Biddenden, Ashford, Kent, TN27

A handsome and historic Grade II listed country home with outbuildings and lovely gardens and grounds, extending to over 4.5 acres.

Description

River Hall is a handsome Grade II listed country house of generous proportions, a fascinating L shaped, late medieval hall house, which was refaced in the 18th century and still retains an abundance of interesting period features including high ceilings, exposed timbers, beams, brick and wooden floors together with sash and casement windows, open fireplaces and, externally a square wooden bell turret with working bell and cupola over.

The property is located off a country lane and nestles amidst lovely part walled gardens and grounds which surround the house and extend to about 4.5 acres with countryside views. In addition, various outbuildings include a double garage and stables/stores.

Now coming to the market for the first time in almost 50 years, River Hall presents would-be purchasers with a wonderful opportunity to acquire a fascinating property, with potential for some updating. Internally, the accommodation amounts to over 5,000 sq ft, which flows well, with the entrance hall leading through to a most impressive dining/reception hall, that we understand would have once been the original section of the house, with an open fireplace and, to the southern end of the room evidence of some of the later additions; a wide turned Jacobean staircase rising up to the first floor. Continuing on the ground floor the interconnecting reception rooms include a part panelled drawing room, a snug and a parlour/dining room.

The farmhouse kitchen/breakfast room featuring old terracotta floor tiles, has fitted cupboards, an old antique pine dresser, an oil fired AGA and space for various appliances. Adjacent to the kitchen is a walk-in pantry with ample shelving in place. Completing the ground floor is a study, a versatile games room in what was once ‘the buttery’ and a shower room.

Over the first floor there are a total of seven substantial bedrooms served by two bathrooms, (one Jack and Jill to bedrooms two and five) and one family bathroom. A number of the bedrooms feature oak flooring and several have open fireplaces and wash hand basins, whilst all enjoy varying outlooks over the gardens and neighbouring countryside. Stairs lead up to the second floor where there is access (restricted in areas) to two sizeable attic rooms.

River Hall is approached via a gated gravel drive to one side, leading to a parking area to the north of the house and the detached double garage with stables/store rooms to the rear.
The attractive and well established gardens which surround the house provide a lovely setting, with Bethersden marble terracing and manicured box to the formal front garden, to the rear lawns are edged by mixed hedging, there is a pond and an array of mature trees including oaks and varieties of fruit trees. The gardens continue to the Millennium wood which in turn adjoins the enclosed field.

Location

The local Kentish village of Biddenden (1.5 miles) has a Church of England school, Parish Church, village store/post office, pub and a fine dining restaurant. There are also squash and lawn tennis clubs, bowls club, football pitches, Chart Hills Golf Club and a community field. Headcorn (4.6 miles), Tenterden (4.7 miles) and Cranbrook (7.2 miles) all have leading supermarkets, a range of restaurants, shops and leisure facilities. There are more cinemas and shops in Ashford (11 miles) and Rye (16 miles).

Mainline rail services run from Headcorn (4.8 miles) to London Bridge, Waterloo, Charing Cross and Cannon Street. Ashford International (11 miles) to London St Pancras in about 37 minutes.

There is an excellent selection of schools in both the state and private sectors at primary and secondary levels.

The M25 can be accessed via the M20 at Leeds (13 miles), providing links to Gatwick and Heathrow airports and other motorways.

* All mileages and distances are approximate

Square Footage: 5,558 sq ft


Acreage: 4.5 Acres

Directions



Additional Info

Services: Oil fired central heating, mains water and electricity. Private drainage via Klargester.

Agent's Note: Please note that the sellers have recently made a retrospective planning and conservation application for some internal works.