Water Lane, Smarden, TN27

The original part of Hartnup House is believed to date from the early 15th century with a later addition completed in 1671 as noted by the date inscribed on the bressummer oversail at the front of the property. This addition was made by Mathew Hartnup who was understood to have been the village apothecary and whose name is also inscribed flanked by two single petal roses of the houses of York and Lancaster and two carved rhinoceros, which had strong medical associations throughout Europe by the 17th century. A later addition was created in Victorian times. There is an abundance of period features throughout the property, both inside and out, including exposed timbers and beams, inglenook fireplaces, parquet, limestone and travertine flooring and leaded windows. Hartnup House is set within beautifully landscaped and maintained south facing gardens adjacent to the church of St. Michael the Archangel, with only the church bell chimes to disturb the peace and quiet. The gardens are thoughtfully laid out comprising of seasonal planting, an expanse of lawn, rose covered walkway, vegetable garden, dining terrace, covered dining pergola adjacent to an ornamental pond and a seating area perfectly placed for enjoying the setting summer sun with a glass of wine or two. The accommodation is set across three floors containing a kitchen/breakfast room open plan to a home office space, formal dining room, drawing room through to family room and utility room on the ground floor. On the first floor are four bedrooms and a bathroom, with two additional bedrooms and bathroom on the second floor. Hartnup House is accompanied by a double garage with timber doors and an upper floor accessed by an internal staircase, which could be utilised as a home office or studio space subject to any necessary consent(s). FEATURES - Entrance hall with minstrel's gallery on two sides - Kitchen/breakfast room fitted with bespoke cupboards, integrated appliances including a gas fired Aga, electric oven, dishwasher and microwave, space for Fridge Freezer - Office space with brick flooring and French doors opening onto the garden terrace, ideal for al fresco dining, door leading to utility room with shower cubicle, WC, basin and storage cupboards - Dining Room with a majestic inglenook fireplace with open fire and parquet flooring - Drawing Room with equally majestic inglenook with wood burner, dual aspect views to garden and front, and square arched openings to - Family snug enjoying views over the garden - First floor master bedroom with fireplace (currently not in use), built in wardrobes and door to Minstrel's gallery - Three further first floor bedrooms, one connecting through from another - First floor bathroom with walk in shower, rainhead shower, bath, WC, circular stone basin, tiled flooring and full tiling to shower area - Two second floor bedrooms and additional bathroom - Beautifully tended south and southwest facing gardens with mature planting and vegetable garden - Dining terrace overlooking the garden and covered dining pergola overlooking the pond and garden - Double garage with timber doors, power and light and internal staircase to first floor storage space SITUATION Hartnup House is situated in the heart of Smarden village within a short walk to all the amenities that it has to offer, including a butcher's, two public houses, award winning community store and post office, and even its own art gallery. The earliest known date for Smarden is 1205. The village became very prosperous and some fine houses were built in the 15th and 16th centuries, many of which remain today, including The Cloth Hall which is neighbouring to Hartnup House. The nearby villages of Pluckley, Lenham, Charing and Headcorn have between them railway stations, doctors' surgeries, dentists, butchers, bakers, farm shops, ironmongers, newsagents, small supermarkets and several pubs and eating establishments. Further afield, Ashford, Maidstone and Tenterden provide more comprehensive facilities and amenities. Schools nearby in the state and private sectors include Smarden and Egerton Primary Schools, Sutton Valence Preparatory and Senior Schools, Dulwich Preparatory in Cranbrook plus numerous secondary and grammar schools located in Ashford and Maidstone. Tenterden also offers Homewood School and Sixth Form centre. The nearest commuter links operate from Headcorn with services to London Bridge, Cannon Street and Charing Cross with journey times from 57 minutes. Headcorn also offers services to Ashford International for connecting to the high-speed service to arrive at London St. Pancras in about 37 minutes. The M20 gives access to Ashford International, the Channel Tunnel and the coastal ports, and the M25 for Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted Airports. PROPERTY INFORMATION - Services: Gas fired central heating. Mains gas, water, electricity and drainage. - Local Authority: Ashford Borough Council - Council Tax band: G (2024/25) - Fixtures and fittings are excluded from the sale but may be available by separate negotiation. DIRECTIONS From Headcorn railway station turn right and continue for a short distance before turning left onto Smarden Road just before the railway bridge. Continue onto Headcorn Road and after 2.2 miles turn left onto Bell Lane. Turn right onto Water Lane. Hartnup House is located on the right after about 0.5 miles just before the church.