Whitegate Cottage
Tinkerpot
Tucked away in a tranquil setting within an area known to some as Otford Hills, Whitegate Cottage is a rare gem, steeped in history and offered to the market for the first time since 1969. Once the woodcutter’s cottage for the prestigious St. Clere Estate, this charming pre-18th century home has been thoughtfully extended and lovingly maintained over the decades, evolving into a warm and welcoming family home rich with character and surrounded by nature.
Set within approximately 11.5 acres of land including 1.18 acres of beautifully maintained formal gardens, tennis court and swimming pool, the cottage enjoys breathtaking views across rolling fields and woodland. A sweeping approach lined with seasonal bluebells sets the tone for the peace and beauty that envelops the home. Inside, original flintwork hints at the property’s heritage, blending seamlessly with more modern comforts, including some underfloor heating and solar panels.
The sitting room with working fireplace has French doors open onto the gardens, inviting the outdoors in. It’s a space made for family gatherings, while the bright and spacious kitchen, with its bespoke cabinetry and French windows opening onto a sun-drenched patio, is perfect for both relaxed breakfasts and joyful entertaining.
The accommodation flows gracefully with a formal dining room, a snug or study complete with fireplace and bespoke shelving, and a generous kitchen breakfast room with French doors that leads to the garden, a practical utility boot room completes the ground floor accommodation. Upstairs, the main bedroom offers triple-aspect views, fitted wardrobes, and an en-suite bathroom, while four further bedrooms and additional bathroom and shower room provide ample space for family and guests.
The gardens are truly something special – mature trees, flowering borders, and wide lawns stretch out to a heated outdoor swimming pool, an exceptionally well maintained tennis court and enchanting woodland. The grounds have hosted everything from weddings to birthday celebrations, and the woods have been a haven for generations of children, full of adventures, den-building and camping. A double timber garage, and additional outbuildings including a tractor store, swimming pool pump house, summer house, and wood shed offer practical storage and practical extras.
The property is located between the villages of Otford and West Kingsdown close to Sevenoaks and in easy reach of Brands Hatch motor racing circuit. Lullingstone Castle is within easy visiting distance, being only three miles away. The area offers everyday local facilities including doctors’ surgery, public house, local church, primary school and St Michael’s and Russell House Schools. With M20/M25 motorways within easy access providing links to both Gatwick and Heathrow airports, London, Bluewater and Channel ports. Main line stations can be found in the adjoining villages of Otford, Longfield, Eynsford and Farningham Road. It is also located nicely between Sevenoaks and Ebbsfleet stations, offering additional high speed options into London.
Whitegate Cottage is a place where the outdoors becomes part of everyday life – the sun rising over the fields, woodland walks and adventures, pool parties and evening entertaining. This exceptional home now awaits a new family to make their own mark on this truly special property. Offered with no forward chain, this is a unique opportunity to own a piece of Kentish history and create a lifetime of memories in one of the area’s most enchanting homes.
Seller Insight
Whitegate Cottage has been our family home since 1969, a place filled with a lifetime of cherished memories. When our parents purchased it, it had been the woodcutter’s cottage for St. Clere Estate. They fell in love with the pre 18th Century cottage and saw it’s potential, lovingly extending and renovating it to create a beautiful family home. They made it truly their own, acquiring additional land and woodland, transforming the dew pond into a swimming pool, and thoughtfully preserving the original flintwork in the hallway - a timeless nod to the cottage’s rich history.”
“The sitting room has always been the heart of the home, with its magnificent fireplace providing a cosy retreat and French windows that open onto the garden. Every Christmas, the tree stood proudly in this room, for memorable family Christmases. The kitchen, too, has been a place we have thoroughly enjoyed; a light-filled, welcoming space, with wonderful French windows onto the patio with sunshine and stunning views, perfect for entertaining.”
“In summer, the heart of the home moves to the garden. Hours and hours of swimming, running around, playing football, cricket, volleyball and any game you can imagine. Putting in the pool was a masterstroke by our parents, as it has brought so much joy to us and our families. The tennis court, loved not only for tennis, but as a place where our children learned to ride their scooters and bikes, in addition to being the perfect place for marquees for weddings and 21st parties. The woods were a magical place for us growing up, and more recently for our children –camping, climbing trees, building dens and enjoying other adventures. Spring brings an explosion of bluebells in the woods, creating the most stunning approach to the house.”
“The views are simply breathtaking, stretching across rolling fields and woodland, offering amazing tranquillity, but with the convenience of being only a 10–15-minute drive from both the M20 and M25, and with direct, fast trains to London from Otford and Sevenoaks.”
“There are excellent schools nearby and local shops are conveniently located in West Kingsdown, Otford and Kemsing. In the village there is also a wonderful 11th-century church where we were all christened and married, a library, and a charming garden centre nearby. The surrounding countryside is wonderful for walks over the fields onto the North Downs and Pilgrims way. Our hamlet WhatsApp group ensures that, even in this peaceful rural setting, we all look out for one another.”
“Leaving Whitegate Cottage will be heart breaking. It has always been a home for celebration. Over the years, we have hosted countless gatherings - pool parties, birthdays, barbecues, and even our father’s summer office parties. This home has given us an incredible childhood and life, a place where family and friends have always come together, and where the outdoors has been an extension of our lives. It is a true family home, filled with warmth, love, and history, and we hope that another family will embrace it as we have, creating their own cherished memories in this very special place.”*
* 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
The property is located between the villages of Otford and West Kingsdown close to Sevenoaks and in easy reach of Brands Hatch motor racing circuit. Lullingstone Castle is within easy visiting distance, being only three miles away. The area offers everyday local facilities including doctors’ surgery, public house, local church, primary school and St Michael’s and Russell House Schools. With M20/M25 motorways within easy access providing links to both Gatwick and Heathrow airports, London, Bluewater and Channel ports. Main line stations can be found in the adjoining villages of Otford, Longfield, Eynsford and Farningham Road. IIt is also located nicely between Sevenoaks and Ebbsfleet stations, offering additional high speed services into London.
Transport Information
Local Schools
Primary
The distances calculated are as the crow flies.
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 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.
Viewings
Monday to Friday 9.00 am–6.00 pm Saturday 9.00 am–5.30 pm
Viewing via 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
