Spring Lane, Bidborough, TN3

In a wonderful, discreet location in the sought-after village of Bidborough, within the High Weald Natural Landscape, a handsome, detached country house of quality, surrounded by colourful, landscaped gardens and grounds. Recently the subject of a well -thought-out programme of extension and refurbishment by the current owners, the house has large and bright accommodation arranged over three floors that extends to 3905 square feet – excluding garaging. The brief included maximising the sunny outlook with the use of expansive glazing and upgrading the infrastructure with the installation of air source heat pumps and high spec insulation. Where possible, skills and materials from local Kent artisans and suppliers have been used, including honey coloured Tunbridge Wells sandstone landscaping to front and rear.

With charming exteriors of part painted render, tile hanging and multi-pane double-glazed windows and French doors, the styling is sophisticated yet warm and welcoming with a skilled use of colour. Features include wood burning stoves in two of the reception rooms, a new staircase crafted by a local artisan and engineered limed oak flooring to the ground and lower ground floors by Nutwood. The new extensions have allowed for a fabulous reception hall with a part glazed, country house style front door and glazed ‘Crittall’ style screening. The excellent kitchen/breakfast room has stunning views over the swimming pool, gardens and woodland beyond. Furnished by Neptune, fixtures and fittings include Silestone work surfaces, knurled door furniture by Plank, integrated appliances by Miele, Quooker, Liebherr, a Barazza gas hob and a fully fitted, walk-in pantry. Oak stairs lead down to the garden level office/gym and shower room as well as access to the main terrace. The two principal reception rooms are elegant with the drawing room enjoying sweeping views of the lawns, pond and of Birch Wood and is connected to the dining room by way of wall-to-wall folding part glazed doors, thereby creating a marvellous entertaining space. The atmospheric snug/family room has French doors leading out to a small balcony. To the rear of the kitchen is a large boot room with French doors opening towards the orchard, along with the study and laundry rooms.
Arranged over the first floor are five well-proportioned bedrooms serviced by three bath/shower rooms, one of which is en-suite. The principal bedroom is an expansive space with large bedroom area with steps up to a fitted dressing area and on to a fabulous en suite bathroom with sanitaryware by Qualitex, Esteem with taps by Crosswater. The remaining four bedrooms are serviced by a bathroom and a shower room with two having lockable access to the roof terrace.

Outside

Set at the head of a private access lane, the house is approached via a pair of handmade wooden, estate style electric gates, which open on to a gravel drive passing through the front gardens to the integral garaging. Landscaping throughout has been designed to keep in mind the beauty of the natural surroundings while creating a colourful and relaxed outside space, perfect for friends and family alike. Indian sandstone terracing blends with Tunbridge Wells sandstone walls adjoining the house, while to the side and rear the courtyard and terrace are delineated by stone balustrading. Beyond are sweeping well-tended lawns and herbaceous borders stocked with perennials such as echinacea, gaura, euphorbia, peonies, hydrangea, agapanthus and salvia. Trees and shrubs include a specimen handkerchief tree, rhododendrons, scrambling and fragrant wisteria and oaks with a line of pleached magnolias and a small apple orchard. The swimming pool has its own terracing of Egyptian fossilised pearl limestone and a summerhouse with plant room to the rear. The neighbouring woodland is magnificent with handsome oaks, maple and ash suffused by carpets of bluebells in the spring, along with a weeping willow and a meandering stream. There are various sheds and stores with further under croft storerooms.

Situation

The house is situated in the perfect position for enjoying village life surrounded by glorious countryside, yet within very close proximity of Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells. Bidborough’s recreation ground, tennis court, church and primary school are just along the private lane. A few minutes’ walk further leads to the village shop, schools’ bus stop, community hall and garage, plus the renowned Kentish Hare restaurant.

Rail access to London can be found at Tonbridge (2.7 miles) or Hildenborough (5 miles) stations, with access to the national motorway network via the A21 (1.8 miles). The charming and historic nearby villages of Speldhurst, Penshurst and Leigh each have local stores, public houses, historic churches and places of interest – including Penshurst Place and its monthly farmers’ market.
The property is also perfectly positioned to take full advantage of the exceptional educational facilities at primary and secondary levels in both the state and private sectors including boys and girls grammar schools, excellently rated primary schools, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and Kent College public schools, and preparatory schools including the Schools at Somerhill and Holmewood House.

Property Ref Number:

HAM-58120

Additional Information

Tenure: Freehold
Services: Mains electricity, water and drainage; Air source heat pumps; LPG for cooking.
Local Authority: Tunbridge Wells District Council. Council Tax Band G