Petham, Canterbury, Kent

The Red House was built in 1901 in a classic Edwardian-style with brick quoins and a central pilaster with semi-circular pediment and refurbished sundial, under a hipped tiled roof with dormer windows. The property is believed to be the former Dower House of the Lower Hardres Estate. Set in an elevated position within just under 8 acres including ancient woodland, orchard, paddock and formal gardens.

The property has been extensively and sympathetically refurbished by the present owners with great attention to detail. Original features include deep skirting boards, black and white encaustic tessellated floors, period fireplaces, picture rails, ornate cornicing and panelling.

The kitchen and back kitchen have been bespoke fitted with classic Edwardian-style Clive Christian units housing ample appliances under bevelled black marble worktops with a five oven total control electric AGA.

Three principal reception rooms enjoy views over the formal gardens and beyond. These three rooms interconnect providing an excellent entertaining area.

There is also a double aspect study with library shelving, a butler’s pantry with the original sink, wooden draining board and cupboards, a laundry/boot room, pantry and cloakroom.

A substantial ornate oak staircase leads to the first floor which comprises a well-proportioned double aspect principal bedroom suite with outstanding undulating garden and countryside views across the Downs towards Petham. There are five further bedrooms, a family bathroom and separate WC. All the bath/shower/cloakrooms have been luxuriously fitted with either Catchpole & Rye, Lefroy Brooks or Chadder & Co sanitary ware.

The Red House sits in delightful grounds of approximately 8 acres within the Kent Natural Landscape. It comprises stunning formal gardens with Yew hedging and topiary, herbaceous flower borders and lawns with an abundance of mature trees including Copper Beech, Horse Chestnut, Oak and fruit trees. There is a paddock, an orchard and a magical area of ancient woodland with a delightful Edwardian summerhouse. The property is approached through a five bar gate and driveway leading to a parking and turning area with garaging and storage sheds.

The property occupies an elevated position, surrounded by open farmland on the outskirts of the village of Petham which has a primary school, village hall and church. The area is designated as being both an National Landscape Area and also a Special Landscape Area. The Cathedral City of Canterbury lies approximately 3.5 miles away with its shopping centre and excellent educational facilities including a choice of both state and private schools, universities and colleges. Local shopping can be found at Chartham and Bridge.

Sporting and recreational facilities include The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury, County cricket at Canterbury, various golf clubs and plenty of country footpaths and bridleways.

The property is well placed for access to London, the Channel Tunnel Terminal and Dover. Canterbury West, approximately 3.6 miles away offers the high speed rail service to London St Pancras, with journey times of approximately 56 minutes and Canterbury East, about 2.9 miles offers services to London Victoria.

*All mileages and distances are approximate

Services: Oil fired central heating, mains electricity, water and drainage.