Broad Street, Monks Horton, Kent

Using traditional methods and materials, the vendors have sympathetically restored and rebuilt most of the farmhouse, whilst incorporating smart eco features, including a neatly concealed 112 panel solar array that provides significant income and a range of benefits, including A rated EPCs for the main house and Kentish barn.

Overview
Dating back to the 15th century, Grade II listed Smeeds Farm was once owned by Henry Smeed of Mount Morris, and is a former hall house with later additions, including a Georgian frontage.

The curtilage listed barn dates from the 17th century and was converted in the early 21st century. All occupied buildings are heated with renewable energy and the two dwellings have EPCs of A+ (over 100).

The Grade II listed former hall house is set in an AONB on 4.5 acres managed organically for 15 years. A raised bed kitchen garden, large allotment, greenhouse and soft and hard fruit areas produce fruit and vegetables for a family. Irrigation is supplied by a 60-metre borehole and drip systems.

There are large fenced paddocks to the east and south; to the front are ornamental gardens, a large lawn and beautiful pond, while the ground-mounted solar array (a mini solar farm) is tucked away along mature hedging that borders a former manege.

A multitude of outbuildings include: a Kentish barn conversion (a holiday let/annexe that sleeps up to eight), a recently built traditional cart shed housing a new gym, office, and storage space supplied with air source heat, a stable block, trailer barn, and a threshing barn with renewable planning consent for use as offices and meeting rooms, currently used as a store.

The Property
Smeeds’ Farmhouse and the Barn are high spec, beautifully curated country houses where soft natural tones and textures create calm and relaxed spaces, with natural clay plaster and original timbers providing warmth and comfort.

The infrastructure is fully modernised, with superfast fibre broadband and ethernet throughout. Both are fully insulated, heated by UFH supplied by a renewable Ground Source Heating system. The farmhouse doors and windows are double glazed Architectural Bronze throughout.

The Farmhouse
The sitting room features an impressive inglenook fireplace with 1000 year-old artifacts from Horton Priory. A period guest cloakroom sits next to steps leading down to the open plan kitchen/dining room with limestone floor and two sets of double French doors leading to the surrounding terraces.

The kitchen is fitted with granite worktops and hardwood and oak cabinets arranged around a large central island, all with integrated Wolf and Subzero appliances. Opening to the terrace, a second kitchen/utility room is fitted with hardwood cabinets, washer and dryer, a second dishwasher, a commercial 3-phase range, mud closet and dog bath. A reception hall/study provides another space to work from home and enjoy leisure time.

The first floor provides a principal suite with glorious country views and a generous en suite bathroom in limestone with a wetroom shower and Japanese spa bath. Bedroom 2 is good size and fully lined with outstanding hardwood cabinets, also serving as a dressing room. Two further characterful bedrooms and a family bathroom with a copper Victorian bath, shower and hand painted tilework complete the accommodation at this level.

The Barn
A handsome 17th century Kentish barn serves as an annexe or holiday let.

The barn has been sympathetically restored with the most remarkable reception/dining hall open to full height, a fitted kitchen, wet room, a living area and a study or small bedroom downstairs, as well as two bedrooms and an en suite WC.

Specs
• 112 panel ground mounted solar array, generating approx.. £1500 net income per month.
• Open loop Ground Source Heat Pump (heating and hot water for the house and barn annexe)
• 60-meter borehole with irrigation pump and drip irrigation systems
• Significant investments in drainage and sewage systems in 2013-2015.
• Klargester biodisc system installed in 2014, 12-person capacity.
• Fully externally insulated farmhouse with breathable render, passive ventilation and UFH, all new electrics, plumbing, ethernet and home automation features
• Fully integrated superfast broadband in the house, barn conversion, office and gym
• An office with up to three workspaces, over a modern gym with rubber flooring, full ballet mirror and TV/wifi connections.
• Newly installed Ajax security and fire detection system, CCTV installed outdoors.
• Electronic dog fence rings the entire property, keeping your pets safe.
• 3-phase electrical supply to farmhouse and stables

Double cleftwood gates open to a yorkstone driveway that leads to a delightful oak-framed, two-bay cart shed providing office facilities, a modern gym, and storage area. There is a large parking area behind a substantial stable block consisting of a series of useful storerooms and workshop. If desired, the stable is suitable for equestrian use. A horse trailer barn is currently used to store farm equipment, and a large threshing barn sits along the boundary, which has renewable planning consent for conversion to offices and meeting rooms (Folkestone Hythe District Council Planning ref: Y13/0550/SH and Y13/0551/SH).

The 4.5-acre plot has ornamental gardens, lawns and allotments irrigated via a borehole irrigation system, protected by rabbit proof hedges and fencing. A large pond hosting a multitude of native plants and birdlife and a bubbling creek form one of the boundaries to the neighbouring properties. There are three fenced pastures, all with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. A 112 panel ground mounted solar array generates sufficient energy for approximately five homes, providing substantial export earnings, supply of own energy and FIT subsidies. The entire heating system is renewable; thus the awarded EPC rating is one of the highest in the UK for a Grade II listed property.

Smeeds Farm sits in pretty, undulating countryside at the foot of the North Downs. Surrounding villages provide a variety of amenities, including a primary school, day-to-day shopping, a doctor’s surgery and sports facilities. Comprehensive facilities can be found in Hythe, Ashford and Canterbury together with an array of well-regarded schools in state and private sectors.

Commuter access to London is very good via the M20 and rail network. Nearby Westenhanger station connects to London Charing Cross and to the High Speed services via Ashford International which reaches London St Pancras in about 36 minutes. The area has good access to the Continent via Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover.