6 bedroom house

With a fine outlook over gently rolling Kentish countryside and within one of the most sought-after villages in the area, The Forge is a charming, detached village house surrounded by equally charming gardens. With origins dating back to the late sixteenth century together with later additions, the house is formed from what had once been the village forge and has been in the present ownership for several decades, therefore now requiring a measure of refurbishment and updating – subject to any required conservation consents. Listed Grade II and full of character, external elevations reflect the evolution of the property over the centuries and include tile hanging, exposed timbers, tall chimneys and a variety of window styles some multi-pane sashes whilst others are leaded lights. Internally the accommodation extends to over 5,000 square feet (including cellar and attic space) and is laid out primarily over two floors. Displaying many period features with exposed oak timbers, quarry tiled and parquet floors, timber doors and an oak staircase, there is the warm and welcoming atmosphere of a family home. Room sizes are generous and there are a variety of fireplace styles throughout the property including the large brick inglenook with ornate wood burning stove in the sitting room and two in the dining room – one stone and the other with a wood burning stove – as well as a Victorian carved surround in the family room. The kitchen is fitted with timber wall and floor units and has an adjoining breakfast room which in turn leads to a small side courtyard and on to the utility room. The first floor is given over to five bedrooms and a dressing room, supported by two bathrooms, one with a Victorian roll top bath and there is a very useful secondary staircase to the ground floor. An oak staircase leads to the second floor where there is a further bedroom and a large attic space with potential.
Outside

The property is approached from the lane via a pair of tall timber gates, opening on to a wide gravelled drive and parking area. Noons Cottage is to one side and consists of a reception room, kitchenette and two further rooms as bedrooms. The gardens surround the house and are delightful. There are swathes of level lawn, a variety of mature trees and shrubs, colourful herbaceous borders and a kitchen garden. A paved terrace adjoins the house and to one side is a tennis court as well as a paddock with post and rail fencing which has some fruit trees. Outbuildings include open barn style garaging, a large barn for machinery storage/workshop a greenhouse and various sheds.

Situation

Underriver is a charming and popular hamlet, just to the south east of Sevenoaks and is an active and lively community with its Grade II Listed church, local pub and village hall. Extensive shopping and recreational facilities can be found in both Sevenoaks (4.3 miles) or Tonbridge (4.6 miles). The area is renowned for excellent schooling in both the state and private sectors including village primary schools in Shipbourne and Seal, Lady Boswells and St Thomas’ in Sevenoaks, along with prep schools in Sevenoaks and Tonbridge such as Sevenoaks Prep and the Schools at Somerhill. Senior schools include grammar schools in Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells along with Sevenoaks and Tonbridge public schools. There are mainline train services to London from Hildenborough (London Bridge from 34 minutes; London Charing Cross from 47 minutes) and to London and the Channel ports from Sevenoaks (London Bridge from 27 minutes, London Charing Cross from 35 minutes). Access to the national motorway network via the A21 at Morley Roundabout is 1.8 miles away, whilst Gatwick is about 27 miles.

Additional Information

Agents’ Notes: The property was underpinned in two places in the 1990s; the private drainage system requires updating to comply with current regulations.

Services: Mains gas, electricity and water; Private drainage - shared.
Tenure: Freehold
Local Authority: Sevenoaks District Council; Tax Band G (house) and C (cottage).

Marketed by: Hamptons Sales, Sevenoaks