Willow Woods Road, West Studdal, Kent

Dating from the 19th century, Pilgrims Nook has been much altered and improved over the years to create an outstanding family home in a very private yet extremely convenient location. The property benefits from an array of beautifully proportioned reception rooms and, in all, just under 4,500 sq ft of accommodation in the main house.

The front door opens to the galleried reception hall, from where a hand-crafted staircase rises to the first floor. Off the main hall is the double aspect drawing room with concealed sliding doors to the sitting room, which is panelled to dado height and has a brick-built fireplace with an ornate mahogany surround. Two pairs of French doors open to the conservatory and steps from the sitting room lead to the rear hall, off which is a study and a useful cloakroom.

The kitchen is fitted with a range of Shaker style wall and floor units with granite work surfaces over. An island with breakfast bar provides further storage. The generous breakfast room has a fitted dresser with cupboards under; a door from here leads to the utility room and outside. The adjoining double aspect dining room is fitted with a Victorian cast-iron fireplace.

The magnificent galleried first floor landing has windows to the front overlooking the garden and countryside beyond. The principal bedroom is double aspect with superb views to the south-east; the dressing room is fitted with a range of storage cupboards, whilst the en suite bathroom has a marble surround to the bath and a wash basin with fitted cupboards. The guest bedroom also has an en suite shower room. Three further bedrooms share the generous family bathroom.

Pilgrims Nook is approached via a sliding electric gate over a gravelled driveway to a parking and turning area to the front of the house. A brick paved drive runs down the side of the house to the double garage/home office building. A pathway to the north-east of the house leads to the indoor swimming complex with a changing room and doors opening on to a terrace, ideal for al fresco entertaining. The pool is heated through the Biomass boiler.

The gardens immediately surrounding the house comprise sweeping beds planted with a variety of shrubs and herbaceous plants, sheltered by mature trees with lawns and lead out to the vineyard which has its own access from Strakers Hill.

THE VINEYARD
At the entrance to the vineyard is a recently constructed barn (extending to about 3,060 sq ft) with 3 phase power.

Planted in 2019 with a view to producing English sparkling wine, the vineyard has so far had two successful harvests. It is planted with Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with a small area of Ortega grapes. If required, the vendors will reserve a right of holdover to harvest the 2024 crop.

The vineyard also has the benefit of prior approval for the construction of an irrigation pond, drainage and pipework for irrigating the vineyard (see Dover District Council planning portal, ref 19/00825 for details).

The vineyard tractor and relevant equipment is available by separate agreement at the dealership valuation.

Pilgrims Nook is situated in unspoilt undulating countryside in a convenient location with excellent access to the A256 Whitfield to Sandwich Road. There are several national retailers and a supermarket in nearby Whitfield.

A broader range of cultural, leisure and shopping amenities are available in the towns of Sandwich, Dover and Canterbury, all of which also provide a variety of well-regarded educational facilities in both state and private sectors.

The property is excellently placed for access to the Continent via the port of Dover and the Eurotunnel Terminal at Cheriton. The High-Speed train service to London St Pancras is available from Dover Priory whilst Kearsney station offers direct services to London Victoria and Cannon Street. The A2 provides access to the M2, the remaining motorway network and Gatwick and Heathrow airports.