Sandwich Road, Eastry, Kent

Dating to 1750, this handsome Grade II-listed house sits in the centre of the village of Eastry, Kent. Spanning almost 5,000 sq ft, the home is an amalgamation of Georgian restraint and Victorian spaciousness. The plan comprises a four-bedroom main house and a two-bedroom annexe, both restored to an impeccable finish in recent years. A rolling lawn unfolds at the front of the house, with a swimming pool and private parking in front of the annexe. Nestled in the heart of Eastry, a pretty Kentish village, the home is fantastically well-connected to the coast, Canterbury and London.

Setting the Scene

A melting pot of architectural styles and periods, the main portion of the home speaks the language of Georgian symmetry. Built c.1750, its stucco façade is flanked by a protruding Victorian extension. The later addition has all the trappings of a mid-19th-century residence, with large sash windows (a new novelty brought along by the mass production of plate sheet glass), voluminous rooms and a glazed conservatory - a rare, 19th-century survivor from when having plants in the home became popular.

The Grand Tour

Entry to the house is via a classical porch; set amongst a pristine white stucco façade, it makes a fitting entrance to the home. Ahead lies a long reception hall with reclaimed solid oak flooring.

Occupying the Victorian part of the house, the formal drawing room is a vast space, with expanses of glazing on two sides. Finished in a neutral mid-grey by Farrow and Ball, the room has voluminous ceiling heights and opens to the original conservatory, with views over the gardens. A study and music room also unfold across the ground floor, both in the original Georgian portion of the building.

At the far end of the house is the expansive kitchen and breakfast area. Bespoke timber units by Neptune are topped with glossy Carrara marble worktops. A central island provides a focal point and is finished with a hardy wooden butcher block top. An electric Aga sits in an open chimney, while the remaining appliances are cleverly concealed behind cabinetry; there's also space for a large family dining table and chairs.

Stairs descend to the lower-ground floor, where there's a host of ancillary spaces, including a boot room, laundry, utility and wine cellars.

The first floor can be accessed by one of two staircases and is home to four bedrooms. The bright primary bedroom suite has views over the gardens through three original sash windows; a tranquil space, walls are lined with wallpaper by Colefax and Fowler, with engineered wooden flooring underfoot. An original Carrara marble fireplace takes pride of place. Adjacent is the primary bathroom with fixtures by Catchpole and Rye, a roll-top bath, a walk-in shower, a vanity and a WC.

A further three bedrooms are within the Georgian portion of the house, with two incorporating bespoke, fitted cabinetry and used as dressing rooms. There are two large bathrooms and a WC on the floor in addition to a wonderful family bathroom with oak parquet flooring, a nickel roll-top bath and further fixtures by Catchpole and Rye.

Externally, the original stables have recently been converted into a two-storey, two-bedroom annexe. Perfect for guest accommodation or extended family, the stables have their own private entrance. With a handsome reception room and separate kitchen, the spaces have been finished with the same eye for detail as the main house.

On the first floor of the stables, there are two bedrooms (one with an en suite) as well as a family bathroom.

The Great Outdoors

Private electric gates enclose the house from the centre of the village, with a gravelled driveway leading to the main entrance. Gardens have been expertly landscaped with immaculate topiary and box hedges. Well-established mulberry, walnut and cherry trees surround the lawn, while fragrant lavender is planted amongst the beds. There are several areas for entertaining outside, such as the terrace surrounding the heated pool; a wonderful spot for the summer months, there's space for loungers and al fresco dining amidst the long grasses, agapanthus and olive trees.

The stables have been landscaped with planting and gravelled parking to the front. There's also a secondary gate for private access, should visitors or family be staying.

Out and About

The house is perfectly situated for Eastry's local amenities. A butcher's, baker's, pharmacy, post office and local shop are all within reaching distance, while the Five Bells is a short walk away, and the perfect spot for Sunday Lunch.

Sandwich is a short drive away, with a host of high street stores, eateries and cultural attractions. A little further afield is the historic city of Canterbury; brimming with history and culture, the city is home to Canterbury Cathedral, the Marlowe Theatre and Canterbury Castle. Highly regarded restaurants and eateries include Cafe Dez, and Ccork for English sparkling wine, while Posilipo is known for its authentic Italian cuisine.

There is an excellent host of public and independent schools within the area, and for nature lovers, Kent's coast and Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve are also close by.

Sandwich's rail station is a 5-minute drive away, with London taking some 90 minutes by high-speed, frequent trains.

Council Tax Band: G