Capel Barn Capel Road | Hamstreet | Ashford | | TN26 2EH Seller Insight

Capel Barn is an extremely impressive period barn conversion that boasts just under 6 acres of lovely grounds. The property enjoys a very picturesque rural location, and yet it is only five miles south of Ashford town centre. “At the time we moved here my daughter was an event rider, so more than anything else it was the fantastic equestrian facilities that drew us to the property,” says Ray. “The house itself sits in around half an acre of lovely gardens, but then we also have around five acres of land, a manege, stables, a hay barn… it’s been absolutely ideal.”

“The old barn was beautifully converted into a very spacious family home in 1987, however when we moved here in 2000 it’s fair to say that property as a whole needed a fair bit of attention. The manege was a little bit shabby, both the perimeter and internal paddock fencing was rather dilapidated, but the house itself simply needed a bit of cosmetic work to bring it up to scratch. Over time we’ve worked our way through and I’d say that it’s all now in really good order.”

“The equestrian side of things was what drew us to the property, but the look and feel of the house itself was really what sold it,” continues Ray. “It’s very impressive to look at and so full of character and charm. The conversion was done very sympathetically, so there are lots of beams and quirky bits, and the accommodation has also been very well designed. We have this quite spectacular galleried dining hall right in the middle of the house that naturally splits it into two wings. It has the most amazing vaulted ceiling – it’s almost cathedral-like – and the old cart doors have been glazed, so the room is flooded with natural light. Both the lounge area and the kitchen/diner flow from it, so there’s a wonderfully easy flow from room to room. It’s just such a comfortable house to live in and we’ve loved every minute of our time here.”

“The garden wraps right the way around the house and the paddocks and equestrian facilities are on the other side of the little lane, so there’s a nice degree of separation. I’ve recently had a lot of the foliage removed from the garden, simply to open up the space and let more light in, and it’s now also much more low maintenance. It’s not manicured, but instead a very natural space, and I suppose it could be seen as a bit of a blank canvass for a keen gardener.”

“My favourite room would have to be the galleried dining hall,” says Ray. “It’s such an imposing room and the most wonderful concentration point for parties and get-togethers, and the French doors allow us to spill out into the garden when the weather is warm.”

“The dining hall naturally splits the accommodation, so two of the bedrooms are in the ‘east wing’ and then there are another two in the ‘west wing’,” says Ray. “It’s particularly nice when guests come to stay because everyone has their privacy.”

“In my opinion the location offers so much,” says Ray. “In terms of riding we have Hamstreet woods in one direction and Orleston woods in the other; Hamstreet village is only a couple of minutes away by car and its only 20 minutes to Camber Sands. I can drive into Ashford, hop on a train and be in central London in well under an hour, so it’s a fantastic location to commute from.”

“As well as the character of the house and these beautiful surroundings, I think it will be the sheer convenience of the location that I’ll miss most,” says Ray. “It’s allowed us to enjoy the very best of both worlds.”

* 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.

