Eastry Court Lane, Eastry, Kent

The dramatic contemporary profile of this barn conversion in Eastry, Kent, makes a striking impression amid the surrounding agrarian buildings and landscape. Responding to the building's original fabric, a simple but arresting combination of oak and concrete has been used to carve out an expansive three-bedroom home spanning some 2,300 sq ft. A walled garden wraps around the house's easterly aspect, laid with shingle and thoughtfully planted to encourage biodiversity. Despite its rural idyll, Sandwich station is a 10-minute drive away and runs regular high-speed services to London.

The Tour

The house is approached via a driveway that runs parallel to a wildflower meadow and orchard. A reclaimed brick path winds up to the home's front door, which pivots into a generous, bright hallway, where a vast picture window faces the landscaped garden.

Swathes of polished concrete ground the space, continuing throughout. Oak joinery cleverly configures the hallway, which provides access to a generous bathroom with a step-in shower on one side and plenty of storage on the other.

The main living, kitchen and dining spaces unfold to the left. Original beams set within the pitch of the roof highlight its voluminous ceilings and its generous breadth. A wood-burning stove adds a natural focus point, while bespoke joinery on each side provides plenty of shelving space for books or chopped wood. The dedicated study leads from here, with a built-in plywood desk that sits level with the window - an atmospheric spot to read or work.

The kitchen stretches the breadth of the wall and comprises light-oak stained cabinetry with smooth Silestone countertops. All appliances are by Siemens, and there is a large island with additional storage. A built-in corner bench lies in front for dining. Crittall doors open directly onto a garden patio, levelled to create an easy sense of flow between indoors and out. There is also a utility room and pantry, with dedicated shelving for crockery.

Three double bedrooms lie on the opposite side of the home. The main bedroom sits at the rear and embraces a unique twist in the building's structure. Exposed brick and soft-edge rendered walls nod to the building's origins. The room has an en suite bathroom, with striking blue bubble tiles, a walk-in shower and chrome fixtures. A free-standing bathtube lies within the bedroom itself. Each bedroom also has full-height cabinetry with plenty of hanging space.

There is a loft space with plenty of extra storage, accessible via a ladder.

Outdoor Space

Intentionally planted to stimulate biodiversity, the garden has been laid with shingle to reflect the unrivalled stretch of Kentish coast closest to the house. Beds of acers, herbs and a broad array of grasses snake through, creating natural pathways. Several concrete patios serve as easy landing points for outdoor dining or entertaining.

Enclosed by a reclaimed-brick wall, an arched back gate offers additional access to the house.

The Area

The house is perfectly placed for Eastry's local amenities. A butcher's, baker's, pharmacy, post office and local shop are all within easy reach, while the Five Bells is a short walk away, and the perfect spot for Sunday Lunch. The popular Updown Farmhouse is approximately a five-minute drive or a half-hour walk and serves modern European cuisine in a 17th-century former farmstead.

Sandwich is a short drive away, with a wealth of high street shops, eateries and cultural attractions.

The centre of Deal can be reached in 20 minutes by car or by a connecting coastal footpath overlooking the English Channel. The town is well known for its excellent culinary scene: The Rose has stylish rooms and an award-winning restaurant, while bistro-style Frog and Scot and its sister wine bar, Le Pinardier, are just down the road. Merchant of Relish, The Black Pig and Jenkins and Sons are the go-to for groceries, meat and fish respectively. For local produce, there is also a fantastic Saturday farmers’ market.

A little further afield is Canterbury, which brims with history and culture. The city is home to Canterbury Cathedral, the Marlowe Theatre and Canterbury Castle. Highly regarded restaurants and eateries include Cafe Dez, and Ccork for English sparkling wine, while Posilipo is known for its authentic Italian cuisine.

Sandwich's rail station is a 10-minute drive away, with London taking some 90 minutes by high-speed, frequent trains.

Council Tax Band: pending