Sophurst Lane, Matfield, TN12

Surrounded by lovely countryside, towards the edge of the sought-after village of Matfield, a fine and handsome, detached country house of elegant proportion. With origins dating to 1913 during the early years of George Vth’s reign, the house was formerly the vicarage to the parish church of St Luke’s, which is close by. Skilfully extended and refurbished by the present owners, the charming blend of the two eras has resulted in substantial, characterful accommodation extending to in excess of 6,340 square feet, which is laid out over three floors. Exteriors are typical of the period with mellow red brick and painted render to the first floor, under a pitched tiled roof. Ceilings are generous throughout, while windows and French doors are large, offering a fine prospect over the grounds and beyond. Internally, again the balance of the period features and new additions is seamless. Handsome fireplaces of various styles have either been restored from the original or complementary surrounds installed. The original timber flooring has been refurbished, new oak boards laid throughout the rest of the house including many of the bedrooms and tiled floors – some with under floor heating - in the open plan kitchen/dining area and orangery, reception hall and bath/shower rooms. The two formal reception rooms each have fireplaces, one stone with a wood burning stove and one with painted carved timber. Elsewhere are two informal receptions rooms – the sitting room, a cosy space just off the kitchen and the superb family/cinema room where there is a handy secondary staircase to the upper levels – as well as a study. The kitchen/orangery is a magnificent space and flooded with natural light. The kitchen area is furnished with a range of hand painted floor and base units with black granite work surfaces to include a large central island. Appliances include an oil fired Aga with companion and there is a walk-in pantry. The orangery has eight pairs of French doors opening out to the rear terracing and is a wonderful place for family living but also for enjoying the outside, from the inside at all times of the year.
In total there are eight bedrooms arranged over the upper two levels, with many having built in storage. The principal bedroom has a walk-in dressing area and an en-suite bathroom with separate shower cabinet. Six further bedrooms on the first floor are supported by four bath/shower rooms, one en-suite with another being ‘Jack and Jill’ to the landing. The second floor is given over to a large studio style bedroom with ample space for sleeping/studying and a large en-suite bathroom with separate shower cabinet, as well as large loft storage.

Outside

The property is set back from the lane and approached via a gravelled driveway, sweeping up to the house and the detached double garage. Extending to just under three acres, the grounds surround the house and are mainly laid to lawn. There are many fine, mature trees including a charming avenue of silver birch, as well as mature shrubs including rhododendrons and colourful herbaceous borders. A wide expanse of terracing traverses the rear of the house, ideal for outdoor entertaining and there is a closely mown, former paddock.

Situation

Matfield, is marvellously quaint, with a chocolate-box village green, cricket pitch, and an endearing duck pond encircled by graceful Georgian houses, there are local hostelries and a village shop. Siegfried Sassoon, the famous World War I poet, was born and grew up in Matfield. Nearby Paddock Wood offers a range of local shops and cafes along with a Waitrose supermarket, whilst the ever-popular Royal Spa town of Tunbridge Wells, has a superb range of nationally known stores as well as artisan and antique shops, boutiques, along with a thriving café culture. There are various educational choices in both the state and private sectors, at primary and secondary levels including Brenchley and Matfield Primary Schools, Holmewood House Prep School in Langton Green, The Schools at Somerhill, boys and girls grammar schools in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Maidstone.

Additional Information

Tenure: Freehold
Services: Mains electricity, water and drainage; oil fired central heating.
Local Authority: Tunbridge Wells District Council. Council Tax – Band G