Grove Road, Penshurst, TN11

In a wonderful, rural location surrounded by lovely countryside, an exceptionally atmospheric and handsome, Victorian former lodge house. Constructed in 1896 as an estate property to South Park, that was then a grand local estate, the property was the subject of a wonderfully well-considered programme of full restoration and extension several years ago. The aim was to enhance and protect the external architecture, typical of the late Victorian era with its imposing stone elevations, stone window mullions, tall and handsome chimneys, with painted render and exposed oak beams to the first floor, whilst transforming the interiors and outside space into a perfectly styled home for the twenty-first century. As a result, the infrastructure was fully upgraded and replaced where necessary and the interior design solutions have employed many natural materials including some reclaimed and sourced from across Europe. The styling is exceptional and to a standard rarely seen beyond the pages of interior design magazines. Mindful of the late nineteenth century features and wishing to keep the beautiful location in focus, the honey-coloured stone was exposed as were one or two red brick walls, oak doors were repaired and the whole interior whitewashed. Floors are reclaimed tiles, painted or lime washed boards with sisal carpets to the first floor. An abundance of natural light floods through the large windows and French doors while the dining area is top lit by a large atrium, all the while views of the gardens and beyond are perfectly framed. The accommodation is neatly arranged over two floors and includes two sitting rooms, one more formal with a large stone inglenook with wood burning stove and the other enjoying a triple aspect with French doors and floor to ceiling glazing. The open plan kitchen/breakfast area has a step down to a charming dining space. Cabinetry is by Devol and hand painted in a neutral colour, contrasting seamlessly with the white work surfaces and open shelving. The dining area has a vaulted ceiling and a wood burning stove as well as French doors out to the terrace. Elsewhere on the ground floor are the laundry room and a shower room. From the first floor, the views become even more captivating. There are three double bedrooms together with a fourth single bedroom/dressing room, supported by a shower room en-suite and a family bathroom with rolltop, claw footed bath.

Outside

The house is set back from a small, country lane with solid timber, electric gates opening on to a gravel drive, that in turns sweeps to a parking and turning area in front of the detached garaging. The garden design is very much in sympathy with the natural surroundings with large areas laid to lawn with mixed hedgerows, herbaceous borders with cottage garden style planting such as gentle grasses and lavenders, a small decorative pond and a paved terrace adjoining the house. There is also a wooded dell with tall, majestic oak trees and an avenue of young saplings leading the way to the annexe. The annexe itself is an attractive timber building with French doors opening to a large and welcoming studio space with a vaulted ceiling, a wood burning stove and a shower room

Situation

In a tranquil yet not isolated location, while offering the serenity of a fully rural setting with gorgeous views, the property is situated to the edge of the picturesque and historic village of Penshurst, known for its associations with the Tudor court and Penshurst Place, church, tea rooms, doctor’s surgery, garage and Post Office. More extensive facilities can be found at Sevenoaks (9.7 miles) or Tunbridge Wells (7 miles to The Pantiles). There are excellent schools in area, including primary schools in Penshurst and Fordcombe, along with prep schools in Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge. Senior schools include grammar schools in Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells along with Sevenoaks and Tonbridge public schools. There are mainline stations at Tonbridge, Hildenborough and Sevenoaks with trains to London Bridge, Charing Cros Charing Cross and Cannon Street.

Additional Information

Services
Mains electricity and water; Oil CH/HW;
Private drainage.
Local Authority
Sevenoaks District Council.
Council Tax
Band G