The Shippe & Primrose Cottage, 40 - 42 High Street, Bridge

A Grade II Listed detached residence, offering over 4,000 sq.ft of artistically arranged accommodation, this remarkable property is divided into two dwellings each enriched by a poetic history and an abundance of period charm.

Dating back to the 15th century, the home carries centuries of heritage within its walls. Once four cottages and later incorporating a former oast house used for drying hops in the traditional Kentish manner the property reflects the villages rural and agricultural past. It subsequently served as a public house before evolving into a distinguished family residence with a self-contained annexe. Today, it flourishes with character features including exposed brickwork, ancient beams, open fireplaces, and intricate stained glass. The current owners have enhanced the property with creative interior design, fine décor and thoughtful craftsmanship.

Nestled in the heart of Bridge village, and offering excellent access to the cathedral city of Canterbury, the residence enjoys off-road parking and a south-facing rear garden.

A gated courtyard leads to a handsome front door framed by rustic brickwork and lattice-led windows. Inside, an elegant reception hall with a wood-burning stove forms the centre of the home, with a staircase rising to the first floor.

To the right lies a charming dining room, flowing seamlessly into a country-style kitchen complete with a Belfast sink, oak cabinetry, granite worktops, and freestanding appliances.

A dual-aspect sitting room occupies the front of the property, while from the hallway a short flight of steps descends into a barrel-vaulted cellar, long enjoyed as a family games room. Exceptionally versatile, this space also benefits from a recently installed luxury bathroom and a utility area.

On the first floor, a galleried landing, perfectly suited as a reading nook forms the heart of the upper level. From here, five generously proportioned bedrooms and a well-appointed family bathroom with separate shower and WC are elegantly arranged.

ANNEXE:

Linked to the principal home, Primrose Cottage is a delightful independent retreat comprising two bedrooms, exposed timberwork, a warm sitting room with a wood-burning stove, a fitted kitchen, a bathroom, and a secluded courtyard garden. Currently run as a thriving Airbnb, it provides valuable scope for guest accommodation or revenue generation.

OUTSIDE:

Occupying a generous plot, which incorporates off road parking, a characterful courtyard, adorned in vines and established climbers making it the ideal place for alfresco dining, whilst the main garden enjoys a southerly facing position and is mainly laid to lawn with young trees and established shrubs.

SITUATION:

The village of Bridge sits within the picturesque Nailbourne Valley, enjoying an attractive rural setting along the historic Roman road of Watling Street. Located just 2.5 miles southeast of Canterbury and 12 miles from Dover, it is a sought-after residential village for those working in the cathedral city and surrounding towns. Bridge offers an excellent range of day-to-day amenities, including a Post Office, butcher, health centre, primary school, dental surgery, mini-market, three public houses, and various other local services.

Nearby Canterbury is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a thriving centre that blends popular High Street brands with an eclectic collection of independent shops, cafés, and international restaurants. The city also provides a wide choice of sporting, leisure, and cultural facilities, including the acclaimed and recently refurbished Marlowe Theatre.

Canterbury is well served by educational institutions, offering highly regarded Grammar schools, respected private schools, and three universities. The city has regular rail services to London Victoria, Charing Cross, and Cannon Street, while the high-speed line from Canterbury West connects to London St Pancras in just under an hour.

Ashford International and the Channel Tunnel at Folkestone lie approximately 14 miles away, providing Eurostar and shuttle services to continental Europe, and the A2/M2 motorway offers convenient access to both London and the Port of Dover.

The surrounding countryside is predominantly farmland, ideal for outdoor pursuits such as walking, cycling, and horse riding. The nearby Stodmarsh Nature Reserve provides exceptional bird-watching opportunities, and the area is dotted with charming villages such as Wingham, Littlebourne, Ickham, and Wickhambreaux each with traditional pubs and a strong sense of community, offering the perfect balance between rural tranquillity and city convenience.








We endeavour to make our sales particulars accurate and reliable, however, they do not constitute or form part of an offer or any contract and none is to be relied upon as statements of representation or fact. Any services, systems and appliances listed in this specification have not been tested by us and no guarantee as to their operating ability or efficiency is given. All measurements, floor plans and site plans are a guide to prospective buyers only, and are not precise. Fixtures and fittings shown in any photographs are not necessarily included in the sale and need to be agreed with the seller.