Sevenoaks, Kent

‘The Farmhouse’ Circa 1800 is situated in a peaceful and secluded setting in the lovely riverside village of Shoreham in the verdant Darenth Valley. One of just three properties in a courtyard setting within the grounds of Shoreham Place. Once the home of Lord Mildmay of Flete, ‘The Farmhouse’ is available to the open market for the first time since 1958, as until now it has remained in the same family ownership for three generations.

Extended and artfully designed interiors with an emphasis on light and space, this exceptional family home effortlessly combines the fascinating features of the past and the comforts of modern day living. Although the current entrance vestibule faces out onto the courtyard, a fascinating feature is the original old gabled entrance door complete with over lamp and original door furniture and is at the rear facing out onto the gardens and neighbouring fields.

On entering the property from the courtyard side, the entrance hall has a cloakroom to one side and a split-level dining room to the other, this also provides a delightful snug area overlooking the courtyard. The sleek Shaker style kitchen/family room is superbly fitted with an excellent range of wall, base, tall and drawer units complimented by solid wood counters and integrated appliances. The central island unit provides additional storage space with side wine racks and is also the perfect breakfast bar. A bespoke seating unit with concealed storage under has views across the gardens. A boot room from the kitchen has doors to the front and rear garden and houses the oil boiler and space for additional storage. The sitting room is also split level, with a slightly raised study area, a beautifully light filled room with full height side windows overlooking the gardens and French doors to the side with fire surround and log burner. From the original entrance hall, the stairs rise to the first floor with a bi-directional landing. The principal bedroom is ensuite, and there are three other double bedrooms and a family bathroom.

The exceptionally lovely secluded and mature grounds surround the property on three sides, lawned areas bordered by flowering shrubs and established trees backing onto farmland. A sandstone patio outside the French doors extends to the rear of the property and an additional seating area. The summerhouse shed and bar are reached via a decked walkway. Double garage to the front onto the courtyard with parking to the side completes this individual home in this extremely sought after location.

Location

The village of Shoreham sits beside the River Darent as it winds through the North Downs and is situated six miles north of Sevenoaks, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Reputed to be the most bombed village in Britain, the famous great white cross, cut in the chalk hillside is a monument to commemorate the dead of the First World War. The fascinating Shoreham Aircraft Museum holds hundreds of aviation relics and has a charming tearoom and tea garden. The village has a primary school, recreation ground, several pubs serving food, an excellent village store and post office. Shoreham Village hosts lots of events throughout the year, including the famed ‘Duck’ Race, Village Fete, Garden Safari, Midsummer Festival and the Heavy Horse Show. The Mount in Shoreham is a boutique Vineyard producing award winning still and sparkling wines and holds regular wine tasting events. Darenth Valley Golf Course is located on the edge of the village. Shoreham railway station, which is 4 minute walk from front door of Little Copt, has trains on the Victoria line, Blackfriars, St Pancras, the line also goes direct to Sevenoaks in just 9 minutes, where there are a variety of trains into central London, taking approximately 40 minutes. There are normally 31 trains per day travelling from Shoreham (Kent) to London. For more information on Shoreham visit www.shorehamvillage.co.uk

Directions

From our office proceed to the roundabout and take the first exit onto Station Road/A225. Continue to follow A225 towards Shoreham. Take the left turning onto Station Road, Shoreham. Proceed along Station Road and take the left turning onto Shoreham Place where the drive to the property is found on your left.

Seller Insight

The Farmhouse has been in the family since the 1950s,” say the current owners of this much-loved family home, “spanning four generations. During that time, the house has grown and adapted with us. Most recently, within the last 6 years, we have put in a new larger kitchen; updated the bathrooms; installed new windows throughout; as well as replacing the roof, adding a significant amount of insulation; and ensuring the house is cosy and warm with new central heating throughout and underfloor heating in the kitchen and bathroom.”

This is a fabulous family home, ideally suited to entertaining both inside and out. “The kitchen is excellent for entertaining with patio doors onto the top patio,” the owner says, “which is fantastic for family barbecues and al fresco dining. The lounge is spacious and has a lovely view of the bottom end of the garden, and there is a lovely patio accessible through the French doors. Upstairs, all of the rooms benefit from lovely views over the field, and the study with the log burner is a superb space for working from home or relaxing with a good book. We have held large birthday and anniversary events in the garden, including my 50th and my daughter’s 18th; and hosted my wedding reception for 150 people with a marquee at the bottom of the garden.”

“Indeed, we spend a lot of time in the garden,” the owner continues, “enjoying the sunny aspect and wonderful views of the surrounding field from the two large patio areas and decking. Spanning just under half an acre, the garden is lovely and green with established trees and shrubs. We have a summer house used as a gym, a garden shed and a small greenhouse and vegetable plot so we can enjoy our own fresh produce from the garden.”

The local area has much to recommend it, too. “The village location is simply superb,” the owner says, “with everything one could ask for, including good rail and bus links. The village primary school is doing really well, with a good Ofsted rating; the village store is well-stocked; and the three pubs and vineyard are popular, all being dog friendly and serving delicious food. We have an excellent golf club, a recreation ground with tennis courts, and a lovely village church and church rooms which are very community-focussed. There is a picturesque river running through the middle of the village, while the cross on the hill is unique and very special to the village, visible from many of the fabulous walks right on our doorstep. We will miss so many things about living here, not least our neighbours, who have become dear friends of ours over the years.”

* 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.

Transport Information

Train Stations:

Shoreham 0.3 miles

Eynsford 2.4 miles

Farningham 5.4 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:

Shoreham Village School 0.2 miles

Russell House School 1.4 miles

Otford Primary School 1.5 miles

St Michael’s Prep School 1.8 miles

Halstead Community Primary School 2.1 miles

Secondary Schools:

Browns School 2.6 miles Knole Academy 3.2 miles

Trinity School 3.3 miles

Walthamstow Hall 3.8 miles

Bromley Beacon Academy 3.8 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 G. 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.

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday 9.00 am – 6.00 pm

Saturday 9.00 am – 5.30 pm

Viewing via Fine & Country Sevenoaks office.

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 ©