Step inside Capel Barn

DESCRIPTION This lovely Grade II Listed barn believed SITTING ROOM Stunning open plan room with to date back to the 1500’s was converted in 1987. The exposed beams, inset lighting and tiled flooring. overall accommodation is spacious with a high vaulted ceiling, glazed cart entrance and open plan sitting room UTILITY ROOM Range of base cupboards with and dining room providing a great sense of space. The stainless steel sink. Space for tumble dryer and washing charming interior blends traditional living with modern machine. Door to: day comfort giving the ultimate countryside experience. REAR LOBBY Access to boiler room and store room. Internally the ground floor comprises an entrance hall, open plan sitting room, dining room, cloakroom, KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM Ample range of white kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, boiler room, study/ wall and base units with working surfaces. There is a sun room. The first floor landing is of a good size with double oven and grill/oven with propane gas hob, views over the pond and an imposing vaulted ceiling integrated Neff fridge, space for dishwasher, double overlooking the dining area. It is divided into two wings. stainless steel sink with mixer taps. Tiled flooring. Inset The two wings are split between East and West. The lighting. Door to: East consists of Airing/Cylinder cupboard; bath/cloak room with wash basin and toilet; bathroom with STUDY AREA/SUN ROOM Vaulted ceiling, tiled panelled bath, shower cubicle and wash basin and two flooring, meter cupboard door to outside. bedrooms. The West consists of bath/cloaks with toilet, bidet and wash basin; Bathroom with large shower FIRST FLOOR LANDING Imposing landing with views cubicle, toilet and wash basin; 2 bedrooms one being over looking the garden and pond. Airing cupboard. the main bedroom. CLOAKROOM Wash hand basin, W.C. Tiling. Externally the grounds surrounding the barn consist of a large pond, patio area with a pergola, lawned areas BEDROOM Wealth of beautiful exposed beams, velux and a gravelled driveway providing parking for several style windows. Carpet. vehicles and leading to the garage. The equestrian facilities are well maintained on approximately 5 acres BEDROOM Wealth of exposed timbers, velux style and comprise 6 stables, including a mother and foal window, built in wardrobe, carpet. corner stable and menage. Two tack/store/feed rooms. Haybarn and open storage with roofing. Turnaround BATHROOM Exposed timbers. Panelled bath, wash area which is hardstanding. Winter turn out paddock hand basin, shower cubicle. T&G softwood flooring. with membrane sand and grit surface. Natural pond. Four grazing paddocks. BEDROOM Exposed timbers. Velux style window. Carpet.

ENTRANCE HALL Imposing glazed entrance hall with CLOAKROOM Wash hand basin, W.C., bidet. Tiling. tiled flooring. Cloaks cupboard / store. SHOWER ROOM Exposed timbers. Shower cubicle CLOAKROOM Wash hand basin, W.C. with tiling, W.C., wash hand basin. Inset lighting.

DINING ROOM Lovely open plan room with an BEDROOM Double aspect room with built in imposing vaulted ceiling. Part glazed barn doors with wardrobes. Velux style window. Carpet. shutters. Access to the patio and garden. Step down to:

Step outside Capel Barn

OUTSIDE The pretty gardens surround the barn. The front garden comprises the gravelled driveway, pond and lawned area. To the rear there is a patio area with pergola above.

GARAGE With power and light.

EQUESTRIAN FACILITIES The equestrian facilities are well maintained on approximately 5 acres and comprise 6 stables, including a mother and foal corner stable and menage. Two tack/store/feed rooms. Haybarn and open storage with roofing. Turn around area which is hardstanding. Winter turn out paddock with membrane sand and grit surface. Natural pond. Four grazing paddocks. There is local hacking through the woods and on the beach at Camber Sands.

LOCATION The village is located 6 miles (10 km) south of Ashford on the A2070, the main road between Ashford and . Two large areas of public woodland surround the village, namely Ham Street Woods and Forest, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). Both are remnants of the ancient forest that once covered the whole of the of Kent. The , the UK’s third longest defensive structure, passes by ½ mile to the south. Three long distance footpaths also run through the parish:

The (which begins at the main crossroads and runs for 110 miles (177 km) to , ) The Royal Military Canal Path

The area is also popular with cyclists, as to the south is completely flat.

Local amenities include shops, schools and doctors surgery. There is a station providing services to both Hastings/Brighton and to Ashford/ International. From Ashford there is a mainline direct link to London. Ashford International provides Eurostar services to the continent and 38 minute High Speed trains to London St Pancras. The M20 motorway junction 10 is approximately 4 miles distant connecting with both the Channel Tunnel and the M25. EPC Exempt

Agents Notes: All measurements are approximate and quoted in imperial with metric 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. Copyright © 2016 Fine & Country Ltd. Registered in and Wales. Company Reg No. 06959315 Registered Office: Morgan Alexander Kent Ltd (formerly Fine & Country Kent Ltd.) 36 King Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1BS. Printed

The production of these particulars has generated a £10 donation to the Fine & Country THE FINE & COUNTRY Foundation, charity no. 1160989, striving to relieve homelessness. FOUNDATION Visit fineandcountry.com/uk/foundation Fine & Country Tel: +44 (0) 1580 766 388 [email protected] 37 High Street, , Kent TN30 6BJ