Old Swan House is a fascinating property in the heart of sought after Wye. Listed Grade II*, it is amongst the most interesting and historically important buildings in the village, which is full of pretty period properties and provides an attractive setting.

Dating from the 15th century, the building range of which Old Swan House forms the major part, evolved over the following centuries becoming four cottages in the 18th century. Its Georgianised façade fronts an impressive home, full of wonderful honey-coloured beams and interesting features. The current owners have enjoyed bringing the property together and restoring it as a substantial family house with flexible secondary accommodation.

The front door (at number 138) opens to a long hall. Across the front of the house is a spectacular sitting room having a tall ceiling with finely moulded beams and preserved mullion windows, giving fascinating insight to the building’s past appearance. A brick inglenook fireplace sits to one end and large sash windows flood the room with light.

To the back of the house the kitchen/breakfast room, with Tudor Rose ceiling boss, has ample space for a table; a useful utility room, with brick floor and a back door, sits adjacent. Off the hall a study provides a peaceful work space, with a laundry room and cloakroom beyond providing access to the garden.

A carved oak staircase rises to the first floor landing. Three generous bedrooms all possess their own character, with a pretty Georgian panelled room to the rear and exposed timber framing in the rooms to the front. Two of the bedrooms have built-in wardrobes and two family bathrooms provide generous facilities.

Stairs rise to the second floor arriving at a bedroom known as the ‘jockey room’ room, owing to it once having a view to the racecourse. Today it has a wonderful street view and to the countryside beyond Wye. An interconnecting door leads to the breathtaking principal bedroom. Open to the eaves this cathedral-like space further showcases the fascinating evolution of the building with its altered roof structure to allow for the creation of the Georgian façade. This beautiful room could be used as a peaceful study or a games room and has a bathroom adjacent. A further staircase maintains independent access to the two rooms, though the entire floor could be given over to a superb principal suite if desired.

Returning to the first floor landing, a door opens to a further bedroom with a fine timber mullion window, inglenook and built-in wardrobe. This can be used within the main house or in conjunction with the accommodation below: a reception room, kitchen and bathroom. This end of the house has great potential for a variety of uses, subject to any necessary consents.

Outside

Behind the house is sheltered, south-facing terrace. A central path leads down the garden between two clipped box, laid to lawn on either side. There are a number of sheds. To the side of the house wrought iron gates open to a secluded parking area bounded by mature beech hedging.

Doors to 134 are to the front and side of the house, next to the parking area. This end of the house provides a striking contrast, with weather-boarded elevations and its exquisite mullion windows. The ability to use it as a self-contained unit presents an exciting Airbnb opportunity or flexibility for use as an annexe, subject to consents.

Situation

The charming and idyllic Kentish village of Wye is set in the stunning countryside of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, while also being conveniently positioned for the busy and vibrant town of Ashford and superb road and rail connections. There are well regarded schools, including Lady Joanna Thornhill and Spring Grove primary schools and Wye secondary school.

The village has a number of listed buildings and a strong sense of community, offering a number of independent shops, pubs, cafés, dentist, doctors, pharmacy, butcher, post office, and a Co-op, while other necessary amenities are within easy reach in Ashford or Canterbury.

Ashford is a fine shopping destination, and also has a number of larger supermarkets. There are several Ofsted Outstanding-rated state schools in the Ashford area, including Highworth Grammar School, plus the independent Ashford School.

The M20 is close by and Wye mainline station offers direct services to London St Pancras via Ashford International (from 51 minutes). The area has good access to the Continent.

Directions

From Canterbury: Take Wincheap (A28) away from the city centre. After a 1.5 miles, take the second exit at the roundabout to stay on the A28 and continue for a further 3.5 miles. Pass Chilham station, then take the first turning on the left, remaining on the A28, At the signpost for Wye, turn left and take Bramble Lane to the village. Go over the level crossing and continue along Churchfield Way. Turn right into Church Street, then turn right again into Bridge Street, where the property will be found on the left hand side.