Chalk Road, Gravesend, Kent, DA12

GUIDE PRICE £450,000-£500,000

Nestled in the heart of historic Chalk, Gravesend, this charming three-bedroom cottage offers a rare opportunity to own a characterful home with literary significance. Believed to be the honeymoon retreat of Charles Dickens and his wife Catherine in 1836, the property blends period charm with flexible living space and a generous garden—all just a short distance from local amenities and excellent transport links.

Set over three floors and offering approximately 1,096 sq ft of internal living space (plus a 154 sq ft garage), the home is well-proportioned and full of potential. The ground floor features two equally sized reception rooms at the front—ideal as a living room and dining room—while the rear of the property opens into a long, functional kitchen with garden access and ample space for informal dining. A downstairs bathroom with a bath and shower is conveniently located off the inner hallway, adding practicality to the layout.

Upstairs, the first floor comprises three bedrooms. Bedroom 1 and Bedroom 2 are spacious doubles with good natural light, while Bedroom 3 is ideally suited as a home office, nursery, or guest room. A separate W.C. on this level adds convenience without taking up too much space. There's also a section of restricted head height—ideal for additional storage or as a cosy reading nook.

The property benefits from a lower ground-floor cellar, providing useful storage or the potential for conversion, subject to the necessary consents. Outside, the home is surrounded by a large wrap-around garden, offering multiple outdoor zones for relaxing, entertaining, or gardening. With mature boundaries and plenty of space for creative landscaping, it’s a rare outdoor offering in a village setting. A detached garage at the side provides off-street parking or workshop space.

Dickens Honeymoon Cottage, located at 1 Chalk Road in the village of Chalk, Kent, holds a special place in literary history. This early 19th-century, two-storey weatherboarded cottage with a tiled roof is widely believed to be where Charles Dickens and his wife, Catherine Hogarth, spent their honeymoon in April 1836, shortly after their wedding at St Luke’s Church in Chelsea .

During their stay, Dickens began writing the early chapters of The Pickwick Papers, his first major literary success. A plaque above the door commemorates this, stating: "Charles Dickens, Born 1812, Died 1870 spent his honeymoon in this house (1836). Here also were written some early chapters of 'Pickwick'"

The cottage is situated on the north side of Chalk Road and offers views of the River Thames and the surrounding landscape. Dickens held fond memories of the area, often revisiting the village in later years. He was particularly fond of nearby St Mary's Church, known for its unique carved figure above the entrance porch, which he would acknowledge with a nod whenever he passed by .

The cottage is a Grade II listed building, preserving its historical and architectural significance. It has been maintained and updated over the years, retaining much of its original charm while incorporating modern amenities

Exterior
Garden
Door from kitchen leads to garden to side with neat patio area, lawn and shed. Enclosed green panel and conifer surround, fence newly fitted within the last 2 years. Gardens wrap around rear and sides of property, further garden area with gravelling, pathways and outside WC.

Parking & Driveway
Access via Chalk Road, off-road parking for approximately 3 cars.

Key Terms
Chalk is a sought after village on the edge of Gravesend. Local schools, sport centre and amenities are within a short driving distance. Chalk benefits from many fields nearby which is ideal for walkers and owners with dogs. There is also parade of shops within walking distance which include a hairdressers, local store, dentist and doctors surgery.

Owners Comment
Comments from our Vendor:
Lovely character cottage, stays lovely & cool in the summer & warm & cosy in the winter.
Bought it as it is a unique & one off property. We love the history of the cottage & it’s nice to know will now be part of its history.
The open fire in the lounge is perfect especially at Christmas & the new year.
A lovely sized plot which we use a lot for entertaining. The added bonus is the outside toilet which was built in keeping with the cottage.