Kenardington, Ashford, Kent

Kenardington Manor is an exceptionally picturesque building. The intricate timbered and jettied facade is glimpsed enticingly on approach through an avenue of plane trees flanked by parklike grounds.

The character and history of the house are evident throughout and immediately appreciated in the sensational ‘court room’ with its high timbered and beamed ceiling, herringbone brick floor and delicate diamond leaded-lights in oak mullioned windows.

Beyond is an elegant double aspect drawing room arranged around a stone fireplace and quietly watched over by the two original owners of the house, their likenesses being carved into the corner beams. Together these rooms provide a very fine living and entertaining space.

Across the hall, where a timber staircase rises to the first-floor landing, is the kitchen/breakfast room, a welcoming room at the heart of the house with a practical ancillary kitchen space and a utility room. A study/library at the west end of the house is a peaceful room with a fireplace.

Upstairs the bedroom accommodation flows off a notable feature of the house: a long corridor of historical interest owing to four Tudor arches.

The principal bedroom has wonderful wide floorboards and an en suite bathroom. A further bedroom is also en suite and the three remaining bedrooms are served by a family bathroom. A staircase rises to the attic space, providing two good size store rooms.

The property is approached through an electric five-bar gate and over a tree-lined avenue leading to the house and providing parking to the front. The drive continues to the left of the house to the granary and various outbuildings arranged around a large courtyard.

The gardens provide a lovely setting for the house with wonderful, clipped topiary providing formal structure close to the house and generous expanses of lawn stretching away from it. A large pond is an enchanting feature of the gardens, and the maturity of the garden is underpinned by the presence of mature shrubs and trees, including cedar, sequoia, red oaks and willows. There is a generous terrace on the south west side of the house.

The granary is a versatile building arranged over two floors. Currently used as a study/studio on the first floor, the building has potential for other ancillary uses, subject to any necessary consents.

There is also a period stable block, an open bay cart lodge and a four bay garage block.

The pretty, peaceful village of Kenardington is nestled in the Kent countryside, about 8 miles from Ashford International and enjoys an elevated position with sweeping views over the Romney Marsh, offering a truly picturesque rural setting. The village is characterised by charming period cottages, quiet lanes, and a historic 12th-century church (St Mary’s), set on the site of a former Saxon fort.

Nearby Hamstreet provides a range of amenities including shops, a primary school, and access to the Hamstreet Woods National Nature Reserve. Slightly further afield, Ashford offers extensive shopping, dining, and entertainment options, as well as excellent transport links. The area has good access to the Continent via Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover.