Palm Tree is a Grade II listed family house set in the picturesque Elham valley in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The history of the house is thought to date to the 18th century, originally built as a farmhouse, but early on gaining a license to sell ales beginning its use as a public house. It is rumoured to have acquired its unusual name from a sea faring owner in the early 1800s, inspired by the palm trees of the Hawaiian Islands.

A private house for some years, Palm Tree offers a unique and characterful family home which pays homage to its former life, whilst also providing an environment suited to a modern lifestyle.

The ground floor accommodates some impressive living spaces with a particularly generous family room which retains a bar and, together with an adjoining ancillary kitchen, lends itself to sociable living and entertaining. In addition there is a sitting, dining room and generous study. These are loosely open plan but also provide distinct spaces in which to accommodate family life.

At the heart of the house sits the kitchen/breakfast room with a view to the front of the house. There is a useful utility and cloakroom as well as a cellar providing storage.

Four good bedrooms on the first floor are served by a family bathroom with a freestanding bath and a separate shower. A fifth ground floor bedroom is adjacent to a shower room, an arrangement which provides great flexibility for guest accommodation to perhaps arrange a portion of the house as an annexe if desired.

This property has 0.7 acres of land.

Outside

Palm Tree is approached via a five bar gate leading to a large gravel parking area to the front of the house. Wrapping around the front and side of the house is a generous terrace with views down the beautiful countryside of the Elham Valley. A super open timber gazebo provides an alfresco sitting and dining space. Sloping away from the house lawns are bordered by trees with views from the far margin over the valley landscape beyond.

Situation

Situated in the heart of the Elham Valley, the property is just two miles from the quintessential Kentish village of Elham with its pretty village square bordered by charming period properties. The village has a variety of amenities including a primary school, doctors surgery, public houses, a tearoom, newsagents and post office facilities.

The Cathedral city of Canterbury is to the north and offers a wealth of cultural and leisure amenities. Excellent schools in both the private and state sectors, include King’s School, St Edmund’s School and the Simon Langton grammar Schools.

Communication links are good with the A2, M2 and M20 giving direct access to the wider motorway network. Commuters are well served with high-speed trains from Canterbury West to London St Pancras and services to Victoria and Charing Cross from Canterbury East.

Directions

From Canterbury, follow the A2050 to the south of the city, which gives access onto the A2. Leave the dual-carriageway at the signpost for Kingston & Barham and take the right turn, crossing the main road, then turn left at the T-junction to join Bonny Bush Hill. Follow the road passing through Barham and on to Breach. The property will then be found after a short distance on the right-hand side.