Exquisite Grade II listed Queen Anne rectory with beautiful views & substantial separate cottage, set within this charming historic village.

Description

The Old Rectory is an exquisite example of a Queen Anne residence located in the centre of this historic village. The house is Grade II listed with many fine period features throughout, which are further enhanced by modern styling to create a superb family home. This fine Queen Anne rectory has red brick elevations with blue headers under a hip tiled roof with projecting moulded eaves and cornice. The principal elevation is symmetrical with centre panelled door with square light above and pilasters either side. Features include attractive fireplaces, multi-pane sash windows, window shutters, panelling, wide wooden floorboards, high ceilings and column radiators. The property enjoys wonderful views and light from all aspects and sits within beautiful established gardens with views towards the church and the adjoining Penshurst Place estate.

The generous reception hall together with the elegant reception rooms provide excellent areas for formal entertaining. Both the drawing and dining rooms are double aspect with fireplaces. The study also has a fireplace.

The impressive kitchen/breakfast/family room is ideal for everyday living and has a roof light with views of the church tower, and direct access to the garden. The kitchen is fitted with a bespoke range of wall and base cupboards with a matching island unit. Appliances include a Heritage Range and there is a twin butler sink and a preparation sink. Also of note is the walk-in larder, boot room and adjoining utility room with shower and W.C.

The lower ground floor comprises a gym, sauna and two rooms with further potential. Arranged over the first floor are four well-proportioned double bedrooms, three of which have wash basins and the fourth is served by a dressing room and en suite bathroom. The family bathroom completes this floor.

The second floor comprises four further bedrooms, a kitchen and bathroom and could serve as a staff or guest suite if required.

The outbuilding provides four store rooms of differing sizes, with potential to convert, subject to the necessary planning consents.

To the front of the house is a gravel drive providing parking with symmetrical topiary shrubs. The beautiful gardens provide year round interest and a wonderful backdrop to the house and walled courtyard behind. By the house is a generous south-west facing flag stone terrace providing an ideal area for al fresco entertaining. Within the lawned gardens is an old brick wall with espaliered fruit trees, a further brick wall with deep herbaceous beds and wall flowers, an avenue of pleached lime trees, an ornamental pond, established yew hedging and trees and many varieties of deciduous trees.

Accessed off the right hand spur of the drive is the substantial Stable Cottage. Whilst separate, this could be useful for either staff or guest accommodation, with a double garage and two apartments. To the ground floor is a one bedroom apartment, with kitchen/ living room and bathroom. Accessed via an external staircase is the first floor apartment, with two bedrooms, bathroom, sitting room and kitchen/dining room. The cottage is also accessible via its own pedestrian entrance gate.

Penshurst Place parkland lies to the northeast with access via a private pedestrian gate. There is also a private gate to the church yard.

Location

The property is situated in the picturesque village of Penshurst which is famous for its 14th Century stately home, Penshurst Place, once owned by Henry VIII, and benefits from beautiful walks and nature on the doorstep. Village amenities include a church, village hall, and Kingdom wellbeing centre with cafe and yoga/pilates studio. There are also tea rooms, a village shop and post office, doctor’s surgery and a highly regarded public house. Penshurst cricket pitch is one of England’s oldest and lies within the grounds of Penshurst Place.

Tunbridge Wells (5.9 miles), Tonbridge (5.2 miles) and Sevenoaks (8.9 miles), offer a wider choice of facilities.

Schools: Penshurst has its own highly regarded primary school, with further primary schools in nearby Fordcombe and Chiddingstone. There are a number of other well-regarded schools in the area, including the sought after grammar schools in Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells & Sevenoaks and private schools such as Holmewood House Preparatory School in Langton Green and Sevenoaks and Tonbridge at secondary level.

Mainline rail: Hildenborough (4.3 miles) and Tonbridge (4.9 miles) to London Bridge/Charing Cross/Cannon Street. Penshurst Station (1.9 miles), London Cannon Street and London Victoria.

All distance are approximate.

Square Footage: 7,685 sq ft


Acreage: 1.48 Acres

Directions

From the A21, take the Weald/Sevenoaks/Hildenborough roundabout onto the B245, signposted Hildenborough and Tonbridge. Continue along this road and turn right, signposted Leigh and Penshurst. Proceed through Leigh, and bear left to Penshurst. Continue into Penshurst village and turn left where the drive for The Old Rectory will be found.