Mount Castle Farmhouse Mount Castle Lane | Heath | | | ME17 2JE Seller Insight

When current owners Allan and Elizabeth initially bought Mount Castle Farmhouse 18 years ago, it was a neglected Victorian farmhouse which had had nothing done to it for years. So they took it on as their next big renovation project, and soon it became not just a project, but a home. As well as the addition of a three door top and bottom garage extension, the couple completely gutted and redecorated the existing building. “We really put our own stamp on the property” they say. “We are lucky to have had the opportunity to renovate it.”

The carefully considered aesthetic of Mount Castle Farmhouse combines exquisite and elegant tiled floors and gracefully sweeping elevation with high ceilings and grand proportions. Period charm meets bright and breezy glamour as large sash windows flood light onto understated yet luxurious décor. But for all its poise and grandeur, “the Farmhouse has a lovely feel to it” says Elizabeth. “It’s a real family home. Everyone congregates around the AGA in the Family kitchen. We had that vision for the house and we’ve achieved that.”

Positioned off a quiet lane in the charming hamlet of Lenham Forstal, surrounding by lovely views of expansive farmland, Mount Castle Farmhouse has been the perfect place to raise a family for Allan and Elizabeth. “It is a house made for children running around, a place for children to grow up in” they say. “Our son was 12 when we moved here, and our daughter just 9, so they have really enjoyed growing up here and have fond memories of the house.”

The garden is another fine feature of the property, lined with lime trees and stacked hedging on three sides. Mostly evergreen, the garden’s beauty and fraîcheur is consistent throughout the year. “It is an all year round garden” says Elizabeth. At the bottom of the garden there are three vegetable planters ideally placed for growing fresh produce, while at the front of the house sits a large oak pagoda with a gorgeous wisteria growing through it. The garden also features an Italian walled garden with a swimming pool, sunken jacuzzi and ‘spa de la mer.’ “It is ideal for parties and getting everyone together. Where the pool is, it is very sheltered so you can sit out even in bright sunshine or breezier evenings.” The garden is, however, large enough to accommodate a Victorian conservatory or orangerie at the back of the house, for those who prefer to enjoy the great outdoors from inside, though Elizabeth adds that though they were granted planning permission for this, they felt it was unnecessary as the house is so spacious already.

Nestled below the in an area known for its Outstanding Natural Beauty, is the nearby village of Lenham. “It is very pretty, with wonderful tea rooms, a few good restaurants, a doctors’ surgery and a fantastic butcher who also sells locally grown fruit and vegetables” says Elizabeth. “It is real countryside, with a working but tidy farm at the back. You might sometimes hear a tractor coming by, part of the fabric of country life. We have friendly neighbours, private but dependable, who live in nearby cottages and picturesque barn conversions.” By no means cut off from convenience and larger city life, however, the village station links to London and Ashford International, while opportunities for shopping can be found just a short drive away at Maidstone, Ashford and Bluewater.*

