Hayle Mill, Maidstone, Kent

Positioned within the Loose Valley conservation area, this wonderful three-bedroom duplex apartment occupies part of a Grade II*-listed 19th-century paper mill. While the wider setting is steeped in history, the home itself is resolutely contemporary, designed with easy, modern living in mind. Maidstone West station is a 10-minute drive from Hayle Mill and runs a rail service to St Pancras in around 52 minutes.



The Building



Hayle Mill is a Grade II*-listed water-powered paper mill thought to date to the early 19th century. The site was designed around a drying loft, which Historic England describing the structure as "highly significant [...] specifically designed to provide a controlled flow of air through louvred side walls". The building has since been converted into apartments, though a sense of its early history has been keenly preserved by a series of period features and by a large mill pond at the rear.



The Tour



Hayle Mill lies within a private gated area and is surrounded by verdant communal gardens. Entry to the building is via a shared entrance, with the front door of the apartment beyond. This opens to a hallway with an adjoining WC and stairs that curve up to an expansive open-plan living room above.



Natural light floods into the room through glazed French doors, which in turn lead out onto a sun deck with arresting views of the mill pond. The living room itself is orientated towards a purely decorative stove fitted in an original fireplace.



A set of stairs rises to an elevated dining area, where skylights have been cleverly positioned to maximise natural light. The kitchen sits behind, with tiled walls and elegant joinery in a dark-green hue with gold accents. There is a built-in fridge, freezer and dishwasher, along with a serving hatch for the dining area.



From the kitchen, a hallway leads to a bathroom and a bedroom, which could also be used as a study – a desk is built into the wardrobe with oak sliding door to cover it. There are two more bedrooms on the top floor, both with an original timber beam overhead. The principal bedroom also has timber architraves on three of its six original windows. An en suite shower room adjoins and has smart finishes.



Outdoor Space



The apartment has a wooden deck that looks out onto a tranquil mill pond, home to ducks, coots and kingfishers. High fences on each side of the deck create a sense of privacy, with uninterrupted views over the water and towards the trees beyond.



Residents also have access to a shared garden at the front of the building, with lush green foliage and a stream running alongside.



Two private parking spaces are provided on the grounds, and there is additional guest parking.



The Area



Known as ‘the heart of Kent’, Maidstone is a historic town that blends rural charm and modern amenities. Just outside the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is conveniently situated for access to rural Kent, the south coast and central London.



There are plenty of dining-out options in the local area; rustic café-bistro Frédéric Bistro serves a fresh, seasonal menu and has a long wine list, while Fish on the Green is a favourite for delectable oysters, lobster and more.



There are near endless opportunities for adventures in nature in the surrounding area. Hayle Park Nature Reserve is close by and is wonderful for wildlife spotting. Some of England’s finest country houses and gardens are within driving distance, such as Sissinghurst Castle Garden and Leeds, Scotney and Hever castles.



There are several schools in the area, including Oaks Primary Academy, Loose Primary School, Invicta Grammar School for Girls and Maidstone Grammar School for Boys.



Maidstone East station is a 10-minute drive (or 14-minute cycle) from the apartment and runs regular services to London St Pancras. The M20 is around a 12-minute drive away for travel towards the Kentish coast.



Tenure: Leasehold / Lease Length: Approx. 987 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx. £4500 per annum / Ground Rent: Approx. £150 per annum / Council Tax Band: E