Hamptons, Hadlow, Kent, TN11

A substantial & unique Grade II listed residence dating from 1813; an early work by R W Jearrad of Cheltenham fame, set within charming gardens & grounds approaching 10 acres.

Description

Formerly a compact country estate, Hamptons is a rare and charming country residence set within a conservation area and its own landscaped gardens with a paddock to the front and surrounded by agricultural land, lakes and woodland with far reaching scenic views. The property was featured as part of the Royal Academy Exhibition of 1813. Maximillian Dallison was the quarter master of the Duke of Wellington during the Peninsula wars. His coat of arms can be seen in the grand entrance hall and there are several family plaques in St Dunstan's, the church in West Peckham.

The architect for Hamptons was the noted R W Jearrad of prestigious Cheltenham fame, and reflects the typical elegant Cheltenham architectural features of the era, displaying yellow brick with stone plinth, band parapet and coping with a low pitched slate roof. The veranda to the west front is panelled with Corinthian supports, with the covered porch featuring pairs of Greek Ionic columns. To the east of the primary wing is an enlarged former service/kitchen wing which is now self-contained apartments that are independent from the main house. The Clock House, also now a private dwelling, was the former stabling for the main house, and the home and kennels of the West Kent Hunt.

Hamptons is a major portion of a substantial Grade II listed former stately home dating from the early 1800s. The immaculately presented accommodation is arranged over three floors and presents elegantly proportioned reception rooms, ideal for formal entertaining. The combination of character features with more modern embellishments affords class and charm, with salient points including modern kitchen and bathroom suites, exceptionally high ceilings with a barrel ceiling to the entrance hall, decorative coving and cornicing, feature fireplaces, exposed wooden and stone flooring, traditional column radiators, sash windows, recessed lighting, picture rails, window shutters and Ionic columns. Also of note are the wonderful gardens and grounds, which amount to about 9.8 acres in total.

The impressive primary reception rooms comprise a drawing room with triple sets of French doors opening to a west facing verandah and a magnificent fireplace, an immense dining room with a curved outlook with full sized sash windows affording viewings to the rear, and a bright and spacious double aspect morning room also with a splendid fireplace and built-in library shelving to one wall.

The centrally situated grand entrance hall provides an excellent reception area with its Ionic pillars and barrel ceiling, creating a real sense of grandeur.

A well-appointed study has fitted furnishings, a fireplace inset with a wood burning stove and views to the front.

The stylish kitchen is fitted with a comprehensive range of wall and base units with integral appliances including an Aga and a central island unit incorporating a breakfast bar. There is an adjoining breakfast area, pantry, secured store, door to the rear terrace and access to the cellar and garage.

A cloakroom completes the ground floor.

Arranged over the versatile cellar is a gym, utility room, range of store rooms and a comprehensive wine store. From the plant room a door leads through a tunnel to the garage.

An intricate staircase with stone steps rises to the first floor and principal bedroom suite, with charming westerly views, an en suite bathroom with a free standing roll top bath and built-in wardrobes.

There are five further bedrooms, three with stylish en suite bathrooms and two both served by a Jack & Jill bathroom.

All bedrooms enjoy far reaching views over the delightful landscaped gardens and grounds, and the vast neighboroughing Fairlawne Estate.

Hamptons is approached over a sweeping, tree lined driveway leading past the neighbouring converted eastern wing. Hamptons itself is accessed through electrically operated wrought iron gates, culminating at the rear of the property and garaging.

The formal gardens and grounds are situated within the immediate curtilage of the property and have been meticulously established and maintained by the current owners, who have been in residence for the past 25 years.

The front garden enjoys a southerly aspect with landscaped lawns flanked with well-stocked borders, a paved walkway with a central water feature and access via estate railed fencing and a pedestrian gate to the paddock. There is an abundance of shaped topiary hedging and trees, with a path leading through a wildflower garden with a variety of fruit and ornamental trees, continuing through a shaped beech walkway and to the Victorian glasshouse, kitchen garden and tennis court.

The gardens continue to wrap around the side of the property, with formal paved terraces separated with ornamental stone lion water fountains. There are ornate shaped boxed hedges and a variety of planting providing year round colour and interest.

A pergola adorned in established wisteria provides an excellent area for al fresco dining and is accessed via a cherry tree lined walkway, underplanted with spring bulbs.

The triple garage is located to the rear of the property and has a terrace area over which is ideal for summer entertaining and adjoins the kitchen/breakfast area.

The pastureland is located at the front of the property and is interspersed with a variety of mature, majestic trees and has been formerly grazed periodically by a local herd of Hereford cattle, but would also suit the grazing of sheep or horses.

Location

Hamptons is located in a charming position with the most glorious rural outlook, approximately 2.1 miles from Hadlow village which has a good range of local amenities.

Comprehensive Shopping: Tonbridge (5.7 miles), Sevenoaks (8.7 miles), Tunbridge Wells (12 miles) and Bluewater (20.5 miles).

Mainline Rail Services: Borough Green & Wrotham (4.3 miles), Hildenborough (5.2 miles) & Tonbridge (6 miles) to London Bridge/Waterloo East/Cannon Street/Charing Cross.

Primary Schools: Hadlow, Plaxtol, Shipbourne and Tonbridge.

Secondary Schools: Judd Boys Grammar, Tonbridge and Weald of Kent Girls Grammars in Tonbridge. Skinners and Tunbridge Wells Boys Grammars and Tunbridge Wells Girls Grammar School in Tunbridge Wells. Several state secondary schools in Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells.

Private Schools: The Preparatory Schools at Somerhill, Hilden Oaks, Hilden Grange and Tonbridge in Tonbridge; Sackville in Hildenborough; Sevenoaks Public School.

Colleges: Hadlow Agricultural College, West Kent College.

Leisure Facilities: Nizels Golf & Fitness centre, Hildenborough. Poult Wood Golf Club, Tonbridge. Also in Tonbridge are outdoor & indoor swimming pools, the Angel Leisure Centre and a range of sporting clubs to include football, baseball, swimming & sailing.

Please note all distances are approximate.

Square Footage: 8,068 sq ft


Acreage: 9.8 Acres

Directions

From Sevenoaks head east on A25 through Seal. At the roundabout take the 2nd exit to Ivy Hatch, on to A227 and fork left to Plaxtol. Turn right to School Lane and at the end of the road turn left to Hamptons Rd. After about a mile turn left on to Park Road and the entrance to Hamptons can be found along on the left.

Additional Info

Mains water & electricity. Private drainage. Heating via ground source heat pump with a rarely used oil back up on very cold days. Solar panels produce the hot water in summer and PV panels generate a feed in tariff. There is approx. 5 years of government grant payment to Hamptons [FIT] for the ground source. Gigaclear provides fibre optic & 1GB of broadband throughout the entire house.