Great Chart, Ashford, Kent

Approached over a long private drive, Goldwell Manor stands sentinel with elevated panoramic views over the Weald. The property is Grade II listed and thought to date from the 17th century, with a collection of fine rooms exuding character and charm, now in need of modernisation.

A substantial unconverted barn with attached stable block and office provides the option to run a business/work from home, or develop (subject to any necessary consents).

Despite the rural setting, the house is only 3 miles from Ashford International with journey times to London St Pancras from 36 minutes.

The house is thought to take its name from its ‘Golden Well’ located in the cellar, noted by Sir Charles Igglesden to be a curative spring with healing powers. Featured in the Domesday book, the land and house have seen a host of notable proprietors including the Bishop of Baieux (half-brother of William the Conqueror) and Sir John Goldwell, a high-ranking commander during the reign of King John.

The ground floor has two magnificent reception rooms both with large inglenook fireplaces; a 29ft reception/dining hall set at the heart of the home with exposed brick floor and beams, ideal for entertaining on a grand scale, while the 30ft drawing room offers a more relaxed and comfortable setting. There is also a sitting room and a family room with French doors opening to the garden.

The kitchen/breakfast room has recently been replaced with contemporary wooden units and integrated appliances, while the adjoining utility room provides further space for storage and household appliances. Steps lead down to a useful cellar with a boiler room. A cloakroom is located by the back door.

Stairs rise to the generous first floor landing. There are four well-proportioned double bedrooms, including the principal bedroom with its en suite bathroom and a further bedroom with adjacent bathroom. There is also a dressing room and a small room which could be utilised as a study. The family bathroom is on the first floor, while the second floor is home to two additional large bedrooms.

The property is set in a fine rural position. The drive leads to a large parking area at the front of the house and provides access to a garage.

The barn, stable and office are adjoined and total 1,600 sq ft of useful space; the barn was previously granted planning permission to convert into a four bed residential dwelling in 2015 which has since lapsed. Details of which can be found under ref: 15/00695/AS on Ashford Borough Council's planning portal.

The garden surrounding the house includes paved terracing, rolling lawns and meadows on split levels. Beyond the garden there are fields and paddocks.

Great Chart is a pretty village just outside Ashford. All local amenities are served by Ashford, which has a good range of shops for day-to-day needs, including Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and Asda supermarkets, as well as some excellent out of town shopping at the McArthurGlen Outlet. There are good schools in the area, in both state and private sectors, and the charming market town of Tenterden is also nearby.

Ashford offers excellent road and rail links to London. The M20 (Junction 9) is close by and Ashford International provides high-speed services to London St Pancras from 36 minutes. The area has good access to the Continent via the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel.