Deeze, Appledore, Kent

This 19th-century three-bedroom cottage sits in the heart of Appledore, Kent. Thoughtfully finished by its current owner, the house has a wealth of period features, including casement windows, timber rafters, and a warming fireplace. There are two light-filled reception rooms on the ground floor, along with a smart dining room with French doors that open to carefully landscaped gardens beyond.



Setting the Scene



Appledore is a peaceful village on the border between Kent and East Sussex. Although today it sits inland, from the Saxon period until the 13th century, Appledore was a busy port town on the estuary of the River Rother. Storms during the 13th century caused the river to change its course, leaving Appledore inland. In the early 19th century, the Royal Military Canal was constructed, running from Hythe in Kent to Cliff End in East Sussex, and passing just below Appledore. It was designed as a military defence against the growing threat of invasion from Napoleon.



Today, the river is an excellent spot for nature walks and is home to a variety of wildlife, including kingfishers, grey herons and swans. Despite the town's quiet feel, it is within easy reach of the capital via Appledore station, a three-minute drive from the house, where trains via Ashford International connect to London St Pancras.



The Grand Tour



A private gravelled driveway set back from the road forms the approach to the house. Its neat façade is clad with white-painted weatherboards, and a gabled entrance porch frames a timber front door.



Entry is to a bright and expansive entrance hall with painted exposed rafters overhead. Sisal carpeting extends from here into a welcoming sitting room. Here, a fireplace with a painted timber mantlepiece and a log burner is perfect for hunkering down on a winter’s evening. The space is illuminated by panelled windows on two sides, and French doors unfold onto the garden.



To the left of the entrance hall is a shaker-style kitchen, its cream cabinetry topped with timber work surfaces. Earth-toned tiles run underfoot, and there is a butler sink, a blue electric Aga stove, and a separate oven.



In the adjacent dining room, French doors provide access to the garden beyond, while further light pours into the space care of a panelled window. A handy utility room and a WC are also found on this floor.



A light-filled landing on the first floor is currently used as a library. The principal bedroom has fitted timber storage, and a pretty casement window captures views of the garden. There is an en suite shower room, as well as a dressing room currently used as a home office.



Two additional double bedrooms both have fitted storage, and in one room walls have been papered in an intricate floral pattern. A shared shower room completes the plan, its walls clad in tongue-and-groove panelling washed in a soothing olive tone.



The Great Outdoors



The house is embraced by a verdant garden, thoughtfully designed and landscaped by its current garden designer-owner. Peaceful and private, the space is largely laid to lawn, its borders filled with mature shrubs and flowers.



A paved dining area bordered by neatly planted topiary is perfect for outdoor entertaining, and there is a pergola, a summer house and a greenhouse.



There is a garage at the front of the house, and the driveway offers additional space for vehicles.



Out and About



Appledore is a tranquil village positioned on the Kent-East Sussex border, just a short drive to Tenterden to the north and Rye to the south. The village has its own tearoom, Miss Mollett’s High Class Tea Room, which sits directly opposite the house and is known for its wonderful homemade cakes and vintage interiors. The Old Forge Antiques Centre is a few doors down, and houses a 300-year-old forge as well as antique furniture, lighting, jewellery, and trinkets. The much-loved Black Lion pub is also just a minute’s walk away, while the village store and post office is also close at hand.



The historic market town of Tenterden is a 12-minute drive away. It is home to an array of fine cafés, restaurants and bars, including Brunch & Brew, Montalbano Italian, and The Grapevine Jazz Bar, which has live music five nights a week, as well as its own deli and café.



Some of Kent's best vineyards are within easy reach, including Chapel Down – known for its sparkling wine – and Biddenden. Tillingham is also close by, with its Michelin Green-starred restaurant.



The ancient Cinque Port town of Rye can be reached in 11 minutes by car, renowned for its period architecture as well as its brilliant independent dining and boutique scene. Its twisting lanes are peppered with independent galleries and an independent cinema, Kino, set within an old church building. Popular places to shop include Merchant and Mills, Puckhaber, Sailors, and The Rye Bookshop.



Perfect for a day trip and 20 minutes away by car, Dungeness National Nature Reserve is one of Europe’s largest expanses of shingle, with a lunar landscape and fishermen’s huts lining the beach on each side of a quiet through road. It is also the setting of Prospect Cottage, the house of late artist and film director Derek Jarman. Its iconic garden, made of pebbles, driftwood, scrap metal and a few hardy plants, reflects the windswept landscape of the peninsula.



There are plenty of excellent schools in the area, including Great Chart Primary, St Mary’s C of E Primary and Dulwich Cranbrook, an all-through independent school.



Appledore rail station is a three-minute drive away. From here, there are regular services to Ashford International, which runs services to St Pancras International in approximately 38 minutes.



Council Tax Band: G