Believed to date to circa 1500, with later additions, Heron Manor offers a wealth of period charm and an appealing balance between a bygone era and present-day functionality with flexible-use accommodation. This unique home showcases retained features, including exposed beams, an attic crown post, character fireplaces, oak panelling and rustic doors, blended harmoniously with up-to-date styling.

The sitting room has an inglenook fireplace offering a relaxed room with a warm ambience, whilst a formal dining room, with carved panelling and a wood-burning stove provides an imposing setting for entertaining. A hallway links to the bright kitchen/breakfast room where preserved plate shelving to the walls is combined with modern cabinetry and French doors ensure a light-filled room with direct access to the terrace. Just beyond is a study with glazed doors leading outside. An adjacent kitchenette complements the main kitchen which is, in turn, augmented by a large utility room located by the generous reception hall.

Three stairways rise to the first floor accommodation, offering a well-appointed family bathroom and five bedrooms with the principal room having an en suite bathroom. A further staircase leads to two attic level bedrooms, one fitted with a small kitchen sink unit, and a bathroom.

The east wing of the house provides annexe accommodation, which has its own entrance, along with a hallway linking to the main house, where a bathroom and small utility space are situated. The annexe offers a sitting room, an adjoining dining room and kitchen, as well as a bathroom. Exemplifying its origins as a hall house comprising separate bays, the property’s fifth staircase is situated in the annexe wing and gives access to a bedroom and eaves storage.

This property has 2.3 acres of land.

Outside

With vistas to the surrounding countryside, the garden and grounds at Heron Manor are beautifully designed and maintained.

To the rear, a south-facing terrace provides for outdoor dining. A gravel garden beyond has brick-edged pathways and beds with attractive planting, domes of clipped shrubs and a pond. Tall hedging creates a divide to a lawn with a central path marked by architectural yew trees. An expanse of lawn has mown pathways providing meandering routes around the grounds, with natural areas offering a magnet to birds and insects. The annexe has a separate garden.

The garden office/studio has views over the garden, and three garden stores provide a home for garden equipment. There is ample space to park numerous vehicles in an off-road parking area to the front of the property

Situation

The property is set on the edge of the historic village of Chilham, amidst the stunning countryside of the Kent Downs AONB. The village, filled with chocolate box Tudor buildings and a Norman castle, provides a good range of shops and amenities. Canterbury - with its excellent shopping centre, cultural interests, and well-regarded schools - is also close by.

Ashford International offers frequent services to London St Pancras from 36 minutes. Chilham station offers services between Ashford and Canterbury. The M2 (J7) and M20 (J9) provide fast access to the southern motorway network, Gatwick and Heathrow airports. The area has good access to the Continent.

Directions

From Canterbury: Follow the A28 towards Ashford for about 4.5 miles. Bear right to join the A252 and then first left onto Bagham Road into Chilham. Turn left onto Hambrook Road and at the junction take the left turn onto Mountain Street where the property will be found.