Manor Lane, Hollingbourne, Maidstone, Kent

Hollingbourne Manor is a fine manor house dating from the late 16th century. The property displays handsome red-brick elevations, striking tall chimney stacks and splendid decorative kneeler gables, while internally there is a refined elegance and sense of grandeur to the accommodation.

At the front of the house are two principal reception rooms: a beautifully appointed sitting room with an imposing fireplace, and an impressive formal dining room with rich panelled walls. Both rooms feature high, corniced and patterned ceilings, as well as large windows that welcome an abundance of natural light. To the rear, there is a study and a library, while the brick-vaulted crypt offers potential for use as an additional reception room or studio. The well-equipped kitchen is fitted with modern units, a granite-topped central island, a breakfast bar and a range cooker with French Windows overlooking the garden, while the pantry, utility room and cellar provide further space for storage and appliances.

On the first floor there are two immaculate double bedrooms, both en suite, including the luxurious principal bedroom with its dressing room and en suite bathroom. Stairs continue to the second floor, where there are two further double bedrooms, one of which benefits from a sitting area, kitchenette and en suite bathroom. Additional accommodation is provided by a self-contained flat with its own ground-floor entrance, with stairs rising to a first-floor living space comprising a well-appointed sitting area and kitchen, two double bedrooms and a shower room.

Outside, the delightful landscaped gardens feature extensive lawns, box hedging, patio areas lined with colourful flowering perennials, an ornamental pond, and a wealth of mature trees, shrubs and hedged borders. Garden outbuildings include a summer house, shed and a studio with French doors opening to take in splendid views across the grounds. At the entrance, gates open onto a gravel driveway, providing ample parking to the front and side, as well as access to the integrated garage.

The house is located in the small and popular village of Hollingbourne within the North Downs National Landscape, an exceptional rural setting characterised by wide expanses of undulating farm and woodland. The countryside can be enjoyed by cycling through the various lanes or walking and riding the extensive network of footpaths and bridleways. The village offers access to several everyday amenities, including two pubs, a village hall and a primary school, while nearby Harrietsham offers further facilities, including a Co-op and a doctor’s surgery. Additional facilities are available in nearby Lenham, Headcorn and Maidstone. Transport links are excellent, with M20 (Junction 8) just two miles distant, while rail services are available from Hollingbourne station. The local area is home to a plethora of well-regarded schools, including state grammars in Maidstone and Sutton Valence Independent School.