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The Old Vicarage
The Old Vicarage situated on The Street, in the village of Shorne is a charming Grade II listed detached house that dates back to the 15th Century and is believed to be one of the oldest houses in this soughtafter village. Positioned in the very heart of Shorne, this historic home has stood witness to centuries of village life. An intriguing aspect of The Old Vicarage is its connection to the village’s communal life. It is believed that the property once housed the village reading room, a place where locals gathered to share literature and news. Local lore suggests that Charles Dickens, the renowned author who had strong ties to area, was among its visitors, adding a layer of cultural significance to the residence. The home blends timeless character with practical living, featuring original architectural details and period features that offer a window into the past, while providing a comfortable and unique family home.
The accommodation is both charming and spacious. On the ground floor, the welcoming double aspect sitting room is warmed by an open fireplace with living flame fire, making it an ideal spot for cosy evenings. The separate dining room boasts striking wood panelling and stained-glass window into the hall and enjoys views out to the rear garden, perfect for entertaining. The well-appointed kitchen/ breakfast room features a traditional butler sink, solid wood worksurfaces, a range cooker and integrated fridge freezer. From here, you’ll find the practical bootery, ideal for muddy walks in the nearby countryside, with access to the side and rear gardens.
Upstairs, the vaulted landing is a stunning feature in itself, with stained glass windows that add colour and charm. The principal bedroom is generously sized with the convenience of its own en-suite shower room, and there’s a second bedroom, family bathroom. Another room is found off of the family bathroom, which is an ideal dressing room, currently used as a guest bedroom. The top floor offers two further bedrooms with sloping ceilings so therefore ideal for children, guests or home office space.
Outside, the garden is truly spectacular, wrapping around the home and offering a safe, enclosed space for children to play and benefits from a shed and greenhouse. Tucked-away corners and well-stocked flowerbeds create a tranquil haven where you can enjoy peaceful afternoons, or a morning coffee surrounded by nature. The property also benefits from its own driveway, with off-road parking for one car and a garage/workshop along with an external laundry/utility room.
Set within a conservation area, The Old Vicarage enjoys a quintessentially English setting, located directly opposite the historic Rose and Crown pub and within earshot of the bell tower at St Peter & St Paul’s Church. Shorne is a vibrant village with a strong sense of community and a host of amenities including a village shop, community centre, beauty salon, coffee shop and outstanding primary school. Shorne Country Park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is just moments away and offers endless walks and outdoor exploration. Excellent transport links via the M2 and nearby Ebbsfleet International Station mean London is just 17 minutes away by train, while mainline services from Sole Street and Higham provide easy access to both Victoria and Cannon Street. For families, great schooling options can be found in the locale with Shorne Church of England Primary School in the village and an enviable selection of secondary, grammar and independent schools around the area.
This is more than just a home – it’s a piece of English history in a location that offers countryside charm, village life and commuter convenience and is an exciting opportunity for its next custodian to modernise and reimagine its full potential.
Seller Insight
This enchanting, historic, three storey, house enjoys a setting in the midst of this friendly village. Parts of the house date back to the 1400s but it is a home which has been cared and treasured for over the years. It has been a much loved home for Pam for the past fourteen years.
“My husband and I just fell in love with this house immediately we came to view. We recognised the responsibility and challenges ahead in taking care of such an historic property but everything about it was perfect for us. The house has been well maintained and enhanced throughout its history, with care and respect given to its time and architecture. Accommodation is practical, spacious and elegant with a hidden wealth of traditional features, including beams and open timbers. Having twenty-four windows, ensures that the house is filled with an abundance of natural daylight. Each room has its own distinct personality with the spacious reception room offering a welcoming, relaxed, ambience, whilst the dining room features distinctive wood panelling and provides a space for more formal occasions. My friendly kitchen/ breakfast room is very much the hub of daily life, and opens out onto a private terraced space; it is a favoured spot when friends pop in for coffee”
“The house sits within its garden which provides colour and interest throughout the year. The lawn is surrounded by mature trees and shrubs, and I also have a productive greenhouse which blends in perfectly with the historic house and garden. I do love to welcome friends and family to my home and garden; one special event being the celebration of my golden wedding.”
“Local amenities are excellent, including a wide choice of education opportunities, plus shops, supermarkets, alongside excellent transport links. Gravesend and Rochester are both nearby and Shorne Country Park is a popular venue, as are North Kent Marshes, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. Being located in the centre of the village, opposite to the friendly pub, people do often stop and chat when I am in my garden. I have researched and collected much information about my house and village, one fact being is that Charles Dickens lived around the corner and obviously walked past my house on many occasions.”
“Sadly, it is now time for me to say farewell to this exceptional home as I am moving to live closer to family in another part of the country. I do feel lucky to have lived here and will take away just happy memories of my time here and wish its new owners much happiness and contentment.”*
* These comments are the personal views of the current owners 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
Shorne is a picturesque village offering local shops, public houses, church, pre school and primary school. Adjacent to Shorne village there is Shorne Wood Country Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty designated a site of special scientific interest for its wildlife value. The village is within easy reach of Gravesend and Medway towns providing further excellent schooling. Convenient access to the M2 and M25 motorways linking to both Gatwick and Heathrow airports, London, Bluewater and the International railway station at Ebbsfleet offering a 17 minute link to London and the Channel Ports. The commuter is well served by a coach service running from the area to London, together with main line railway station at Sole Street and Higham on the Victoria and Cannon Street line respectively.
Directions
From our North Kent Fine & Country office proceed down Ash Road and continue into Hartley Road. At the bottom of the hill take first exit off mini roundabout into Main Road and third exit off next mini roundabout into Whitehill Road. Continue into Westwood Road and turn right into Station Road. Take first exit off roundabout into Hall Road and merge to the right onto A2. Take exit headed Cobham/Shorne and turn right into Brewers Road. Take first turning on the left into Woodlands Lane and continue to the end and turn left into Tanyard Hill. Follow road round into The Street where the property can be found on the right hand side.
Transport Information
Train Stations:
Higham 1.8 miles
Cuxton 2.9 miles
Strood 3.3 miles
Gravesend 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
Primary Schools:
Shorne Church of England Primary School 0.1 miles
Gad’s Hill School 1.2 miles
Higham Primary School 1.5 miles
Tymberwood Academy 1.7 miles
Riverview Infant School 1.8 miles
Riverview Junior School 1.8 miles
Bligh Primary School (Juniors) 1.8 miles
Bligh Primary School (Infants) 1.9 miles
Secondary Schools:
Gad’s Hill School 1.2 miles
Cobham Hall 1.5 miles
Thamesview School 1.6 miles
Strood Academy 1.9 miles
Estuary Academy 1.9 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 Gravesham 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 Fine & Country North Kent office.
