Clock House

Originally set out as a grand country house known as Ivy Hatch Court, the property was owned between 1919 and 1945 by the Watney family (of brewing renown) before it was sold and converted into 4 separate dwellings of which Clock House is one of the most substantial, sitting in the centre of the building and with the working clock adorning the façade at the entrance of the house. The property has been thoroughly updated by the current owners who have re-configured the house making the most of its excellent volumes and fantastic far-reaching south facing views. Period features abound throughout although modern additions provide a perfect juxtaposition of period charm and modern practicality.

The property is located on a private road off Stone Street Road and provides generous parking, both outside the house and in two allocated car parking bays within a shared carport. The house is entered through an wide front door to the formal entrance hallway (with shelving and guest WC) set to the right hand side of the clock tower and opens out into the majestic wood panelled central reception hall/dining room; beautifully lofted and with the original splendid oak staircase and its intricately carved newel posts, together with open staircase fretwork winding underneath a large and detailed stained glass window (with 10 distinct medallions) and up to the first floor mezzanine landing.

To the western side of the house, with access from the dining room, sits the open plan kitchen/breakfast room. An original corridor has been removed allowing a light and bright room with modern kitchen, central island, wooden floor with underfloor heating, Aga and extensive storage linked to the rest of the house through a large corridor with ample shelving/storage together with access to the workings of the clock. A south facing sitting room/snug with corner fireplace and wide-board oak flooring (south facing window) is set alongside the kitchen with access to the terrace and garden. A trap door provides interior access to the ample cellar and wine store. An exterior courtyard provides additional access to the front of the house. Completing the ensemble on the ground floor is the grand salon with feature neo-classical marble fireplace, original wooden flooring, ornately decorated ceiling, window seat with south facing views and a concealed door to the inner hallway as well as a south facing sun room with a mosaic tiled floor that continues out onto the verandah, terrace and garden. The heating, including new radiators, has been updated throughout the house.

The staircase arrives on the large beautifully lit landing - currently also used for a desk – with the hallway linking to the bedrooms and with space for large wardrobes and storage. Part of the original corridor has been removed and included into bedroom 3 which makes up a large double with excellent volumes. A pair of adjoining modern bathrooms (each with stand-alone baths and separate showers) sit on the north side of the house whilst the principal bedroom (with built in wardrobes), guest (with bayed reading area benefitting from south facing views) and 4th bedroom all enjoy stunning south facing views over the large garden and towards the High Weald.

At the rear of the house and benefitting from a south facing aspect sits a grand verandah with a newly laid stone terrace with central water feature. On the west side a ramp leads to the exterior access to the cellar and storage rooms, currently providing dry storage and plumbing for a summer kitchen/utility room. The gardens extend out from the house to cover approximately 1.5 acres and the sweeping lawns include a wide range of trees and shrubs amongst which are a significant monkey puzzle and oak trees. A stand alone garage with its own water supply sits out of sight half way down the garden and rear garden access is provided by the vehicular track that links to Mote Road on the east. Water is provided at the far end of the garden.

The property is ideally located in the Kent countryside yet within easy reach of transport links including the mainline stations at Sevenoaks (5.3 miles away and with services to London Bridge (28 minutes) and Charing Cross), Borough Green station (3.2 miles and on the line into London Victoria) and Hildenborough station (5 miles) The motorway network is close at hand providing an easy link to the M25, London and the rest of the UK, whilst the M20 gives easy access to Maidstone and to the channel ports. The area is ideal for local schools with a wide range of excellent primary and secondary schools within easy reach including those at Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells whilst there are also a wide range of amenities and historical properties in the area, from Winston Churchill's Chartwell to the historic castle at Hever. A wide range of golf courses and sporting clubs are also active in the area including the Open qualifying course at Wildernesse and the well respected Knole Park course.

Marketed by: Knight Frank, Sevenoaks