Temple Mews, Canterbury, Kent

This characterful mews house in Canterbury lies on the site of an ancient Roman temple, the remains of which were discovered below street level. Built in the 1980s, this four-bedroom house has been been more recently renovated; new additions include a sleek Herringbone House kitchen. The house is just a few minutes’ walk away from the high street and the river, while Canterbury West station is a 14-minute walk away and runs direct rail services to St Pancras in under an hour.

Setting the Scene

This four-storey house is set in the heart of Canterbury, an endlessly intriguing city that brims with history. A significant settlement in both the Roman and medieval periods, Canterbury’s colourful past is evident in its breathtaking architecture - not least its  Grade I-listed cathedral, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, remarkably, mere minutes from the house.

Temple Mews has its own claim to Canterbury’s history: the house earned its name from the Roman temple ruins discovered beneath its foundations, and it sits within an Area of Archaeological Importance. The distinctive shape of the house is based on the design of a Georgian structure that previously sat on the same site.

The Grand Tour

Chequerboard tiled steps lead up to the house's cheery cherry-red door. On entry, an entrance hall leads to an open-plan kitchen and sitting room with distinctive black skirting boards and architraves. Designed by local makers Herringbone House, the elegant kitchen has built-in appliances, shuttered cottage windows and sleek marble counters.

Adjacent to the sitting room is a light-filled dining room, which forms the bridged part of the house. Velux windows and floor-to-ceiling glazing can be opened on both sides, dissolving the boundaries between outside and in.

Stairs ascend to the upper level, where there are three bright bedrooms embraced by gently sloping roofs. All have simple white-washed walls that contrast with handsome herringbone timber by Castle Street Flooring laid underneath.

A dramatic geometric-tiled bathroom is also on the first floor and is home to a 300-year-old copper bath. Contemporary flair is added by a series of gold fittings.

There is a fourth floor on the ground floor, which is currently configured as a cosy cinema room. An additional bathroom is also found here, with a shower by Catchpole and Rye, as well as a utility room. The house has an additional basement floor, which can be used as a home gym.

The Great Outdoors

The ground floor has a bright patio, perfect for sitting out and perusing a good book. There is space for seating here, as well as potted plants for the horticulturally inclined.

Out and About

Canterbury is renowned for the canals that cut through it, where punting is a popular pastime. The cobbled streets have many shops, restaurants, and pubs flanking both the high street and the roads that lead off it. Highly regarded places to eat include The Corner House, and Ccork for English sparkling wine, while Posilipo is known for its authentic Italian cuisine. Just beyond the city walls, The Goods Shed has wide acclaim for its buzzy atmosphere, market fare, and locally sourced ingredients.

The city is surrounded by ancient woodlands and luscious countryside, making it an excellent base for exploring in nature. Chequer’s Wood and Old Park offers a wealth of wildlife and walking routes, and is just a 10-minute drive from the house. The chalk hills of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are a short drive away, as are the National Trust-maintained White Cliffs of Dover.

The lively harbour town of Whitstable is also a short drive away and has an impressive assortment of independent haunts, striking historic architecture and a thriving cultural scene. Famed historically for its oysters, the epicurean tradition has continued locally with the annual Whitstable Oyster Festival, and year-round at Wheelers Oyster Bar.

There are plenty of schooling options nearby, including the independent King’s School and two grammar schools, Barton Court and Simon Langton.

Canterbury West station is within walking distance, with a direct rail service to St Pancras which takes just under an hour. Canterbury East is also close by and serves the Coast and London. The city is well-connected by road; London is an hour and a half drive via the M2, and the A2 provides access to the Continent.

Council Tax Band: F