borough Green & Wrotham station and local amenities (0.1 miles), yet is tucked away and set back from the road. Internally the house benefits from spacious rooms with surprisingly high ceilings and it has a practical layout for family living. The house sits in the centre of a well-established secluded garden, which extends to 0.69 of an acre. The house has been painstakingly fully and sympathetically renovated and remodelled internally in recent times by the current owners to blend period charm with modern comforts.

The accommodation is set over three levels, plus a cellar, and extends to over 3,145 square feet. Character is prominent throughout the house with floor and ceiling beams and period fireplaces. The original timber front door opens into a useful porch area which in turn leads to a generous entrance hall with a fabulous inglenook fireplace with a wood burning stove and original beams. Stairs lead from the ground floor to the first floor landing. To the right of the entrance hall is a traditional style heated conservatory, which is an addition and is a splendid sunny room with a tiled floor and a pretty view of the garden and doors at the front and back allowing access to both gardens. The generous living space also includes a spacious drawing / dining room that overlooks the front garden and features an attractive fireplace with wood burning stove, and a sitting room that has a window seat overlooking the front garden as well as an inglenook fireplace with a working open fire. The triple aspect newly fitted kitchen / breakfast room at the back of the house was an extension believed to have been added in the 1930s. This addition benefits from views of the rear garden and a door leading to the outside patio. A shower room is accessed off the main entrance hall and completes the ground floor accommodation. A second staircase from the inner hallway leads to the first floor landing providing access to three double bedrooms and bathroom. The largest double bedroom is currently set up as a playroom room but this would make an impressive master suite as it has a large en-suite bathroom. A door from this room leads to another landing with stairs down to the main entrance hall. The second floor is accessed from the main first floor landing and here there are two further bedrooms. The largest double bedroom has its own reception dressing room, which makes for its own suite with another impressive large en-suite bathroom.

Outside

The property is screened from the road by a high brick wall, behind which is a driveway providing off road parking for multiple vehicles. There is a double garage and workshop which extends to 676 square feet and over 52 ft. in length. This could be used for various purposes and offers potential for a separate annexe subject to the necessary planning permission, listed building consent and a buyer’s own investigations. An attractive yew tree hedge separates the driveway from the garden and house, a wrought iron gate with brick pillars either side opens into the mature front garden, the central path in this oasis of a garden leads to the front door. The garden, which extends to 0.69 of an acre is a wonderful feature of the property and has a number of wild flowers, fruit and nut trees including apple and pear trees, Kent and Victoria plum trees, a Medlar tree, a fig tree and a Kentish cob nut tree. The paved terrace running adjacent to the back of the house offers the perfect entertaining space with steps down to a flat lawn. The garden borders and rockery are well stocked with a variety of mature shrubs and plants creating a colourful backdrop year round. Privacy is assured by tall surrounding hedges mainly of laurel. The garden also benefits from an oak gazebo which provides a useful versatile sheltered outdoor entertaining space.

Seller Insight

Built c1590 and boasting around three quarters of an acre of lovely gardens and grounds, this very handsome Grade II listed Tudor manor house occupies a coveted location in the heart of the well-served village of Borough Green.

“When we began our property search almost four years ago, I was really keen to find somewhere in a rural location where we could enjoy peace and privacy in leafy surroundings,” says Richard. “However, with a child on the way my wife was much more pragmatic. She didn’t want to feel isolated out in the sticks and instead wanted the convenience of being able to pop out for those last-minute essentials without the hassle of having to get in the car. Never in our wildest dreams did we think we’d be able to find somewhere that would offer the best of both worlds, but when we came across The Old Manor House it was immediately obvious that it did just that.”

“The property is like an island in the middle of Borough Green. The house itself is set way back from the road and is surrounded by these beautiful and extensive gardens and grounds. When we shut the gate we shut out the world and enjoy total and utter peace and privacy in a really stunning environment. However, everything we could possibly want or need is just a stone’s throw away.”

“We’ve always loved the character of period homes and that was something else that drew us to The Old Manor House. It dates back to the 16th century and it has an array of really beautiful period features. It was definitely in need of some TLC when we came here and so over time we’ve carried out a full renovation, but all of the work has been done really sympathetically so although it’s now much more conducive to modern living, it retains every bit of its original character and charm.”

Favourite room: “The main living room is a really nice place to relax in. It has a huge inglenook and a big bay window with a reading seat, so it’s cosy and warm in winter and in the summer time the sunlight floods in, and you can sit in the window and enjoy a really gorgeous view of the garden.”

Favourite aspect of the grounds or surrounding area: “We’ve relished the fact that when we’re in the house or out in the garden we feel nicely removed from the everyday hustle and bustle of life, and yet we have the peace of mind of knowing everything we need is easily accessible.”

Memorable event (if not another favourite room or unique feature): “The garden is an amazing feature of the property and something that we’re really going to miss. It’s been a very safe and secure environment for our child and it’s a lovely place for summer entertaining. We also have a beautiful oak-built summerhouse and an oak-built conservatory so on the more inclement days we’re able to bring the outside in.”

What they’ll miss most / why they are leaving: “This was to be our ‘forever’ home, but now that we have a child on the way, we’ve decided we’d like to move closer to our family,” says Richard. “It’s going to be a wrench to leave; it’s been a real privilege to own such a beautiful and historic home. I hope the new owners 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.

Situation

This wonderful house is located in the heart of the well-served village of Borough Green, which has array of local shops and a mainline station offering direct services to London Victoria (1 hour and 7 minutes), London Blackfriars (57 minutes), Maidstone (17 minutes). The amenities and shops of the market towns of West Malling and Sevenoaks are approximately 5/7 miles away respectively. Sevenoaks station is on the Charing Cross line to London. There is access from Borough Green onto the M20 at Wrotham Heath and M26/M25 motorways.

Education

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 North West Kent for verification.

Council Tax

We are informed this property is in council tax band H, you should verify this with Tonbridge & Malling 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

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