Woodbury Park Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

This elegant six-bedroom house sits in an elevated position on a peaceful street in central Tunbridge Wells. Extending to over 3,000 sq ft internally, it has been sensitively renovated by its current owners, who have curated an infectious palette of colour, pattern and texture throughout, resulting in a sequence of considered and joyful living spaces. The terraced garden is a tranquil, flexible space with two studios amid a spritely offering of fruit trees.



Setting the Scene



Royal Tunbridge Wells has long been a popular spot in the south-east. Its origins lie in the 17th century, when it became a spa town following Lord North's discovery of the Chalybeate Spring in 1606. The town expanded from the Pantiles, a beautiful part with much of its arresting historic architecture still in situ. Popular with royalty, it was given the 'Royal' prefix at the start of the 20th century.



This handsome house is within walking distance of some of the town’s best-loved bars and restaurants. It is also well-connected for exploring the rest of the High Weald National Landscape, and is within easy commuting distance of London via High Brooms and Tunbridge Wells stations. Inside, contemporary interventions are sensitive, honouring the original and grand fabric of the building.



The Grand Tour



Entry to the house is via a short flight of limestone steps and through an original glazed front door flanked by stained-glass transoms. At the rear of the hall, a large dining area is met with expansive aluminium-framed bifold glazed doors that open entirely, fostering a dialogue with the richly planted garden. An original, working fireplace faces the dining area, while ornate cornicing traces around the perimeter of the ceiling.



On one side, a contemporary angular aperture leads to the kitchen. Here, bold yellow Corian work surfaces rest atop a bespoke Kutchenhaus kitchen complete with AEG appliances including double-stacked electric ovens, an induction hob, one of two integrated dishwashers and a large integrated fridge-freezer with a separate wine fridge. 'Lamp Black' woodwork from Little Greene creates a vivid contrast against 'Mister David' yellow walls. A floor hatch steps down to a full, head-height cellar.



The snug is oriented around a working fireplace with a richly veined original terracotta marble surround. Wallpaper from Osborne & Little adds texture, while dual apertures on either side of the chimney breast allow seamless, circular flow into a grand living room with a large south-facing bay window. A second beautiful fireplace here acts as a visual anchor.



Upstairs are six bedrooms and a study. The principal bedroom features Cole & Son 'Cow Parsley' wallpaper, is flooded with natural light, and has a spacious en suite with a freestanding bathtub, a walk-in shower and Burlington fixtures. There are two additional double bedrooms on this floor, along with a red metro-tiled shower room cum utility room. On the second floor are three further double rooms, each with a sense of seclusion, as well as a further shower/bathroom with a simple monochromatic scheme. The house and studios are connected throughout with smart Hue lighting systems and Hive thermostatic controls.



The Great Outdoors



The garden itself is a tranquil spot, carefully laid out to include a pond alongside various fruit trees, including plum, medlar, quince, fig and banana – an ode to the area’s former role as the orchard for the royal quarters of the town.



Currently used as a yoga studio and osteopathy treatment room, the main garden studio is an incredibly flexible space with an entrance hall, bathroom, air conditioning and direct, gated side access. A secluded second studio, clad in cedar and with plumbing and WiFi connectivity, is positioned on the top tier of the terraced garden; a sun trap in the warmer months.



There are a number of additional outbuildings including a workshop, garden shed, woodstore and bike store, as well as parking space available for up to five cars on a private gravel driveway.



Out and About



The house sits on a quiet residential street in the heart of Tunbridge Wells. Local independent cafés and restaurants include St Kilda, The Bakery TW, Cantuccio, The Hidden Well. Additionally, Michelin recommended restaurants such as The Counter by Robin Read, Tallow, The Kentish Hare, and Thackeray's are all within 10-minutes drive, or closer. Camden Road, known for its stretch of independent shops, cafes, and bakeries, is a 13-minute walk away, where the Old Spot Butchery sits alongside the inimitable Halstead Bakery.



Local pubs and bars in the town and the nearby countryside include The Beau Nash Tavern, Charlotte's, The Shuffle House, Saint John's Yard and The Beacon.



The Pantiles are a particularly lovely part of the town to explore, shaped by elegant Georgian architecture. The spot also plays host to live jazz performances on the bandstand on summer evenings. There are festivals in the town throughout the year, including the Fringe, Local & Live, and a literary festival at The Amelia Scott, a local library.



There are many highly regarded state and private schools in Tunbridge Wells and the local surrounding area, including Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar, Tunbridge Wells Boys’ Grammar, Tonbridge School, Judd, the Skinners’ School, Claremont, Holmewood House, Rose Hill and The Mead.



High Brooms rail station is a 17-minute walk from the house, with services to London Charing Cross in approximately 37 minutes. Tunbridge Wells rail station is only slightly further afield. The M25, Ashford (for the Channel Tunnel) and Gatwick Airport are all within easy driving distance.



Council Tax Band: F