Upnor, Rochester, Kent, ME2

An exquisite historic Grade II Listed country house in private secluded grounds.

Description

Upnor Castle House is an elegant, comfortable historic country house dating from the 17th century and extended circa 1800, Listed Grade II and set in about 4 acres. The house was built by the Admiralty to provide accommodation for the senior officer in charge of Upnor Castle and over the centuries has witnessed its fair share of events. During the Civil War Upnor Castle and its associated buildings fell into Parliamentary hands, only to be taken by the Royalists in 1648 and retaken by the Parliamentarians following the battle of Maidstone in June 1648. By then the buildings were in poor condition and Admiral Howard ordered the defences at to be upgraded and the work overseen by Sir John Leveson.

The earliest building at Upnor Castle House was thought to have been a small two storey dwelling but the improvements in the mid-seventeenth century probably included the first phase of the present house. Although the exact date is not known, a small silk and leather shoe, which was found during the course of restoration work, has been dated to between 1660 and 1680. Hiding a shoe in a wall or loft space was a custom which was thought to keep away evil spirits and bring good luck.

In 1807 the Admiralty again decided to upgrade England’s defences and it is believed it was at this point Upnor Castle House was enlarged and re-fronted. The likely architect was Edward Holl, architect to the Navy Board. This gave Upnor Castle House the very elegant Georgian façade overlooking the gardens which run down to the Castle grounds. The spacious reception rooms and principal bedrooms on the first floor clearly signify this was a house of some importance.

During the Second World War Upnor was to see action once more. In June 1941 two German bombs fell in the grounds of Upnor Castle House. The house survived with only minor damage, but small pieces of shrapnel can still be found buried in the door frame and shutter of the first floor guest bedroom.

The main house comprises a grand entrance hall, dining room, drawing room, sitting room, garden room, well equipped kitchen/breakfast room, cloakroom and laundry room with a wealth of period features including a working historic maids bell system, shutters, sash windows, wooden floors, panelled doors, picture rails, panelling, four fully operational stove fireplaces and underfloor heating in each bathroom.

Two principal bedroom suites each with dressing rooms and bathrooms overlook the garden with panoramic views to the river, There are four further bedrooms and a family bathroom. The accommodation provides flexibility and comfort with a Hive wireless central heating and lighting system.

The Stables - The Stables, of brick construction, provides secondary accommodation with a fitted kitchen, living room, two bedrooms and a bathroom.

Gardens and Grounds- The property is approached through magnificent gates with lead plaques of Queen Elizabeth I on each pillar commemorating her visit to the estate. A gravel drive leads to the front entrance of the main house. The high estate walls provide privacy and security.

The mature, well established gardens are well stocked with glorious roses, wisteria, a variety of mature specimen trees, fruit trees including according to folklore a mulberry tree planted by Queen Elizabeth 1. There is a lawn tennis court, swimming pool, outbuildings (including a river view outbuilding with potential, subject to planning, for conversion to an office or amazing entertaining space). There is also a WWII bomb shelter and cottage with further development opportunities.

Location

Located in this picturesque hamlet of Upnor, with its Padel, Tennis and Cricket Clubs (0.3 of a mile) and the Royal Medway Yacht Club (0.8 of a mile), it is perfectly positioned for beautiful riverside walks and just moments away from Upnor beach. It embodies the essence of modern-day living in a tranquil village setting.

Additionally, there are local restaurants, four country pubs, the marina, and Upnor Castle, making it an enviable location that offers a wonderful lifestyle whilst still being easily accessible to main towns, road links, and train connections to London, including frequent rail services from Rochester to London St Pancras (from 36 minutes).

Situated in close proximity to motorway links and the town, this property offers unparalleled accessibility while still embracing the serenity of the countryside. Whether you're seeking a sanctuary away from everyday life or a prestigious residence, this exceptional property seamlessly blends the best of both worlds.

*All mileages and distances are approximate

Square Footage: 5,866 sq ft


Acreage: 4 Acres

Directions



Additional Info

Services: LPG central heating, mains water, electricity and mains drainage.