school house, west farleigh

School HouseLower Road | West Farleigh | Maidstone | Kent | ME15 0PF

School House .indd 1 17/09/2015 17:32

School HousePerfectly framed by the beautiful Kent countryside is the pretty village of West Farleigh. It is a peaceful place that enjoys far-reaching views over neighbouring farmland and one that boasts three pubs, a church and a community cricket ground, as well as easy access into Maidstone town centre. Nestled on the edge of the village is School House, a beautiful former primary school that dates back to 1845, which although not listed is mentioned in Pevsner “The Buildings of England”.

“Before purchasing School House we were living in the area but in a modern property,” says Timothy. “After some years in that house we decided that we would like to move to a more characterful home with more space both inside and out. When we found this property it offered us absolutely everything that we had been looking for.”

“Although the house had been converted into a dwelling a few years before we bought it, it wasn’t in the best state,” continues Timothy, “and so we made quite a few alterations. The most significant change was the creation of an additional floor in one of the double-height former classrooms. It has given us a spacious master bedroom with an en-suite shower room plus a landing and a family bathroom. Downstairs we rearranged the layout and all in all it has been transformed it into a really lovely home.”

This charming home is beautifully presented throughout and incorporates a wealth of lovely features, some of which were reinstated by the current owners during their renovation of the property. “We have the splendid big classroom windows that let in a terrific lot of natural light,” continues Timothy, “and we decided to restore and replace much of the wood panelling, so that the building retained its wonderful character. Although it was obviously once a school, the building works beautifully as a home. It’s comfortable, spacious and wonderful for entertaining. We have double doors between the two biggest rooms, so if we ever have a party we can fling them open and create a large space, and we never get the feeling of being on top of one another.”

“The garden is also a delightful feature of the property,” says Timothy. “It’s divided into two parts, one of which is a pretty courtyard where we can sit out and eat, and then the main area, which is slightly offset to the side of the house, extends to around 300 feet. We have views to the back over a cherry orchard, and the front looks over a small copse and rolling farmland. When the trees have lost their leaves in the winter we can see right the way across the valley.”

Christine adds “My husband and I will both miss this house when the time comes to move”. “We have enjoyed coming down in the morning and finding it full of light, and we have loved the beauty and privacy of the garden. We have also gained a great deal of pleasure from knowing that it was once a school and that its wealth of character has not been lost.”*

* 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.


This imposing Victorian home is delightfully positioned on the fringes of the pretty village of West Farleigh close to the banks of the picturesque River Medway.

The property itself has been cleverly converted to a very comfortable and spacious family home from what was once the village school. Many of its delightful Victorian features remain. Especially notable is the vaulted hall that once may have been used for assemblies and for exercise but now is used primarily as a family room. The school bell tower adds detail to an already distinctly appealing roof line. In addition the imposing and decorative windows to the front elevation not only hint at the property’s history but also allow large amounts of light to flood the main reception rooms.

Externally, the property benefits from direct garden areas to the front and back, plus an offset garden that exceeds 300 feet in length. The total plot is believed to exceed 0.8 acres. A tarmac driveway for several vehicles is accessed via a curved driveway which extends to a triple length garage which has been interestingly formed from the original structure of a WW2 air raid shelter.

Properties of this nature are naturally rare. When coupled with such an enviable position they become very sought after. As such all prospective buyers are recommended to view and register their interest at the earliest opportunity.

ENTRANCEDouble wooden entrance doors opening into:

ENTRANCE HALLWAY Stone floor. Window to side. Inner door to:

INNER HALLWAY Fitted carpet.

RECEPTION ROOMFour secondary double glazed windows to front and rear. Fireplace with stone surround and wood burning stove. Radiators. Exposed floorboards. Large double connecting doors to:

RECEPTION ROOM Secondary double glazed windows to front and rear. Vaulted ceiling. Panelling to walls. Radiators. Fitted carpet.

STUDY Secondary double glazed window to front. Radiator. Fitted carpet.

DINING ROOM Secondary double glazed window to front. Storage cupboard. Fitted carpet. Radiator.

KITCHEN Secondary double glazed window to rear. Door to garden. One and a half bowl sink unit with mixer taps inset into wooden work surface. Inset electric hob. Range of eye level wall cabinets and extractor. Upright units incorporating electric oven/grill. Plumbing for dishwasher. Local wall tiling. Wood effect flooring.

GROUND FLOOR BEDROOM Window to side and door to garden. Radiator. Fitted carpet.

EN SUITE SHOWER ROOM Window to rear. Tiled shower with rail and curtain. Pedestal wash hand basin. Low level W.C. Local wall tiling. Radiator. Vinyl flooring.


BACK PORCH/UTILITY ROOM Plumbing for washing machine. Built-in Storage. Tiled floor.

STAIRS TO FIRST FLOOR Fitted carpet. Handrail and balustrade.

LANDING Two Velux windows to rear. Fitted storage cupboards (incorporating hot water cylinder). Fitted shelving. Fitted carpet.

MASTER BEDROOM Secondary double glazed window to front. Velux window to rear. Fitted storage. Radiator. Fitted carpet. Glazed ceiling observation hatch for bell tower.

EN SUITE Velux window to rear. Pedestal wash hand basin. Low level W.C. Tiled shower enclosure. Full wall tiling. Fitted carpet.

BEDROOMSecondary double glazed window to front. Radiator. Fitted carpet.

BEDROOMSecondary double glazed windows to front and side. Storage cupboards. Radiator. Fitted carpet.

BEDROOM Secondary double glazed window to rear. Radiator. Fitted carpet.

FAMILY BATHROOM Velux window to rear. Pedestal wash hand basin. Low level W.C. Panelled bath with mixer taps and hand shower. Radiator. Fitted carpet.

ATTACHED OUTBUILDINGS Covered passage way to outside W.C. with wash hand basin. Floor standing boiler. Two covered external stores.

FRONTAGE Banked frontage with steps leading from street level to front door.

REAREnclosed small lawn area accessed immediately from the back porch/kitchen and ground floor bedroom. With high walls and established beds.

MAIN GARDEN In excess of 300 feet in length. Mainly laid to lawn with many interesting shrubs and mature trees. Raised fish pond and summerhouse.

DRIVEWAY AND PARKING AREA Tarmac driveway leading to a flat parking area for several vehicles.

GARAGING A detached triple length garage with power and light. Formed from a WW2 air raid shelter.


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 18.09.2015

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Fine & Country West Malling 28 High Street, West Malling, Kent ME19 6QR

Tel 01732 222272


school house, west farleigh

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