Historic Leybourne Castle - West Malling

£3,750,000 Guide Price. Imposing Grade II* listed 9,900 sq ft estate with detached one-bedroom annex, set within approx. 4.5 acres enjoying far-reaching farmland views. Featuring a traditional oak kitchen, five reception rooms, eight bedrooms, luxurious en suites and family bathrooms, alongside grand light-filled interiors rich in period character. Additional highlights include a library/study, utility/laundry room, pantry, wine store, detached garaging/workshop, extensive parking, sweeping gated driveway and charming bastion courtyard garden. Ideally located close to West Malling with excellent road and rail links and highly regarded schools nearby.

Fine & Country proudly presents Leybourne Castle, a truly rare and remarkable Grade II* listed residence and Scheduled Ancient Monument, dating back to the 13th century. Set within 4.5 acres of private, elevated grounds, the estate extends to nearly 7,800 square feet, including a detached one-bedroom chapel conversion. Imposing, historic and entirely unique, this is a once in a generation opportunity to acquire one of Kent’s most distinctive homes, just moments from the award-winning market town of West Malling.

Beyond wrought iron gates, a long sweeping cobbled driveway sets an immediate sense of occasion, guiding you towards the original gatehouse where semi-circular bastions and ancient stonework create an unforgettable first impression. Believed to date from 1240, the Castle’s historic fabric has been carefully preserved and thoughtfully combined with a 16th century farmhouse, later restored in the 1930s, resulting in a home of remarkable architectural depth and character.

The principal residence extends to approximately 6,870 square feet, offering a beautifully balanced arrangement of accommodation that combines scale, flexibility, and character in equal measure. Currently configured to provide eight bedrooms alongside an array of elegant living spaces, the home lends itself naturally to both family life and entertaining, creating a timeless, grand yet welcoming residence.

The ground floor unfolds from an impressive reception hall into a series of five beautifully proportioned reception rooms, each rich in character and architectural detail. The Great Room stands as a particularly striking space, centred around an imposing open fireplace and offering a wonderful sense of scale for both formal entertaining and relaxed gatherings. A formal dining room provides an elegant setting for more refined occasions, while a beautifully appointed library and office create a distinguished and practical working environment. A further reception is currently arranged as a playroom, enhancing the versatility of the layout. High ceilings, leaded light windows, and an abundance of natural light enhance the sense of space throughout, complemented by oak panelling and period detailing.

At the heart of the home, the kitchen and breakfast room is both functional and inviting, fitted in traditional oak and supported by a well-appointed pantry and a dedicated laundry/utility room. A wine store, adds a further layer of practicality and appeal, perfectly suited to both day to day living and larger scale entertaining.

A truly unique feature lies within one of the original bastions, where a cobbled internal courtyard, complete with a central well, offers a secluded and atmospheric retreat, a cool and peaceful setting during warmer months and a constant reminder of the Castle’s rich past.

Ascending the principal staircase, a beautifully ornate oak feature with exquisite carved detailing, the first floor reveals a collection of well balanced and inviting rooms. The principal suite enjoys a double aspect, accompanied by a luxurious en suite bathroom and a fitted dressing room. The additional bedrooms are served by two well appointed bathrooms, thoughtfully designed with a sense of elegance, featuring both roll top bathtubs and separate shower facilities. A refined drawing room provides an additional reception space on this level, enjoying an elevated outlook and offering flexibility to be utilised as an additional bedroom if desired.

Complementing the main residence, the detached one-bedroom cottage, believed to have once served as a chapel, provides superb ancillary accommodation. Rich in character, with stone walls and stone floors enhanced by underfloor heating, it features a striking double height reception area with vaulted ceiling, alongside a second reception arranged as a sunroom, enjoying a pleasing vista over neighbouring farmland. The shaker style kitchen, finished in rich oak, provides a well-appointed and cohesive space, while a spiral staircase rises to a mezzanine bedroom. A contemporary wet room completes the accommodation, making it ideal for guests, extended family, or independent living.

Leybourne Castle stands enviably within approximately 4.5 acres of landscaped grounds, designed in a parkland style and framed by mature hedging and an array of specimen trees, ensuring both privacy and tranquillity. An orchard with a variety of traditional fruit trees, alongside greenhouses and additional outbuildings, adds both charm and practicality to the setting.

A substantial garage complex provides extensive parking and is complemented by a fully equipped workshop, including a vehicle inspection pit, ideal for collectors or enthusiasts. Further outbuildings, including a generous tractor shed, provide excellent storage and scope for recreational or practical use, enhancing the overall versatility of the estate.

The property occupies an elevated position overlooking open farmland to the west and the historic Leybourne Church to the east, creating a picturesque and highly desirable setting. The award-winning market town of West Malling is just moments away, offering a vibrant mix of boutique shops, restaurants, cafés, and traditional public houses. Excellent transport links are close by, with convenient access to the M20 and M2 motorway networks, while mainline rail services from West Malling provide direct connections to London Bridge, Charing Cross and Victoria in under 45 minutes. The area is also well regarded for its range of respected state and grammar schools.

A home of exceptional provenance, architectural significance, and enduring appeal, Leybourne Castle now awaits its next custodian.

Freehold
Grade II* Listed
Council Tax Band - Main House H
Council Tax Band - Annexe D
EPC Rating Main House E
EPC Rating Annexe F
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