* 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 Mount Castle Farmhouse

This superb example country home sits exclusively at the REAR HALL Door opening to driveway. Double glazed foot of the Kentish North Downs within a belt of wonderful window to side. Corniced ceiling. Ornate radiator. Amtico country betwixt Maidstone & Ashford. The property itself flooring. has been cleverly enhanced by a stylish extension that compliments the property in both quality and design, the BOOT ROOM Corniced ceiling. Built in low level storage. end result being a family home that is amongst the regions Limestone tiled floor with under floor heating. finest. GROUND FLOOR W.C. Double glazed window to side. Externally, the plot is very well balanced, with ornate gardens, Low level close coupled W.C. Pedestal wash hand basin. an impressive swimming pool terrace and a horse paddock Corniced ceiling. Limestone tiled floor with under floor of approximately one acre in size. The property is approached heating. via a very quiet lane and is secured behind electronically operated entrance gates that open to a large driveway and LAUNDRY/UTILITY ROOM Double glazed window to rear. parking area. The triple garage building with studio apartment Corniced ceiling. Extensive range of cupboard and drawer above provides even further amenity. base units with beech counter tops. Concealed space for washing machine and tumble dryer. Integrated bins. This area is extremely convenient for those wishing to enjoy Integrated freezer. Ceramic butler sink with mixer taps. a truly peaceful lifestyle, yet within minutes the buyer could Upright storage cupboards. Limestone tiled floor with under enjoy the superb facilities of both Maidstone or Ashford. The floor heating. more traditional facilities of the nearby villages are very nearby in both Lenham and Charing. Both villages, remarkably CENTRAL LOBBY Corniced ceiling. Limestone tiled floor. have their own mainline stations. For those that may require Door to cellar. high speed services to the Capital, Ashford international Station is a little over 10 miles by car. Both Lenham and CELLAR (CURRENT GYMNASIUM) Solid staircase with Charing provide primary schools. A mixed secondary school fitted carpet and roped hand rail. Window to front. Painted is also found in Lenham, with grammar schools found in floor. Radiator. Maidstone & Ashford. The nearest well known private school is located in Sutton Valence - with several others further KITCHEN Open plan to dining area. Double glazed windows afield. to side. Oil fired Aga range cooker. Comprehensive range of oak faced kitchen units with integrated fridge freezer and ENTRANCE Panelled entrance door opening into: combination oven. Granite work-surfaces with two zone induction hob. Ceramic sink unit with mixer taps. Integrated ENTRANCE HALLWAY Windows to front. Corniced ceiling. dishwasher. Additional fitted units built into larder recess Ornate radiator. Stunning original period tiled floor. providing concealed storage. Central matching island with circular steel basin and mixer taps. Range of cupboard and LOUNGE (INC STUDY AREA) Square bay window to drawer base units below with two chiller drawers. Limestone front. Further windows to side. Corniced ceiling. Central tiled floor with under floor heating. archway. Original period open fireplace with ornate surround. Storage and display cabinets built into recesses. DINING AREA Two pairs of French doors to garden. Double Radiators. Fitted carpets. glazed windows to rear. built in dresser. Limestone tiled floor with underfloor heating. RADIATOR Square bay window to front. Corniced ceiling. Open fireplace with marble surround. Fitted storage unit. STAIRCASE TO FIRST FLOOR Fitted carpet with stair rods. Radiator. Fitted carpet. Hand rail and balustrade.

LANDING Window to front. Corniced ceiling. Hand rail and balustrade. Access to loft. Fitted carpet.

MASTER BEDROOM Double glazed windows to side and rear. Corniced ceiling. Comprehensive range of fitted bedroom furniture. Large closet. Radiator. Fitted carpet.

EN-SUITE Window to side. Low level close coupled W.C. Corner shower enclosure. Inset bath with spa functions. Fitted storage with marble counter tops with twin circular wash hand basins. Stone tiled throughout with under floor heating.

BEDROOM Double glazed windows to front and side. Corniced ceiling. Radiator. Fitted carpet.

FAMILY BATHROOM Corniced ceiling. Freestanding roll top bath. Low level close coupled W.C. Corner shower enclosure. Fitted storage with marble counter tops and inset wash hand basin. Stone tiled throughout with under floor heating.

BEDROOM Double glazed window to side. Corniced ceiling. Original period fireplace. Built in wardrobes. Radiator. Fitted carpet.

EN-SUITE SHOWER ROOM Low level close coupled W.C. Glass wash hand basin with mixer tap. Walk in shower area. Tiled walls. Tiled walls with under floor heating.

BEDROOM Window to front. Corniced ceiling. Original period fireplace. Built in wardrobe. Radiator. Fitted carpet.

BEDROOM Window to front. Corniced ceiling. Original period fireplace. Built in wardrobe. Radiator. Fitted carpet.

GARDENS & GROUNDS Large sand stone laid patio affording views across gardens. Ornate gardens primarily to front and side with lawn areas edged by Pleached lime trees, box hedging, large pergola with mature wisteria.

SWIMMING POOL & TERRACE Heated pool with powered automatic cover. Edged by paved sandstone paved terrace with decking area incorporating inset large circular spa by Spa De La Mere. Changing room building with shower and W.C. High walls providing security and privacy.

REAR PADDOCK Gated access from driveway. Approx. 1 acre and edged by established trees and stock fencing.

DRIVEWAY & PARKING Electronic entrance gates opening onto an expansive gravelled driveway and parking area.

GARAGING & STUDIO Three bay triple garage. Internally housing oil boilers. Attached separately accessed store to rear. External staircase to upper floor studio with two dormer windows to front, en-suite shower room and W.C. 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. Copyright Fine & Country 2016 Registered in and Wales. Company Reg No. 06959315 Registered Office: Morgan Alexander Kent Ltd (formerly Fine & Country Kent Ltd.) 36 King Street, Fine & Country Tel: +44 (0)1732 222272 [email protected] 28 High Street, West Malling, Kent ME19 6QR