An impressive ground floor apartment in a Grade II listed Victorian mansion, set within a prestigious country estate on the edge of the sought-after village of Penshurst.

Description

A beautifully presented, sizeable two-bedroom ground floor apartment with its own private terrace, within a prestigious Grade II listed Victorian mansion.

Swaylands House has a rich history, dating back to the mid-1800s. Once owned by banker George Henry Drummond, a close friend of Edward VII, who is reputed to have been a regular guest, this residence exudes timeless charm.

Swaylands House is situated off a country lane tucked behind electric gates. A sweeping driveway takes you to the imposing red-brick residence full of historic character, whilst providing a contemporary lifestyle within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near Penshurst.

The grounds extend to nearly 40 acres of parkland, fields, an ornate terrace with a fountain, a lake, tennis court, and a former cricket pitch with a pavilion; offering a blend of nature and recreation. There is also what was once the largest rockery in Europe within the grounds to explore. The gardens were described in detail in Country Life in the edition from 16th June 1906.

This impressive apartment is well presented for comfortable modern living with contemporary fixtures and fittings throughout, whilst retaining the character and elegance of the Victorian period with its high ceilings, underfloor heating throughout, and light and spacious accommodation.

Of particular note is the sizeable reception room, with its wide bay window and feature stone-surround fireplace. This room is in prime position to enjoy the stunning views over the grounds and surrounding countryside.

The well-proportioned kitchen also benefits from views of the gardens and countryside beyond, together with a range of appliances, including a wine fridge, washer/dryer, fridge/freezer, 4-ring gas hob, oven and granite work surfaces. Having the added benefit of being on the ground floor, the backdoor from the kitchen provides direct access to a wide private terrace, providing lovely outdoor space for dining and entertaining, and to the extensive communal gardens.

The principal bedroom is spacious and enjoys wonderful views of the gardens. There is a dressing room area with built-in wardrobes and an en suite bath/shower room. A second bedroom also enjoys the garden views to the side and has built-in wardrobes.

There is a garage with electricity as well as two allocated parking spaces.

Residents in the main house have exclusive use of the well- equipped gym, the extensive communal grounds, and tennis court.

Location

Nestled within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Swaylands estate offers secure and convenient living that is surrounded by countryside and picturesque views.

Tucked away on a country lane, this prestigious property enjoys a privileged location on the outskirts of the highly sought-after village of Penshurst (approx. 0.7 miles), positioned between the vibrant towns of Tonbridge (approx. 4.9 miles), Tunbridge Wells (approx. 5.4 miles) and Sevenoaks (approx. 9.6 miles), which all provide more extensive shopping and leisure facilities.

There are several local amenities and clubs nearby, including cricket, angling societies, and a bridge club. For those seeking outdoor pursuits, the nearby Bough Beech reservoir (approx. 5.8 miles) provides opportunities for sailing enthusiasts, with golf available at Hever (approx. 5.8 miles) and Nizels Golf & Fitness Centre in Hildenborough (approx. 6.8 miles). At Swaylands, residents also participate in an annual event where they engage in a friendly cricket match against Penshurst Villager Cricket Club at the Swaylands pavilion. This special occasion brings the residents together to enjoy a fun-filled day of cricket, accompanied by refreshments.

For dining and entertainment, Penshurst has charming options like the Kingdom Cafe, The Bottle House Inn, The Spotted Dog and The Leicester Arms Hotel, while Bidborough (approx. 2.1 miles) offers The Kentish Hare. Another highly regarded Inn, The Wheatsheaf at Bough Beech, can be reached within approx 4.8 miles.

Penshurst is famous for its 14th century stately home, Penshurst Place, once owned by Henry VIII. The village boasts a thriving community and amenities include a church, village hall, tea room, post office, garage, and a monthly farmers' market, and has immediate access to beautiful countryside walks and cycle paths. Penshurst cricket pitch is one of England’s oldest and lies within the grounds of Penshurst Place.

State and private schools: Penshurst has its own highly regarded primary school and there are further village primaries in Fordcombe and Chiddingstone. Other schools in the area, include the sought after grammar schools in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells and private schools such as Holmewood House Preparatory in Langton Green and Sevenoaks and Tonbridge at senior level.

Mainline rail: Penshurst (approximately 2.3 miles) London Cannon Street from 57 minutes and to London Victoria from just over an hour. Hildenborough (approximately 4.7 miles) to London Charing Cross/Cannon Street from 41 minutes. Tonbridge (approximately 4.5 miles) also has links to London Charing Cross from 41 minutes.

Communications: The A21 is accessible at Tonbridge and links to the M25 and national motorway networks and thereby to Heathrow and Gatwick airports, the channel ports and Channel Tunnel Terminus.

Square Footage: 1,587 sq ft



Directions

Postcode - TN11 8DZ. From Tunbridge Wells proceed out of town on the London Road (A26) towards Southborough. Pass on through Southborough and continue past the Hand and Sceptre Pub on the right and the cricket pitch on the left. After approximately 0.6 miles, turn left into Bidborough Ridge, continue for approximately 2.8 miles and the entrance to The Swaylands Estate will be found on the left.

Additional Info

Services: Mains gas-fired central heating, mains water, electricity and drainage.

Outgoings: Sevenoaks District Council.

Swaylands Estate Management Ltd. Pets are permitted.

Service charges: £6,265.84 per annum payable in two installments, covering on-site estate manager, gardening, window cleaning, rubbish clearance, gas, electricity and drainage of communal areas.

Ground Rent £450.00 per annum payable in two instalments. Ground Rent doubles every 25 years. Due for review 2031. Note: leaseholders at Swaylands have been charged 50% of the Ground Rent for the last three years due to extra available funds in the 'sink fund'.

Please note, some of the photographs were taken in June 2023.