School House Lane, Horsmonden, Kent

This remarkable six-bedroom detached Dutch barn conversion lies in a quiet hamlet next to the Kentish village of Horsmonden, surrounded by a natural landscape of hops, woodland and orchards. Designed by RX Architects, the house is crowned by a striking Corten steel roof that contrasts with the pared-back, Scandinavian-inspired interiors. Its footprint unfolds over 3,400 sq ft of flowing and immaculately realised spaces created with contemporary living in mind. Paddock Wood Station is a short drive away and runs to London Bridge in around 43 minutes.

The Architect

The award-winning RX Architects is B Corp architectural practice based in Rye, East Sussex, headed by RIBA architects Derek Rankin and Rob Pollard. Their focus is on plots along the south coast, though they were also responsible for the Tillingham Winery buildings. Specialising in environmentally responsive and energy efficient buildings, they have partnered with Trees For Life, a charity that works to rewild the Scottish highlands, to offset their annual carbon emissions.

The Tour

The house is reached via a long hedged driveway bordered by a mature broad-leafed trees and lawn. Its profile gradually comes into view, characterised by a red Corten roof that peaks above the Siberian larch-clad catslide side wing. One of the house's two entrances is found here, although both have clever recessing for removing muddy boots and housing logs or bikes.

The north-facing entrance leads past a utility room, storage cupboard and a WC. Sliding doors open into a larger side entrance hall, with the voluminous central living space beyond. Set beneath the exposed structure of the building, the room is beautifully lit by Swedish triple-glazed windows along the easterly and southerly walls that also frame views of the pasture beyond. Polished concrete floors run throughout and are warmed by underfloor heating.

At one side is a bespoke kitchen by Chartwood Design that comprises quartz worktops, oak veneer joinery and a large island. A generous dining space is arranged in the centre of the room, whilst a seating area is configured at its furthest end, divided from cosy snug next door by a two-way fireplace. There is a mezzanine above the living spaces that would make for an excellent home office or cosy sitting room.

Five of the bedrooms are arranged in the side wing, branching off from a long corridor lit by a run of pitched roof skylights. The house's trademark neutral palette continues throughout, engendering a restful ambience. The main bedroom has a dressing room and sublime en suite with tadelakt walls and a free-standing bath. A private and well-proportioned sixth bedroom is accessed via the mezzanine level.

The house is fitted with thermal solar panels and an air-source heat pump, which was added as part of the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive scheme; more details can be shared on request.

Outside Space

The bucolic grounds stretch to around 10 acres and include a pasture, paddocks, wildflower meadows, an orchard and a pond. Special attention has been paid to ensure biodiversity and, as such, the native bee population has flourished, as has the presence of local birds. A hornbeam hedge can be found at the northerly boundary, set up against the long grasses.

Terraces have been incorporated into the house's design and are surrounded by wildflowers. A fire pit provides a wonderful gathering point for summer evenings.

There are also several outbuildings, including a double cart shed for storage and an open log store, as well as planning permission to build a garden studio. There is parking for several cars.

The Area

The village of Horsmonden is situated in the borough of Tunbridge Wells in the Weald of Kent. It has a wealth of handy amenities, including a doctor’s surgery, post office and pub The Halfway House, known for its beer festivals. In the heart of the village lies ‘The Heath’, a green lawn surrounded by houses, that hosts a number of local activities. Here, Heath Stores can be found; a delightful provisor that won the 2016 Daily Telegraph ‘British Village Shop of the Year’.

Royal Tunbridge Wells is a 23-minute drive away. One of the most popular towns in the south-east, and with a wealth of historic architecture, it has plenty green spaces, high-performing schools and excellent links to London. Favourite local cafés and restaurants include Momentum, St Kilda, The Ivy, Thackeray's and Bocca Social, and the many delights of the Pantiles, an impressive Georgian colonnade of shops. The Forum is a lively local music venue that attracts various bands.

The wonderful Kentish countryside and historic houses are a short drive away, including the atmospheric Scotney Castle and Bayham Abbey. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is reachable in 15 minutes and is a significant conservation area, home to the world’s largest number of conifer trees. Here, there are lakes and ponds teeming with wildlife and various walking trails through Dallimore Valley that feature spectacular hillside views. Slightly further south is Bewl Water, the largest reservoir in the south-east, and its 800 acres of parkland.

Revered for its wine in recent years, this part of Kent is home to several excellent wineries. Balfour Winery is an 11-minute drive away and is recognised for its award-winning Brut Rosé. Biddenden Vineyards is Kent’s oldest commercial vineyard, known for its sparking English wines and Kentish ciders. Wildwood Vineyards and Chapel Down Vineyard are slightly further afield but still reachable in under 40 minutes.

There are many highly regarded state and private schools in the area. The house is in the catchment area for the highly rated Cranbrook School, as well as Horsmonden Primary School and Goudhurst and Kilndown CE Primary School, rated "Outstanding" by Ofsted. The Mascalls Academy is a "Good" rated secondary school and is under four miles away.

Paddock Wood Station is a short drive away and runs services to London Bridge in around 43 minutes.The M25 and Gatwick Airport are both within easy driving distance.

Council Tax Band: G