High Street, Yalding, Maidstone, Kent ME18

Coming to the market for the first time in 42 years, this magnificent Grade II* listed detached red brick village house is a prominent and historically significant home in the heart of Yalding. Dating from the late 17th century, the property occupies a commanding position within the village and is rich in period character, boasting high ceilings, original architectural detailing, elegant sash windows throughout and a wealth of historic features. Lovingly cared for by the current owners for many decades, the house now presents a rare opportunity for an incoming purchaser to sensitively update and enhance the accommodation while preserving its exceptional heritage and charm.

Arranged predominantly over three floors and complemented by extensive cellars below, the property offers generously proportioned accommodation extending to over 6,000 sq ft. Further enhancing its appeal is the attached one-bedroom annexe, known as The Dairy House, providing versatile ancillary accommodation. The handsome front elevation is distinguished by attractive quoins, decorative cornicing and iron railings, creating an impressive sense of grandeur.

The ground floor showcases two elegant principal reception rooms to the front of the house, both featuring wood panelling, wooden flooring and beautiful fireplaces, one incorporating a wood-burning stove. Currently arranged as a formal dining room and sitting room, these rooms provide wonderful spaces for entertaining. To the rear, a cosy family room benefits from a further wood burner, while the charming kitchen is centred around a traditional pale blue Aga and offers additional oven and hob facilities, together with ample space for informal dining.

A grand staircase rises to the first floor, where the principal bedroom enjoys an ensuite bathroom with both standalone bath and separate shower. A second bedroom benefits from a connecting dressing room. A further bedroom and family bathroom complete this level's accommodation. The second floor provides five additional bedrooms alongside a shower room, ideal for larger families or guests. Beyond this, a staircase leads to an extensive boarded attic, offering excellent storage or potential for future adaptation, subject to any necessary consents.

The Dairy House (annexe) enjoys its own private entrance and comprises a bedroom, bathroom, WC and kitchen/dining room on the ground floor, with stairs rising to a large, light-filled first-floor living space enjoying delightful views across the gardens and village beyond. This could be incorporated back into the main house if desired.

Outside, the property sits within beautifully maintained gardens extending to approximately three-quarters of an acre. Mature hedging and trees provide a wonderful backdrop to well-stocked flower borders, a productive vegetable garden, cutting garden and greenhouse. A generous driveway provides parking for numerous vehicles and is complemented by a three-bay open garage and adjoing lockable single garage with useful storage above.

Combining historical significance, architectural elegance, and tremendous potential, this exceptional village property offers a rare opportunity to sympathetically update and enhance a distinguished period home.

Situated in the heart of Yalding village, this imposing village house is perfectly positioned to enjoy all that the village has to offer, including its own church, post office, village store, tea rooms, doctor's surgery and primary school. Paddock Wood (5 miles) has many shops, including a Waitrose, pharmacy and excellent family butcher. Coxheath (3.7 miles) has a Tesco Express, pharmacy, bakery and butcher. Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone all offer more comprehensive educational, recreational and shopping facilities. The Marina and Boathouse in Yalding provide access to wonderful walking and leisure opportunities along the river Medway.

Yalding Station has train services running between Paddock Wood and the Medway towns via Maidstone. Paddock Wood offers direct services to London Charing Cross, Cannon Street, Waterloo East and London Bridge in approximately 45 to 50 minutes whilst a bus stop outside the house is conveninent for schools. The motorway network can be accessed via the M20 at Maidstone (Junction 7) or via the M26/M20 at Wrotham, providing access to the M25, Gatwick, Heathrow and Stansted airports, the Channel Tunnel and Bluewater Shopping Centre.

There is an excellent selection of schools in the area, including local primary schools in Yalding and Hunton. Independent schools include Sutton Valence Preparatory and Senior Schools, Cranbrook School, Dulwich and The Schools at Somerhill in Tonbridge. Secondary options include Tonbridge School, Sevenoaks School, The King's School in Canterbury and King's School Rochester. In addition, there are highly regarded grammar schools in both Maidstone and Tonbridge, all easily accessible by train or bus.

Leisure facilities in the area include leisure centres in Maidstone, Tonbridge and Cranbrook. Marden has an excellent hockey club and tennis facilities, while rugby is played in Maidstone, Tonbridge and Cranbrook. For golf enthusiasts, there are clubs at Kings Hill, Wrotham and West Malling among a few.