An enchanting, Grade II listed cottage in the heart of the sought-after 'village area' of Tunbridge Wells, within striking distance of the High Street, Pantiles and Station

Description

Walmer Cottage is a highly attractive and characterful cottage, which is beautifully presented throughout, creating an elegant and peaceful retreat in the very heart of the town. Having been both extended and updated historically, the cottage is deceptively spacious, with accommodation that is arranged over two floors, providing a wonderful array of period features throughout, including decorative coving and ceiling roses, deep skirting boards and multi-pane sash windows.

The house is formed from two parts; the original cottage, thought to date back to the 1600s, along with the later extension, believed to have been carried out in the 1750s. These additions now serve as the entrance hall, dining room, and drawing room, together with the principal bedroom and bedroom two, blending beautifully with the original cottage.

Both the dining room and drawing room benefit from attractive fireplaces, with striking marble surrounds and coal effect gas fires. Again, both rooms also enjoy attractive French doors that over look and open on to the charming and lovingly maintained front garden. Well-screened from Mount Sion and benefitting from the south-west orientation the garden is a wonderful spot for entertaining guests.

The kitchen/breakfast room is fitted with bespoke, handmade Schoefield and Crafter (now Rencraft) units, providing plentiful storage space and encompassing a range of integrated appliances. The kitchen also provides a gas two-oven AGA, together with an inset gas hob and fan-assisted combi oven.

Adjoining the kitchen is a cosy but good-sized sitting room, for more informal entertaining, providing flexible space for any number of uses such as a playroom or study. A wc completes the ground floor accommodation.

There are four sizeable bedrooms on the first floor, with the principal bedroom being of particular note, benefitting from a bank of fitted wardrobes and an en suite shower/bathroom. The family bathroom serves the remaining three bedrooms, together with a separate wc. Finally, the lower ground floor offers a very useful cellar space.

Outside - The courtyard garden to the rear of the cottage is accessed directly from the sitting room and is ideal for al fresco dining in the warmer months. The gate leads on to Frog Lane; a picturesque cobbled lane adorned with a large collection of discreetly placed frog and toad ornaments from one end to the other, there are thought to be somewhere in the region of 50 figurines if you can spot them!

Both Frog Lane and Walmer Cottage feature in "Tunbridge Wells, The Gentle Aspect" by Terence David.

The driveway provides off-street parking for one large vehicle, or perhaps two smaller vehicles in tandem.

Mount Sion is parking Zone A, residents may apply for up to two parking permits via Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

Location

Found in the very heart of the sought-after and attractive "Village area" of Tunbridge Wells, Mount Sion is just moments from the High Street, and is also within close proximity to the mainline station, the Pantiles and the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre. The cottage courtyard also opens onto Frog Lane, a charming cobbled lane that runs between the High Street and Berkely Road. The stables and coach houses of Mount Sion lodging houses once faced the lane, and it is thought that the term 'frog' refers to a type of brake system used to secure carriages on inclines.

The historic spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells exists thanks to the discovery of the natural Chalybeate Spring in 1606 by well-travelled English nobleman Dudley Lord North, and is conveniently located approximately 30 miles south of London, surrounded by countryside and offering a popular base for City commuters. The town offers excellent cultural, leisure and shopping attractions including cafés, restaurants and two theatres locally at The Assembly Halls and Trinity Theatre, together with the newly rejuvenated civic centre, The Amelia Scott.

The High Street, which is within approximately 50 meters, offers many restaurants including The Ivy and The Warren, and so many choices for delicious cakes, fresh bread and coffee; including Juliet's, Fine Grind, Gails and the Italian delicatessen Arte Bianca. Fresh fish and seafood is available at Sankey's fishmongers, with numerous shops and independent boutiques offering so much more. The High Street is linked by the delightful Chapel Place walkway to the historic Pantiles, known for its charming Georgian colonnade and summer Jazz festivals, together with regular craft and food markets.

Royal Victoria Place shopping centre, originally named after Queen Victoria who was a frequent visitor to Tunbridge Wells, is reached within approximately 0.7 miles on foot and offers a mix of High Street brands and independent retailers. Knights Park leisure and entertainment complex is within approximately 3.5 miles, offering a multi-screen cinema complex, bowling alley, and a health/fitness club.

There are several parks and open green spaces within Tunbridge Wells, including the town’s Common, with its network of criss-cross footpaths leading to local landmark Wellington Rocks and the Higher Common Ground cricket pitch offering a wealth of opportunities for walking and recreation. Hargate Woods are accessible off Broadwater Down, whilst The Nevill Golf Club and Nevill tennis and cricket ground are nearby in Warwick Park. The surrounding countryside is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and boasts several places of historic interest and attractive walks, including the famous Ashdown Forest together with sailing and fishing at Bewl Water near Wadhurst. The award-winning Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is also nearby, and is now recognised as the most complete collection of conifers on one site anywhere in the world and offers further woodland walks, cycling, riding, and outdoor music concerts.

Private and State Schools: There are many highly-regarded schools in the vicinity, including Claremont Primary School, boys’ and girls’ Grammars at the senior level, including Skinners, TWGGS, TWGSB. The Skinners’ Kent Academy in Sandown Park and Beechwood Sacred Heart School are also of note. Preparatory schools in Tunbridge Wells include Rose Hill and The Mead, with Holmewood House slightly further afield in Langton Green.

Mainline rail and commuter coach: Tunbridge Wells station (approximately 0.3 miles) has regular services to London Charing Cross (via London Bridge and Waterloo East) from 54 minutes and Cannon Street from 51 minutes. The Centaur Commuter Coach service also stops at Tunbridge Wells Station, together with other various stops located around Tunbridge Wells.

Communications: The nearby A21 links directly to London and to the M25 (junction 5) and thereby the national motorway network, Gatwick and Heathrow Airports and the Channel Tunnel terminus, together with easy access to the south coast to Hastings and Eastbourne.

Square Footage: 2,256 sq ft



Directions

Postcode TN1 1TZ. From our offices on the High Street proceed south on foot to the end of the road; turning left onto Mount Sion where Walmer Cottage will be found just a short way along on the left hand side.

Additional Info

Situated in Tunbridge Wells Conservation Area
Grade II listed
Services: Mains water, electricity, gas and drainage.
Outgoings: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council