Angley Park, Cranbrook, Kent

Close to the medieval town of Cranbrook in Kent's High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this former gardener’s cottage has been completely reimagined by architect Richard Gill. The six-bedroom plan spans the original 19th-century house, a striking modern extension and an independent annexe. True to its origins, the home has an immaculate rear garden that teems with colourful, luscious plantings. Connections between inside and out were a driving principle in its design, with a series of living spaces that tumble out onto inviting terraces and a formal parterre courtyard beyond.

The Tour

The traditional façade of this beautiful home comes into view along the tree-canopied driveway of the Angley Park Estate. Belying the original red-brick and slate roof build, the contemporary addition of a two-story atrium sets the tone for the considered modernisation within. Crisp planes of white render, aluminium-framed glazing and standing seam zinc roof sing at the rear.

Ingeniously reconsidered, the open-plan interior has cleverly delineated areas to balance the more sociable of spots with private places for retreat. Dramatic, double-height apertures, topped with oversized roof lights and bathed in natural light traverse above, creating a dynamic play of volumes. Swathes of full-height glazing wrap the rear façade, returning the eye towards the immaculate garden. Practical sliding screens make the terraces a seamless extension of the internal living spaces.

The carefully considered circulation of the large ground-floor plan connects the kitchen and dining area with the spaces to congregate, sit and relax. A Corian-topped island and worktops are offset by runs of simply detailed anthracite grey cabinetry. Large format limestone tiles, warmed by underfloor heating, unite these ground floor areas.

Tucked beyond the dramatic main living room is a bootroom, a separate study, a sitting room/studio, utility space and a WC.

On the first floor are the main suite, with a dressing room and en suite shower room, as well as four additional bedrooms and a family bathroom. The dialogue with the garden continues here, with each room set against a verdant backdrop.

A bothy-style, one-bedroom annexe has been created from a former garden building and has a substantial living space with a kitchenette.

Outdoor Space

Creatively imagined and as considered as the house itself, the captivating walled garden extends to just under half an acre. Unfurling as a series of rooms from the sociable terracing, lying adjacent main living spaces, a sequence of outdoor areas to stroll, cultivate, play, mow, dig and harvest unfold. Throughout there are also spots simply to sit and relax.

For the green-fingered, there is a well-established vegetable garden and a greenhouse. The extensive lawns are surrounded by mature woodland, with a flowering magnolia particularly magnificent. An array of garden stores and a charming potting shed are neatly slotted into the plan.

There is parking for two cars at the front of the house.

The Area

Cranbrook, with its pastoral, medieval feel, was once known as the ‘Capital of the Weald’, and is home to a large church with a clock mechanism that was the prototype for Big Ben. Popular spots to visit include Larkin’s Alehouse, a family-run micropub on the High Street and slightly further, in neighbouring village Hawkhurst, is the Great House and also Water Lane, a vinery and restaurant owned by the founders of Melrose & Morgan. Hawkhurst also has a terrific independent cinema, Kino.

Additional shopping opportunities can be found in Tenterden, Maidstone and Royal Tunbridge Wells, all within 15 miles. The latter is one of the most popular towns in the south-east, thanks to its historic architecture, green spaces, outstanding schools and excellent links to the capital. Favourite local cafés and restaurants include Momentum, St Kilda, The Ivy, Thackeray's and Bocca Social. The Pantiles are a particularly lovely part of the town, formed by elegant, Georgian architecture. The Forum is a particularly lively local music venue that attracts various bands.

The rolling Kentish countryside is a short drive away. The historic Wealden woodland of Hemsted Forest is a beautiful place to walk and Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, reachable in under 20 minutes, is a significant conservation area and home to the world’s largest number of conifer trees. Here there are lakes and ponds teeming with wildlife and various walking trails meander through Dallimore Valley which has spectacular hillside views. Further west is Bewl Water; thee largest reservoir in the south-east, it sits within 800 acres of parkland.

This part of Kent is also home to many wonderful gardens.  Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens is around two miles away, Great Dixter at Northiam and Batemans at Burwash are both around 11 miles from the house. Burwash also has a great pub, Lakedown Taproom.

The lovely coastal town of Rye lies around 18 miles south, with Camber Sands, Romney Marsh and Dungeness Nature Reserve all close by. Hastings and St Leonards are also around 20-minutes by car and afford galleries, independent shops and enticing cafes.

There are many highly regarded state and private schools in the area. Set in the heart of the town, and within walking distance, is the sought after co-ed grammar, Cranbrook School. Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Girls and Maidstone Grammar School are also brilliant, state-run options.

Trains run from Staplehurst (five miles away) into London in around an hour. The M25, Gatwick Airport and the Eurotunnel Terminal are all within easy driving distance.

Council Tax Band: F