Detached house for sale in Elmstone, Nr Wingham, Canterbury, Kent CT3

Elmstone Court is a fine Grade II Listed country house in a delightful setting. Dating to the early 18th century with later alterations, its Georgian proportions are enormously appealing and the house provides a wonderful family home.

A part glazed front door opens to a central hall which continues through the full depth of the house to a matching door within the classically symmetrical façade of the south west elevation, giving a feeling of light and space with formal reception rooms set to either side.

A gracious sitting room has a large bow window and floor to ceiling sash windows overlooking the gardens and moat-like pond to the front. A fireplace with moulded surround provides a focal point and is flanked by bookshelves and cupboards. The piano room enjoys similar views through matching tall sash windows and also has a fireplace.

To the back of the house, a comfortable music room/study leads to a bright conservatory. Across the hall, the dining room has parquet flooring and a wood-burning stove set in an inglenook fireplace. Adjoining the kitchen/breakfast room these spaces work well as an everyday family area. This bright double aspect space is arranged around an Esse range. One end of the kitchen is fitted with a range of units with wooden work surfaces; the breakfast area, at the other end, has views of the garden.

On the first floor the sense of light and space continues with four well-proportioned rooms set off the central landing. The principal bedroom is double aspect with doors to a balcony above the bow window. The guest room enjoys an en suite and there are two family bathrooms at this level. On the second floor there are a further four adaptable rooms and a bathroom.<br /><br />Elmstone Court sits in mature, landscaped gardens providing a delightful setting. The house is approached over a long, sweeping drive arriving in front of the house and garage.

The garden has a great deal of interest with clipped hedging and topiary providing structure. A wide expanse of lawn with a selection of mature trees leads to a gap in a beech hedge through to what was once a lawn tennis court. To the western corner is a fantastic Pulhamite rock grotto with a cave and rustic pathway. Dating to 1909, and reflecting the fashion of the time for rock gardens, the grotto is a wonderful folly with candle niches for night time illumination.

A path approaches from the southwest, complementing the symmetry of the house, being flanked by lavender and leading across a Monet-inspired bridge across a moat like pond.

The large, brick built, Victorian barn building is to the north of the house. A voluminous space, previously used as a cold store, it offers potential for a variety of uses, subject to any necessary consents.<br /><br />The property is situated on the fringes of Preston village, which provides several amenities, including shops, a butcher and a pub, with neighbouring Wingham offering additional facilities. Canterbury offers an array of cultural, recreational and shopping amenities, together with well-regarded educational establishments.

The A2 links to the M20, M25 and M2 motorway networks, with High-speed trains from Minster to London St Pancras. The area has good access to the Continent.