Savills | Smallhythe Road, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 7QA | Property for sale
10,224 sq ft(949.84 sq m)
Guide price £5,500,000

Smallhythe RoadTenterden, Kent, TN30 7QA

  • Sold
House
10,224 sq ft (949.84 sq m)
45.27 Ac (18.32 Ha)
8Bedrooms
4Bathrooms
5Receptions

Key features

  • Sold in December 2021
  • Uninterrupted views over Rother Valley
  • Beautifully proportioned rooms
  • Two bedroom coach house
  • Architect-designed three bedroom gatehouse
  • Glorious landscaped gardens and extensive parkland
  • Historic market town of Tenterden has excellent facilities
  • Ashford 10 miles with high speed link to London in 37 minutes

An outstanding and important listed country estate occupying a superb parkland setting.

About this property

  • Heronden Hall is a superb Grade II listed gothic-style mansion of architectural interest and historic note, dating from circa 1846, when local landowner William Whelan, employed the notable early 19th century architect, William John Donthorn, one of the founders of what became the Royal Institute of British Architects, to design this impressive building that stands today. At the same time, Donthorn, who was famous for his Gothic, Classical and Greek Revival styles (few of which remain today) was also responsible for the design of the gatehouse, built in the perpendicular style at the head of the drive and affording a dramatic entrance to the estate, it has become an important part of the town's heritage.

    Driving through the gatehouse, leaving the pretty historic and bustling town of Tenterden behind, you are instantly transported into the enchanting 45 acre estate setting, which feels a world away from the town, with undulating parkland dotted with majestic oak, beech and chestnut trees and swathes of ancient woodland, amidst which sits this impressive family home, enjoying over 10,000 sq ft of internal accommodation including a substantial basement with plenty of natural light. In addition and adjacent to the main house is a two bedroom coach house.

    The gardens and parkland setting are a splendid feature of this property, merging formal and informal areas and affording privacy and seclusion. Immediately to the south of the house lies a substantial Yorkstone terrace, continuing to an expanse of lawn and a "haha", affording uninterrupted views over the adjoining parkland. Overlooking the lawn is a unique summerhouse which has been clad with timber and fir cone detailing.
    To the east, lies an avenue of pleached pear trees and beyond is "The Wisteria Walk Garden", designed by Catherine Berkeley and built by Mark Wilmshurst. This area takes on an Italianate style, using plants to give structure and form, including hornbeam obelisks, yew hedging, rose-clad walls and arbour and a wonderfully long wisteria walk, under-planted with hostas. Pathways continue to "The Well Garden" and on to the "Yew Labyrinth" also designed by Catherine Berkeley.
    Beyond the formal garden lies the old walled garden with asparagus beds, gooseberries and blackcurrants. Outbuildings include the original glasshouses, a potting shed, tool shed, log store and gardeners WCs. The glasshouses and summerhouse are in need of some repair.

    View payable Stamp Duty for this property

Such grand country houses in this part of the country are rare. Rarer still are those in walking distance of such a popular market town, yet hidden from view and so private.

Will PeppittProperty agent

Local information

  • Situated within the Conservation Area of Tenterden, Heronden Hall is conveniently placed for the wide range of amenities including supermarkets, restaurants, pubs, leisure facilities and independent shops that are on offer, whilst Ashford lies about 10 miles away with more extensive shopping and frequent high speed links to London St Pancras in under 40 minutes.
  • Mainline Rail Services: A high speed train service runs between Ashford and London St Pancras in about 37 minutes. Fast and frequent commuter train services run from Headcorn to London Bridge in under 1 hour and Charing Cross or Cannon Street in about 65 minutes.
  • Education: An excellent selection of education opportunities can be found locally at both primary and secondary levels, in the private and state sectors. These include Saint Ronans, Marlborough House and Dulwich preparatory schools, Tenterden, Benenden, and Sandhurst primary schools, Benenden School for Girls and Homewood School in Tenterden. Further afield there are schools in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and Eastbourne.
  • Leisure Facilities: Good sports and leisure opportunities can be found in Tenterden and Ashford with the coast about 13 miles to the south. Bewl Water Reservoir offers a wide range of activities including sailing, rowing, and walking excellent local walks, cycling and riding can be found in Hemsted Forest and Bedgebury Pinetum.
  • Motorway Links: The M25 can be accessed via the M20 at junction 10 providing links to Gatwick and Heathrow airport and other motorway networks.

Additional information

  • Although much restoration has been carried out by the current owners there is ample opportunity for the new purchasers as planning permission has been granted 09/01533/ASH (extant) for the erection of a new garage block and estate stores, associated landscaping and the creation of a new access to Heronden Hall from Plummer Lane.
  • Directions: From our office in Cranbrook proceed in an easterly direction, down the High Street to The Hill at St David's Bridge. Travel towards Golford and continue straight for about 7 miles. At the T junction turn left onto the A28 and continue to the traffic lights and turn right on to Smallhythe Road and immediately right again through the gatehouse entrance.
  • EPC Exempt
  • Tenure = Freehold