Nestling in 1.46 acres of grounds on the outskirts of Stelling Minnis, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is this delightful period farmhouse with its origins dating back to the mid-17th Century and extensions added in the 20th Century. It also includes a large and a small paddock as well as a classic U shaped stable block, with a central cupola, that has been partly converted into a useful annexe. The rest of the block includes three stables and a very large workshop with loft storage and would be ideal for new owners with an equestrian interest or could be converted into additional accommodation, subject to the necessary planning permissions.
The property is located just off the famous Minnis and approached through a five bar gate that leads to a spacious driveway and parking area to the rear of the property as well as to a large block paved hard standing outside the stables and steps up the usual entrance. There is also a gate and pathway flanked by the front lawn that leads to the rarely used front porch and period front door.
The property is full of wonderful period features including wood doors, exposed beams and a hallway with original herringbone tiled flooring with storage cupboards. This has a door to the characterful dining room that features a brick wall and an inglenook fireplace that includes a Bressummer beam believed to come from a Tudor shipyard, and the original bread oven. There is an adjacent utility room with tiled flooring, additional appliances, storage facilities and a large tank as well as a lobby leading the spacious and dual aspect sitting room.
This lovely room also has a brick wall around a large inglenook with a log burner that is just the place to cosy up to on a cool winter’s evening. It features exposed ceiling and wall beams as well as a brick covered vertical beam and the original inner front door. There is also an oak staircase to the first floor, a second fireplace and access to the 1960s extension that includes a charming snug with painted ceiling beams and where you can enjoy a quiet read or relax in front of the television. Beyond the snug is a very useful study that is ideal for anyone working from home.
At the other end of the property is the 1980s extension incorporating a contemporary kitchen with an electric Aga, a larder and shaker style units housing a fridge and a dishwasher. It is open plan to a conservatory providing a seating and dining area with delightful views over the garden and French doors to the terrace.
On the first floor there is almost a separate suite that consists of a double bedroom with fitted shelving and deep built in wardrobes as well as an adjacent bathroom. While the rest of the first floor accommodation is accessed off the corridor with original ceiling beams, high wood skirtings and wood doors. There is a family bathroom, a storage cupboard and three double bedrooms including one with an ensuite shower and the first bedroom suite with a walk in wardrobe and fitted cupboards as well as an ensuite bathroom.
There is a large gravel driveway and a vast block paved courtyard surrounded by the stable block providing plenty of off road parking for numerous vehicles as well as access to the annexe that would make an ideal home for adult children, older relatives or a holiday let for anyone wanting to experience rural life.
The annexe front door opens into a tiled hallway with access to the ground floor accommodation. This includes a delightful and spacious dual aspect lounge with a lovely inglenook fireplace incorporating a beautiful old beam, a log burner and a log store as well as stairs to the first floor. You will also fine a well-proportioned kitchen/diner with a larder and fitted units housing a hob, a double oven and fridge freezer while leaving plenty of space for a table and chairs. There is also an external door to a courtyard style garden with raised shrub beds and a large utility room with additional appliances and separate toilet.
Upstairs the galleried landing includes a vaulted ceiling and access to the attic. It is large enough for an office and seating area and leads to the bathroom with a corner bath in one direction and the spacious double bedroom in the other. This has a vaulted ceiling, Velux windows, storage cupboards and stable doors to a charming balcony.
High hedging shields the property from view and includes the front lawn and terrace as well as a lovely cherry blossom tree. There is also a greenhouse, a rear lawn and a gate to a wild garden with a plethora of trees and shrubs interspersed with lawned pathways. This leads to a paddock that is currently used as a wildlife garden and could always be trimmed back for animal use and is adjacent to a smaller paddock with fruit trees and a log store.