Lovehurst Lane, Staplehurst, Tonbridge, Kent, TN12

The property comprises a wonderful Grade II listed country house, believed to date back to the mid 17th century, in a magical setting within 72.6 acres of delightful gardens and grounds.

This moated site is listed as a Scheduled Monument by Historic England and is of particular importance because the moat survives to a greater extent than most examples, therefore exhibiting considerable diversity of features including a section of outer retaining bank and a well-defined integral fish pond. The moat, although partially scoured, remains of high archaeological potential as it has remained water-filled throughout its history and therefore provides excellent conditions for the survival of perishable artefacts and of evidence of the economy and environment of the manor during its lifetime. Only around 6,000 moated sites are known in England.

Internally, the house offers elegant and well-proportioned accommodation with a characterful double aspect drawing room with attractive brick fireplace at the front of the house, and a double aspect family room with a door to the side.

An inner hall gives access to an impressive sitting/dining room which enjoys beautiful bay windows overlooking the moat and French doors opening out to the lawned gardens. The kitchen has a range of fitted wall and base units, Aga cooker and windows and door to the side. A staircase from the reception hall also leads down to a generous cellar.

On the first floor, there are five bedrooms and a family bathroom. The principal bedroom is double aspect with an attractive bay window overlooking the moat and gardens to the rear and also benefits from an en suite bathroom and walk-in wardrobe. There is a further bedroom on the second floor as well as a snug/attic room and a spacious room used for storage.

Outside, the property is approached over a long driveway leading to the outbuildings. The driveway continues, over the historic moat via a small stone bridge, to the house. Adjacent to the main house there is a substantial unconverted oast house of circa 1900 sq ft which offers huge potential to convert (subject to obtaining the necessary planning consents).

The beautiful gardens and grounds surrounding the property are laid to lawn, leading down to the moat, and interspersed with a multitude of mature trees and shrubs. Beyond the moat, there are various fields and areas of woodland. There are numerous outbuildings which include an unconverted barn, a substantial former dairy and hop cottages. On the western boundary there is an aqueduct and in all the property extends to
72.6 acres.

Agent's Note:
A pair of semi-detached cottages are available by separate negotiation. Each cottage has two bedrooms, a private garden, and an open bay car port with attached store room.

Staplehurst station 2.3 miles (London Bridge from 52 minutes). Cranbrook 4.6 miles. Marden station 5 miles (London Bridge from 49 minutes). Goudhurst 5.6 miles. Tunbridge Wells 15.6 miles. Ashford International station 20 miles (London St Pancras from 36 minutes). Central London 50 miles. (Distances and times approximate)

The property is situated in a fabulous rural position, yet within close proximity to Staplehurst and Marden which offer local amenities serving everyday needs including village stores, bakers, butchers, pharmacy, post office, health centre, primary schools and a good range of pubs. Nearby is the beautiful Wealden village of Goudhurst which is well known for its pretty centre, ancient church, duck pond, period buildings, inns and restaurants. The regional centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells provides an extensive range of shopping, commercial, recreational and cultural facilities as well as a mainline station. Train services to London are available from Staplehurst, Marden or Paddock Wood with a regular service to London Bridge and Charing Cross. The M20 provides access to the south coast and M25/national motorway network, Gatwick and Heathrow airports, the Channel Tunnel and ferry ports.

There is an excellent choice of state and private schools in the area with good access to Benenden, Cranbrook, Sutton Valence, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks schools. The property sits within the Cranbrook School Catchment Area.

Leisure amenities in the area include golf at a
number of courses; riding and walking in the surrounding countryside; sailing and fishing at Bewl Water and on the south coast; and historic properties nearby including Leeds, Bodiam and Scotney Castles and Sissinghurst Castle Gardens.