An exquisite modern country home, with superb ancillary accommodation and leisure facilities, set within over ten acres of glorious park-like gardens and paddocks, in an idyllic rural setting near Canterbury. Willow Manor was designed by the renowned Clague Architects of Canterbury and built in 2006 to an exacting standard, in the style of an Edwin Lutyens house, with a handsome and traditionally styled exterior. Once inside, the generosity of proportions and unmistakeable sense of grandeur is matched perfectly by the unwavering degree of craftsmanship and attention to detail within this magnificent home.

The overall property has been carefully yet extensively renovated by the current owners and the main house now offers over 8500 sq. ft of luxuriously appointed accommodation, spread over three floors. Features of note include: bespoke oak windows and doors throughout, bespoke oak joinery, decorative cornice work and architraves, a handmade kitchen from Smallbone of Devizes, underfloor heating, air conditioning/comfort heating to the lower ground floor and the first floor, smart Lutron lighting to the lower ground floor, an integrated Bowers & Wilkins sound system throughout, ultrafast fibre broadband (delivering a download speed of 1 Gig) and an individual water supply to the property via a private borehole.

The property is approached via a sweeping driveway, set behind a tall, copper beech hedge and electronic double gates, providing both privacy and security. From the driveway, stone steps rise to a set of oak double doors, which open into a welcoming entrance hall. To the right of the entrance hall, there is a lovely, dual aspect study, with detailed cornice work, a Victorian style fireplace and fine views over the lake.

A set of half-glazed oak double doors lead from the entrance hall into a truly spectacular double height reception hall, with a grand feature window and an inglenook fireplace with an inset cast iron wood burning stove and a York stone hearth. This impressive room is overlooked by a huge, first floor galleried landing which, combined with the double height feature window, creates an incredible sense of light and space.

From here, a set of oak double doors lead to a wonderful, triple aspect drawing room, with another inglenook fireplace, a wood burning stove and two sets of French doors which open onto the gardens. The adjacent dining room is an elegant, triple aspect room with views over the lake, ideal for hosting formal dinners.

Beyond the reception hall, an inner hallway leads to a pleasant family room, a utility and boot room and a stunning kitchen/breakfast room. This really is the heart of the home and is a particularly light and airy, triple aspect room, with tall, double height windows and two sets of French doors which open onto the gardens. The kitchen has been expertly fitted with a range of bespoke, traditionally styled painted units, handmade by Smallbone of Devizes and set around black granite work surfaces, travertine floor tiles, an electric Aga with a gas Aga companion and a range of integrated appliances. These include an American style fridge/freezer, two double ovens, wine fridges and a coffee machine.

A grand oak staircase rises to a vast galleried landing on the first floor, which enjoys far reaching views over the surrounding countryside. The principal suite comprises a spacious, triple aspect bedroom with a balcony overlooking the lake, a fully fitted dressing room and a luxuriously appointed en-suite bathroom with His & Hers sinks, a walk-in shower enclosure and a beautiful, free-standing bath.

There are a further four, generously proportioned double bedrooms, two of which have sleek and contemporary en-suites, whilst the remaining two bedrooms are served by a well-appointed family bathroom.

All the leisure facilities can be found on the lower ground floor, which can be accessed from within the main house, or via a stone staircase which descends from the front of the main house, leading to the bar, lounge area and games room. This incredible space is ideal for hosting parties or friends and has a fully equipped bar, a temperature controlled wine store and a games area. Also on this floor, there is a well-equipped gym, a spa area with soft mood lighting and an inset jacuzzi/hot tub, a sauna and steam room and a stunning home cinema room, with a concealed projector and eight lazy boy style reclining chairs. The extensive accommodation on this floor is completed by two washrooms, a media room, a laundry room and a boiler room.

In addition to the main house, there is a two bedroom detached cottage, which was sensitively designed and built by the current owners, and a well appointed one bedroom apartment (also with air conditioning/comfort heating) adjacent to the three bay garage, both of which serve as ideal staff or guest accommodation.

OUTSIDE:

Willow Manor is set within approx. 10.4 acres of glorious park-like gardens and grounds, including a 6 acre paddock with its own vehicular access, ideal for equestrian use. The property is accessed via a set of electronic double gates, which open onto an attractive resin bonded driveway, with inset lighting. This leads to a sweeping turning circle at the front of the main house, as well as the staff cottage and the triple garage and parking area to the rear of the property.

The garage block has three wide electric roller doors, an attractive clocktower and access to the guest apartment. In addition to this traditional garage, there is a purpose-built, eight bay, climate controlled luxury car garage, discreetly positioned within the grounds, ideal for any car enthusiast.

The house is set within around 4 acres of idyllic gardens which have been beautifully landscaped and include extensive lawns, Italianate style box-hedging and a spectacular half-acre lake (enclosed behind secure perimeter fencing) with a bridge to a central island with an artificial beach, several waterfalls and Swiss style log cabin on the banks of the lake.

SITUATION:

Willow Manor enjoys a splendid rural setting, situated just outside the historic village of Denton. The village has a strong sense of community, which is centred around the village hall and the Church of St Mary Magdalene. The village is also served by a fine 17th century public house and restaurant, The Jackdaw, and Broome Park golf course. The village enjoys excellent access to Folkestone (8 miles) and Canterbury (11 miles) which both offer a high speed rail link to London St Pancras, whilst the port of Dover is just 10 miles away with its regular ferry services to the continent and the Channel Tunnel which provides a fast rail link with the Continent is only 12 miles away.

Canterbury is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, with a thriving city centre offering a wide array of High Street brands alongside a diverse mix of independent retailers, cafes and international restaurants. The city also offers a fine selection of sporting, leisure and recreational amenities, including the refurbished Marlowe Theatre.

Canterbury has an excellent choice of educational amenities, ranging from Grammar schools to well regarded private schools and three universities, whilst primary schools can be found in the neighbouring villages of Selsted, Barham, Ealham, Lydden & Hawkinge.. Canterbury offers a regular rail service to London Victoria, Charing Cross and Cannon Street and the high speed rail link connects with Londons St Pancras from Canterbury West station in just under one hour.

The historic town of Dover is famous for its White Cliffs and its English Heritage site Dover Castle which draws in visitors from around the world. However, Dover is currently going through an extensive period of regeneration, with excellent shopping facilities at the recently completed St James Place Shopping Centre complementing the existing shops and businesses within Dovers thriving town centre.

AGENT'S NOTE:

The property is served by LGP gas fired central heating, private drainage and a private water supply.

COUNCIL TAX BAND: H
EPC RATING: TBC








We endeavour to make our sales particulars accurate and reliable, however, they do not constitute or form part of an offer or any contract and none is to be relied upon as statements of representation or fact. Any services, systems and appliances listed in this specification have not been tested by us and no guarantee as to their operating ability or efficiency is given. All measurements and floor plans and site plans are a guide to prospective buyers only, and are not precise. Fixtures and fittings shown in any photographs are not necessarily included in the sale and need to be agreed with the seller.