Errol House is an exceptional Grade II Listed property. This important house has been the subject of a major restoration by the current owners who have brought it back to life. Much historical research has been undertaken to “understand” the house and its origins, and the results of this research have informed and enabled the restoration. Great care and consideration have been taken in allowing the house to reflect its many different ages. A detailed history of the property has been made by Canterbury Archaeological Trust, a copy of which is available from the agents on request. Unlike many modern day restoration projects, the owners have painstakingly sourced paints, wallpapers and fittings that enhance and reflect the original features creating a home of historical integrity, elegance and charm.

The impressive reception hall, with flagstone flooring and turned staircase, leads to the ground floor reception rooms. There is a comfortable panelled parlour with a wood-burning stove, a formal high ceilinged dining room with French doors opening to the garden and a glorious drawing room, with ornate ceiling plasterwork and full-height sash windows. The panelled walls depict various hand painted native flowers. Whilst some of the paintings are Victorian, believed to be by Sidney Cooper, the vendors have commissioned further matching paintings by a local artist to replace those lost in the last century.

To the rear is the kitchen/breakfast room, which is very much the heart of the house and was created by incorporating a former 17th century laundry into the space. The kitchen is stylishly presented and includes an Aga. Secondary “servant” stairs lead to the first floor.

An elegant and easy rising Georgian staircase with the stairwell dominated by a large round headed window, flooding the area with light, leads to the first floor. A short set of steps leads to the beautiful, tall-ceilinged library. Two double bedrooms sit at the front of the house, both individually styled. The principal bedroom is at the rear and adjoins the unique family bathroom, which is home to a wonderful Victorian shower bath - splendid in its originality and style from the 1851 Great Exhibition.

On the second floor there are two double bedrooms, a dressing room and a further bathroom. A large attic bedroom with an en suite shower room is reached by a further short flight of stairs. With exposed beams and woodwork, this is an ideal teenage space.

COUNTRY LIFE article

The garden wraps around the house on two sides. Principally laid to Yorkstone paving there is an area of lawn adjacent to the drawing room. With high brick walls on all sides, it is beautifully secluded and offers high levels of privacy.

With the wall adding protection, the garden has somewhat of a micro climate. Old fashioned climbing roses festoon the walls and clever planting gives the outside space a feeling of tranquillity and calm. Rising flagstone steps reach a large oak door providing access to Adelaide Place. A door from the garden leads into the coach house.

The property is located in the centre of Canterbury, moments from an extensive selection of shops and leisure amenities, including the Marlowe Theatre. The city is home to an array of educational facilities in both independent and state sectors. The striking green expanses of the Kent Downs are within easy reach.

Canterbury has two stations with train services to London Victoria, Charing Cross and Cannon Street. The High-Speed service to London St Pancras from Canterbury West takes just under an hour. Road links in the area are excellent, with the A28 and A2 providing easy access to towards London and the coast. The area has good access to the Continent.