peckham farm, ulcombe, kent

Peckham FarmUlcombe Road | Headcorn | Ashford | Kent | TN27 9JX

Peckham Farm.indd 1 06/07/2015 14:57

Peckham FarmThis lovely four bedroom red brick Georgian family home is set in 6 acres of attractive gardens and grounds, which include stables, a manège and adjoining paddocks. Located in the Weald of Kent, between the villages of Ulcombe and Headcorn, the property also has the added bonus of a detached outbuilding, which has planning permission for a one bedroom annexe.

“We came here nine years ago,” recalls Shellina. “The lovely red bricks and symmetrical frontage of the house gave it immediate appeal. The property was set in quiet countryside but was not isolated and had all the land and outbuildings for the equestrian facilities we wanted, even though the garden was a jungle and the house was in need of considerable updating. Its proximity to Headcorn station was perfect, offering an easy commute not only to Charing Cross but also to the grammar schools, making life easier for the children. Headcorn also offered a small Sainsbury’s and lots of independent shops, while nearby towns such as Tenterden, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells provided a wide variety of amenities between them.”

“We refurbished the house from top to bottom, refitting the bathrooms and adding a utility room,” says Chris. “We modernised the layout so that you can walk in a circle through the ground floor rooms, which is good when you’re entertaining. We were careful to retain and enhance the original features of the house. We opened up fireplaces on the ground floor and installed wood burning stoves, including in the large reception hall. Three of the four bedrooms have fireplaces too. Beamed ceilings are a feature of the house and include the sitting room, the dining room and three of the bedrooms. The most recent improvement has been the refitting of the kitchen, which features solid oak units, granite work surfaces and an Aga.”

“Knowing that the gardens had once had awards and been open to the public, I was inspired to undertake an RHS diploma in horticulture,” explains Shellina. “However, as the garden was so overgrown I’ve put my own stamp on it rather than restore it – the parterre is all my own design. We did however reconstruct the greenhouse in the south-facing walled garden, using western red cedar wood.”

“The outbuildings are really very versatile,” continues Chris. “Those opposite the kitchen have planning permission for conversion to an annexe, while the one next to the driveway and nearest the house incorporates stables. The building beyond that has been used for hay and storage but could be converted to a variety of uses, whilst the sand school doubles as an excellent parking area when we hold large events in marquees on the paddock, such as our annual summer party for charities. “We’ve invested so much of ourselves in Peckham Farm that we will miss it enormously,” conclude Chris and Shellina. “However, we need to downsize now and there’s no chain, so we hope it will soon become a much-loved family home for someone else.”*

* These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.


DESCRIPTION

Peckham Farm is an impressive Georgian family home set within 6 acres of attractive gardens and paddocks.

The property itself benefits from much privacy and seclusion as it is surrounded by formal walled gardens to the front and side of the property and over looks its own land to the rear. Internally the property boasts a spacious well designed kitchen/breakfast room which includes solid oak units, granite work surface, Aga, Fisher and Paykel American style fridge/freezer, wine cooler, dishwasher, centre island and bespoke kitchen table and chairs to match the kitchen. There are three further reception rooms to the ground floor which include; drawing room which benefits dual windows to the side, fireplace with marble surround and wood burning stove, solid oak floors, door leading to; dining room which features window to side, fireplace with wood burning stove and solid oak floors. The third reception room is currently used as a study/snug and benefits door and window to front, solid oak floors, fireplace with oak mantle and wood burning stove, stairs to first floor. On the first floor there are four double bedrooms, the master benefits from a Fired Earth en suite and the guest bedroom boasts a high quality limestone en suite. There is a further family bathroom.

Externally the formal gardens wrap around the property. They offer a vibrant display of a variety of plants throughout the year, there is a well tended kitchen garden and manicured lawns. The gardens are bordered by post and railed fencing with a gate leading to the paddocks. In the curtilage of the garden is a single storey outbuilding that has planning permission to be converted into ancillary accommodation.

The equestrian facilities are accessed from the drive, with a separate vehicular access. There are two large atcost barns. One houses three lodden style indoor stables and parking for a horsebox, the second has been used for storage of hay, bedding and tack room. To the rear of both barns is access to the 20m x 40m manège which is a sand and rubber topped surface. Gates then lead to the interlinking paddocks which offer excellent grazing.

The whole is in excellent condition and offers someone an exciting opportunity to acquire an excellent family home.


SITUATION Peckham Farm is situated off a small country lane between the pretty Wealden villages of Ulcombe and Headcorn. Headcorn and its neighbouring village of Sutton Valence provide amenities serving all the usual day-to-day needs. Headcorn has a number of local shops, restaurants and a main line station serving Charing Cross/Cannon Street in about one hour.

There is access to a number of major road routes including the M20 at junction 8, which provides a link to the M25 orbital motorway network and the international airports of Gatwick and Heathrow, as well as the Channel Ports. Ashford International Station and Ebsfleet International Station are only a short drive away and provides regular services to the Continent and a high speed railway service to St Pancras in less than half an hour.

The area is particularly well known for the quality of schools, both in the private and state sectors. Notable schools in the area include Cranbrook, Benenden, Sutton Valence, and Sutton Valence Preparatory School. Excellent Grammar Schools can be found in both Maidstone and Tonbridge. Leisure activities in the area include walking and riding in the surrounding countryside; golf at a number of interesting courses in the area including the Nick Faldo designed Chart Hills at Biddenden; sailing at the Kent coast and on Bewl Water.

LOCAL AUTHORITYMaidstone Borough Council Tel: 01622 602000.

SERVICESOil fired central heating, private drainage, mains water and mains electricity.

SQUARE FOOTAGEHouse 2,321sq. ft.Outbuildings 4,406 sq. ft.


Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and quoted in metric with imperial equivalents and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Printed 07.07.2015

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Fine & Country Tenterden 37 High Street, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6BJ

Tel 01580 766388


peckham farm, ulcombe, kent

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