6 bedroom detached house for sale

A fine example of a Grade II listed 15th century farmhouse with significant later additions set amid mature gardens and grounds of circa 5.8 acres in a peaceful rural setting accompanied by outbuildings and separate one bedroom cottage.

Park Gate was built around 1460 in the reign of Edward IV and added to over subsequent centuries. The black and white heavily timbered property retains many architectural features including exposed beams, inglenook fireplaces and wide oak floorboards. During World War II Park Gate was the family home of Anthony Eden, later Prime Minister; he and his wife regularly attended Elham Church. Sir Winston Churchill visited him here, and the gun emplacements used to defend the house from enemy aircraft can still be seen in the gardens.

The accommodation is laid out over three floors with a principal suite, nursery suite of two bedrooms and a further three bedrooms to the first floor. On the second floor are the former servants' quarters with a lobby and two spacious rooms which could serve as a teenagers’ retreat.

In the immaculate almost six-acre grounds are well established flower beds with rhododendron bushes, attractive box topiary hedges, magnolia trees, a crocus lawn, “daffodil hill”, apple and cherry trees and a walled herb garden. There are also two paddocks, a fenced all-weather tennis court, and a fish pond with ornamental waterfall.

The stable block and hay store can accommodate several horses. Attached to the stables is a spacious drive-through garage with in-an-out doors. There are also two thatched pavilions, one of which faces the front lawn that is a suitable area for a game of croquet.

Behind the stables is Eden Cottage, where Anthony Eden's chauffeur used to live; a two-storey property with large sitting room, kitchen and cloakroom downstairs, and bedroom and bathroom on the first floor.

FEATURES
- Double oak doors open into the hallway leading into a sitting room overlooking the gardens, with exposed beams and a magnificent inglenook fireplace with wood burning stove
- Impressive drawing room, formerly two rooms, with an abundance of exposed beams, fabulous inglenook with copper hood is located at one end with a decorative brick fireplace at the other
- Spacious dining room with dual aspect views, including a bay window, and an open log fire
- Spacious kitchen/breakfast room with views over the garden
- Kitchen has limed pine units by Thoroughly Wood, granite worksurfaces, a concealed utility cupboard and a walk-in larder, integrated appliances of electric double oven and gas hob, and space for an American Style fridge freezer
- Library/home office with double aspect views, fitted oak shelves and open working fireplace
- Ground floor shower room with shower cubicle, WC and hand basin, wood-effect vinyl floor with attractive decorative inlay
- Large but height-restricted cellar, currently used for wine storage
- Oak staircase gently rising to the large landing with built-in overhead bookshelves
- Principal bedroom suite with double aspect views, including adjacent dressing room with amazing bespoke oak paneled wardrobes, and bathroom with large bath, power-shower cubicle, WC, pedestal basin and bidet
- A nursery suite, made up of a double bedroom with fitted vanity basin under a marble countertop and decorative fireplace with Delft tiles, leading through to an additional spacious double bedroom, overlooking the gardens, fitted wardrobes and full-height cupboards, and a Jack-and-Jill bathroom to the hallway with bath, WC and pedestal basin
- Double bedroom, where Churchill is reported to have stayed, with dressing area and pedestal basin, views over the garden
- Two further double bedrooms, one with an en suite bathroom
- Two attic rooms have gable ceilings, triple windows and built-in storage cupboards
- Additional vaulted attic space offers fantastic storage area or potential for further accommodation subject to any necessary planning consent(s)
- Stable block for several horses and hay store, attached to a spacious garage – this building could offer potential additional ancillary accommodation, subject to any necessary planning consent(s)
- Self-contained one bedroom cottage
- Garden and grounds of circa 5.8 acres in total consisting of large cultivated gardens and paddocks
- Large all-weather tennis court with fence surround and thatched pavilion

SITUATION
Park Gate is located along a peaceful country lane one mile from the village of Elham, situated in the heart of the Kent Downs. The village has a well-regarded primary school, GP surgery, two churches, village hall, village shop and three pubs, all with guest rooms.

Elham is situated between Canterbury, with its vibrant and historical city centre, and Ashford, with its high-speed rail service to London (37 minutes). It is also a short drive to the coastal towns of Folkestone, Sandgate and Hythe, and has easy access to local golf courses, including Broome Park, Saint Georges and Etching Hill.

Park Gate is less than 15 minutes from the Channel Tunnel, Saltwood rail station for connections to the high-speed train at Ashford, and the M20 which provides access to the coastal ports and to the M25 for links to the national network.

PROPERTY INFORMATION
- Services: Mains electricity and water. Private drainage. Oil fired central heating. Calor gas hob.
- Local Authority: Folkestone & Hythe District Council
- Council Tax band: H (2023/24)

VIEWINGS
Strictly by appointment through Jackson-Stops.
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DIRECTIONS
From Junction 12 of the M20, take the A20/Ashford Road towards Sellindge. At the first roundabout, take the third exit/Beachborough towards Etchinghill and Lyminge. Continue on this road into Canterbury Road arriving at Elham village after about 5.6 miles. Continue through the village turning left after approximately 0.5 miles signposted for Park Gate and Stelling Minnis. The property is located on the left after about 0.6 miles. Enter via the first 5 bar gate, keeping to the left of the stable block, continue round the gravel driveway to arrive at the front of the property.

Alternatively, take the M2/A2 bypassing Canterbury. Leave by the slip road to Barham. Continue along Valley Road towards Elham, turning right onto the lane sign posted for Park Gate and Stelling Minnis. The property is located on the left after about 0.6 miles.