An immaculately presented Grade II listed country house set amidst enchanting gardens and grounds.
Coming to the market for the first time in over 20 years, Garden House is a truly outstanding property, at the heart of which lies a handsome Grade II listed house with its Dering windows and Dutch gabled frontage, surrounded by the most magical secluded walled gardens and park-like grounds, which amount to just under 4 acres.
The house is believed to date from the early 19th century with later additions, although undocumented earlier origins are indicated, with the building taking its Dutch influence from the original Surrenden Dering family mansion that it was built to accompany. It was the gardener's cottage and together with its kitchen gardens it has evolved over the centuries into what it is today.
Just under half a mile away lies the historic village of Pluckley which has a range of amenities and about two and half miles to the south west is Pluckley station with frequent services to London.
The internal accommodation incorporates sensitive and stylish 20th and 21st century additions including the orangery and the Pigeonnier, and is beautifully presented with vistas of the gardens from every room. Elegant reception rooms comprise a drawing room, an orangery with underfloor heating, both rooms having doors to the gardens, a sitting room and a formal dining room, perfect for formal entertaining.
The kitchen is bespoke fitted by Thoroughly Wood, appliances include a mains gas AGA with electric module, an integral dishwasher and a corner fridge. Wide French doors open to the terrace and gardens. Off the kitchen there is a laundry room, a walk-in pantry with shelving and a shower room/WC. Stairs lead up to the Pigeonnier; a purpose-built study, with quality joinery, again all bespoke fitted by Thoroughly Wood.
Completing the ground floor accommodation is a lovely guest bedroom suite, which is tucked away with its own private entrance and en suite bathroom. From the entrance hall, a cleverly concealed door opens with steps leading down to a useful cellar. On the first floor there are five bedrooms (one currently used as a study), all with fitted wardrobe cupboards and served by two bathrooms and a shower room, one being en suite to the principal bedroom.
Garden House is approached through electric double gates with the wide gravel drive flanked by mature yew and an avenue of Grayswood Ghost birch trees. The drive passes the old brick built forge, now a tandem garage with electric doors and winds around continuing past a further timber framed garage block, with garaging for three cars, a workshop, tool shed and wine store, arriving at turning circle to the front of the house, which enjoys a view over the park-like paddock with an avenue of six mature tulip trees, estate fencing and an orchard with quince, apple, pear and plum.
The glorious gardens and grounds extend to approximately 4 acres and are a breath-taking feature. They have been carefully planned and designed to incorporate structure whilst providing year round colour and interest. There are at least 21 different species of magnolia, established lime trees, ornamental ponds, yew topiary, parterres, a nuttery, wide herbaceous borders, pleached apples and pears, apricots and figs to name but a few.
There are seasonal cutting and kitchen gardens, an elegant summerhouse by HSP Garden Buildings of Suffolk with sweeping lead roof and power connected, a pretty thatched gazebo, known as The Bus Stop, a cedar greenhouse with brick floor, power and water connected, a potting shed and a privy.
To the south west of the paddock are a further range of outbuildings, which include an oak framed machinery shed/log store, stable and store.
View payable Stamp Duty for this property
From the moment I drove through the gates I knew this was going to be the most magical property, offering both privacy and seclusion.
Sarah HuntProperty agent