Southernden Road, Egerton, Kent

The Black House a charming country home nestled in the peace and quiet of the Kentish countryside but well placed to access the rail and road networks and thus a highly appealing lifestyle.

The house provides a wonderfully comfortable balance of accommodation which has been skilfully created around the 16th century origins enhancing the accommodation whilst maintaining the original features and quality of the period building. As a result, the house provides the more open plan day to day living spaces so sought after by families as well as separate reception rooms in which to relax. Surrounded by stunning mature gardens and grounds, which provide the perfect backdrop, the house is immersed in its idyllic rural surroundings.

The front door is situated as traditionally found in a Kentish farmhouse opening to a lobby adjacent to a substantial chimney stack with rooms either side. The drawing room is a generous room with a deep inglenook fireplace and windows to three aspects allowing plenty of light. To the other side the space opens up to provide a generous morning, dining and kitchen space with exposed timbers loosely dividing he different areas. Oak floorboards and honey colour beams continue throughout giving character and warmth. The traditionally styled bespoke kitchen by Mounts Hill Woodcraft provides a timeless and practical space arranged around an Aga. A garden room with sleek Crittall style fenestration and French doors sits neatly to the southeast elevation and connects the house with the pretty gardens.

Adjacent to the kitchen a comfortable sitting room occupies a beautifully crafted later addition to the building. Beams emulate the original character, and a further deep inglenook is a wonderful focal point housing a wood burning stove.

A boot/utility room with a door leading outside, provides the practical space so essential to the smooth functioning of a country home. There is also a cloakroom.

The bedroom accommodation has a flexible layout accessed by two staircases, each leading to landings from which the stairs continue to the second floor. To one end two bedrooms sit either side of a family shower room and to the other is the principal bedroom and a bathroom with a freestanding bath. An interconnecting room can be independently accessed from either landing so can be used as a further bedroom or as it is currently, as a peaceful study. The attic bedrooms with beautiful, exposed roof timbers, can be used independently access via the two staircases whilst also interconnecting to provide a super bedroom and dressing room if desired. There is a convenient WC at this level and a cosy snug area.

Set within approximately six acres of idyllic grounds, this enchanting property boasts irresistible curb appeal and is approached via a gravel driveway that offers both privacy and space.

The drive divides the main house from a barn with two double garages, an external staircase to a studio/games room with a useful cloakroom. Beyond, a characterful stable yard awaits, featuring an additional workshop, a standalone stable, a traditional stable block with three loose boxes, a tack/feed room and additional storage – all neighbouring an all-weather arena, ideal for equestrian pursuits.

The beautifully tended formal gardens resemble parkland framed by mature trees and a nature stream as the border, creating a setting of timeless tranquillity. At the heart lies a generous stone terrace, a walled swimming pool garden and delightful pool house and secluded tennis court. The whole is ideal for entertaining and al fresco dining and enjoys far-reaching views over the property’s enclosed fields and countryside beyond.

Black House is set in an idyllic and tranquil location. The property is surrounded by countryside and enjoys rural views at every turn. The picturesque village of Egerton is one of the most sought-after villages in the area and provides a range of local amenities, including a store with Post Office, pub, primary school, church and village hall. The award-winning Frasers restaurant is a short distance from the property.

Between them, nearby Pluckley, Lenham, Charing, Smarden and Headcorn provide railway stations, GP surgeries, dentists, butchers, bakers, farm shops, newsagents and small supermarkets together with several pubs and eating establishments. Further afield, Ashford, Maidstone, Tenterden and Canterbury provide more comprehensive facilities and amenities.

Commuter trains operate from nearby Headcorn with services to London Bridge, Cannon Street and Charing Cross with journey times from 58 minutes. Headcorn also offers services to Ashford International for connecting to the High-speed service to London St Pancras from 36 minutes. The M20 is easily reached at junction 8 or 9, for fast access to the Channel Tunnel, airports and the national motorway network.