Staplehurst Road, Tonbridge, TN12

What attracted you to the property when you bought it?

On the first look of the property we were really impressed with the mix of majestic tradition of a double roundel oast house and the modern openness and flow of the interior. This is a combination that we had never seen before but dreamed we could own. The added advantage of this not being a listed building meant that there was scope to build and enhance with limited barriers. Moreover, the superb flexible layout of the property allowed us to consider how we wanted to utilise the vast bedroom space - this made things like creating our own library and study possible. The fantastic location to a direct line into London Charing Cross in the local village of Marden meant that we could have the luxury of idyllic countryside and the ease of access to the capital! 

What improvements have you made to the house?

• Planning application has been granted for a triple garage oak framed building with office space above. (see images of the plans on file) 
• Further planning application is also granted for a reconfiguration of the property to include a large granny annex. 
• Full landscaping, reconfiguring and extension of front and back garden areas. 
• Creation of large new bedding areas fully stocked with low maintenance evergreen shrubs and trees.
• Highest grade artificial lawn installed to front and back garden.
• Bespoke wood panelled fencing and trellis fencing fitted with locked gates added for improved security and additional access.
• Exterior lighting added to all areas of the property including feature back garden plinth lights for surround seating/entertaining area.
• Bespoke outdoor kitchen area 14ft x 12ft with block paving floor, stainless steel units and bar area.
• Bespoke designed 'Lodge' for storage. Built to the highest grade specification, fully insulated and fitted with interior downlights. Shelving installed, double glazed windows, 15ft x 12ft.
• Both cowls fully refurbished and serviced January 2024 and should not require further maintenance for 10 years. 
• Fitted triple bi-fold door to kitchen added to create a fantastic indoor/outdoor flow for garden entertaining.
• Double french doors fitted to the roundel to allow access directly to the garden.
• All drainage system camera surveyed. Dirty water pump was replaced and a full lawn drainage system has been installed.
• Exterior electricity points installed. 
• Bespoke designed 4 bin storage unit including electric power point installed with inkeeping design features.
• Roof and gutters have been maintenance checked with action as required being completed.
• 'Starlink' high speed internet installed.
• Full Wi-fi camera alarm system fitted internally and externally.
• Additional kitchen units with integrated appliances added including, double wine chiller, fridge, freezer and waste drawer.
• New wood cladding installed across the single storey building.

What have you enjoyed about living there?

We have loved entertaining in this house, it has such character, charm and space that allows you to enjoy every aspect of the home. Both inside and outside merge seamlessly to enhance the living experience and bring the beauty of the Garden of England inside. There is something truly special about living in a property of history that has been enhanced with both love and modern efficiency yet dazzles with rare beauty. Each room holds a special magic that draws you in. 

Location
Local and Comprehensive Shopping: Staplehurst, Marden and Goudhurst have shops catering for everyday needs including a bakers, chemist, & post office. Staplehurst itself has a great butcher, wine merchant, Spar mini supermarket, Sainsburys  and very good rail link to London. More extensive shopping and leisure facilities can be found in Cranbrook, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells. The property is also only 2miles from Balfour Vineyard.
Mainline Rail Services: Staplehurst and Marden stations have fast and frequent services to London Bridge/Charing Cross. Eurostar trains are available from Ebbsfleet and Ashford International.
Schools: The property falls within the Cranbrook School catchment area, and there is an excellent range of schools in the area in both the state and private sectors at primary and secondary levels.
Motorway links: The M25 via the A21 can be accessed at J5 and the M20 via J8 both providing links to Gatwick and Heathrow airport and other motorway networks.
*All distance and travel times are approximate.