"Predominantly open plan, with soaring vaulted ceilings and exposed beams"
This impressive brick-barn conversion is set within approximately three acres of private gardens and meadow, close to the popular town of Tenterden It is surrounded by beautiful countryside in an Area Outstanding Natural Beauty and has wonderful views. Internal accommodation approaches 3,500 sq ft in all, with three/four bedrooms and a recently converted garden house. Planning permission is also in place for the addition of a three-bay garage with two storage sheds.
The barn is approached via a winding private driveway lined with willow trees and bordered by lawns. This culminates in a large gravel area that separates the garden house from the barn, with parking space for several cars.
Originally constructed in 1870, the barn was converted for the current owners to an exacting standard in the early 2000s by the renowned barn specialist David Cox of Cox Restorations.
The main entrance is via a towering wall of double-height glazing, offering a view through the far aspect and to the countryside beyond. The ground level is predominantly open plan, with soaring vaulted ceilings and exposed beams in the central section. The space is divided into three interwoven zones; living, dining and kitchen with terracotta-tiled flooring in the dining area and solid-oak boards in the living and kitchen areas.
The kitchen is composed of bespoke cabinetry by Hacker, with granite worktops, a double-oven Thermador rangecooker and Miele appliances, all arranged around a central island. To the rear, either side of the kitchen are a utility room, with guest WC, and a separate room, currently used as a study. Underfloor heating extends throughout.
A steel staircase, with oak treads, ascends to the first floor where there are three bedrooms; two at the eastern end with a bathroom between them, and a master bedroom on the west, with an en-suite, limestone-clad bathroom, large walk-in shower and a separate dressing room. Also on this level is a separate ‘snug’ area, currently open-plan, which was originally designed as a fourth bedroom and could easily be reconfigured as such.
Across the driveway is situated the garden house. with floor-to-ceiling glazing stretching across the entire length of the principal space. These open fully, creating a seamless connection with the front garden. Its ground level comprises an open-plan living space with kitchen and shower room, and a separate, but connected garden studio. In addition, there is a further room to one side, created as a purpose-built gym/study. On the upper level there is a further living/working space and a separate secure store-room.
Much of the grounds are former farmland and have been transformed into a lattice-work garden to the design of landscape designer Charlotte Molesworth. Wild-flower meadows are dotted with coppices of silver birch, with rows of quince and apple trees, and areas designated for croquet, seating and formal lawns. The fields beyond border the vineyards of Chapel Down winery, providing exceptional views.
The house is located on the so-called Isle of Oxney, once an island bordering the coastline of what is now the Romney Marsh. Following a change of course of the River Rother between the 13th and 18th Centuries, the low-lying ground became dry and this section of high ground, in what is now Wittersham, retained its descriptive, albeit deceptive, name.
The barn situated in a rural idyll, a mile from the village of Wittersham which has its own well-stocked village shop. A mere four miles away is the charming, historic town of Tenderden. Here, a wide high street separates lines of boutiques, artisan and antique shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes, as well as a large Waitrose.
There are excellent health facilities in and around the town and a fine and wide-ranging selection of schools, including Malborough House and St. Ronan’s in Hawkhurst, Sutton Valence, Cranbrook, Ashford, Homewood and Benenden Girls’ School more locally. The historic town of Rye, with its famous links golf course) is a ten-minute drive away, as are the wide sandy expanses of Camber Sands.
Central London can be reached by car in under 90 minutes and nearby Headcorn provides rail services to London Bridge and London Charing Cross in approximately one hour. Ashford International is around 20 minutes by car for high-speed services to London St Pancras (approximately 35 minutes) and London Victoria.
Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.
