Highlands Cottage
Highlands Hill | Swanley Village | Kent | BR8 7NB
Highlands Cottage is a charming five bedroom extended Grade II listed, detached property, believed to date back to circa 1750 and is set in a gated plot in excess of 0.86 of an acre. Situated in the heart of Swanley Village, this substantial residence with weather board façade offers plentiful living space and caters for multigeneration living.
On entering the residence via the gated in and out driveway you can’t help notice this charming home is well cared for with the grounds also reflecting this. The house retains many of its original features, and we are advised it has only changed family ownership twice in the last 150 years.
Once inside the house via the central hallway there is a dining room to the right with an adjoining conservatory to the rear overlooking the beautiful floral gardens. To the left hand side of the hallway is the main split level sitting room with open fireplace for those cosy winter evenings. An inner hall with cloakroom WC leads to the impressive kitchen/breakfast/dining room and adjoining utility room have been reworked and modernised with marble worktops and integrated appliances. To the rear of the property is the versatile self-contained annex with kitchenette and one bedroom and en-suite which is ideal for an elderly relative or older child or just to be used as a games room or home workplace, should this be required. The principal bedroom has an en-suite shower room. The second and third bedroom have a Jack and Jill en-suite shower room arrangement. There is a further larger bedroom and family bathroom.
To the rear is a manicured parklike garden laid to lawn with well established flower borders and an ideal haven and perfect outside entertaining space. There are various roses and other plants that bring colour to this space along with various elements that include a sand stone patio and pathways that lead you to different elements.
To the front is a sweeping gravel drive which leads to a double cart barn garage which has previously been granted planning permission to be converted.
The property has an immediate period “wow” factor and lends itself to perfect family living with space to work from home. It could easily accommodate multi-generation living either using the downstairs office or by sectioning off some of the upper floor rooms to provide a private area for adult children or older relatives. The garden is perfect for family fun or for fabulous garden parties. There is plenty of space to accommodate a summer house or outbuilding.
Highlands Cottage is situated in Swanley Village, close to two village pubs, the village green, St Pauls Church and St Pauls Church of England Primary school. There are dozens of walks direct from your door.
This period home has undergone comprehensive restoration and modernisation over the years by the current owners, blending its historic charm with modern additions and is awaiting a new custodian to appreciate its historic charm and multiple elements.
Swanley Village is a very sought after location with superb access to the M25/M2/M20 and A20 road links as well as Bluewater and Lakeside shopping centres and Ebbsfleet International. There are good bus routes and excellent mainline train services from Swanley Station (Oyster) direct to London Charing Cross, London St Pancras, London Blackfriars, London Victoria and London Bridge in approximately 20/30 minutes. It really is an excellent place to live the rural life but be so close to everything.
Seller Insight
Highlands Cottage has been our cherished home for 37 years. When we first began our search for a family home all those years ago, we were determined to find somewhere special - somewhere with character and an ideal location that offered an easy commute into the city. After three long years of searching, we walked into Highlands Cottage and simply knew it was the one. It felt right. The lady before us had been part of a family who had lived here for generations.”
“Over the years, we have lovingly restored and maintained the cottage, learning as we wentespecially as it is Grade II listed. We’ve always enjoyed the home, and gradually, as our very young family grew, we poured our hearts into every room. It has truly been a fabulous family experience.
“There isn’t a single room we don’t love. The cottage has evolved with us through every stage of life. As our children grew, the layout adapted - dining rooms became extra TV reception rooms etc. and every corner of our home holds so many special memories.”
“The garden is private, sunny, and full of life. Over the years, I planted and nurtured 55 awardwinning roses - it’s now one of my greatest passions. Wildlife is part of everyday life here - birds gather in the evenings, butterflies are a common sight in the warmer months, and some of our fondest memories are of my children and then all my grandchildren riding around the garden with me on the sit-on lawnmower. It’s those little moments that have made living here so special.”
“Highlands Cottage has also been a wonderful home for entertaining. From summer BBQs to family celebrations and even business gatherings, the space lends itself beautifully to hosting.”
“The village community is truly special. We’ve enjoyed annual barbecues, fêtes, and fireworks, and benefitted from excellent local schools, including top grammar options. With two beautiful pubs and a new home development nearby, that has been built in keeping with the village’s traditional charm. It offers the best of both worlds - just a short distance from London, yet nestled in such peaceful, secluded surroundings.”
“What will we miss the most? Everything. This home has given us decades of happiness. We’ve raised our children here and watched our grandchildren thrive within its walls and garden. It has been a privilege to live in such a warm, beautiful, and welcoming home. The only reason we are moving is to downsize - otherwise, we would never leave. It is, quite simply, the perfect family 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
Swanley Village is a linear settlement in the Sevenoaks District of Kent, England. It’s known for its historic buildings, rural feel, and Conservation Area. In the 1920s, the original Swanley became known as Swanley Village the village has a mix of historic buildings dating from the late medieval to the early twentieth century. The Village lies on the western edge of Kent, 16 miles from central London and a mile and a half north-east of the modern town of Swanley. The M25 motorway is 350m to the east of the village and the railway line between London and east Kent runs just to the south, the nearest station being at Swanley.
Transport Information
Train Stations:
Swanley 1.2 miles
Farningham 1.9 miles
Eynsford 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:
St Pauls’ Church of England Voluntary Controlled
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.
Secondary Schools: Parkwood Hall Co-Operative
Annex School House
Grammar School for Boys
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 Sevenoaks Fine & Country for verification.
Appliances/Services
The mention of any appliances and/or services within these particulars does 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–6.00 pm Saturday 9.00 am–6.00 pm
Viewing via Sevenoaks Fine & Country 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 © 2025
