Three / four bedroom barn conversion with self-contained annexe near Stockbury, Kent
A traditional weather-boarded barn conversion with an abundance of character including timber beams and exposed brick. The property benefits from a separate two bedroom stable conversion and is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near Stockbury, Kent
Farriers Barn
• Not listed
• Weather-boarded with brick plinth and clay tiled roof
• In An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Converted from Victorian forge
• Internal area 1,662 sq ft (154 sq m)
• Accommodation downstairs: entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen / breakfast room, utility room, cloakroom, study / bedroom four
• Accommodation upstairs: master bedroom with en-suite shower room, two further bedrooms and family bathroom
• Electronic gates
• Tarmac turning and parking area
Farriers was converted from a Victorian forge in 1991 and has attractive weather-boarded elevations on a brick plinth under a clay tiled roof. The present owners have modernised and enhanced the accommodation to provide a comfortable and stylish home.
The front door leads to a galleried hall with reception rooms to either side. This area incorporates sitting and dining areas, extending more than 36 feet in length. The focal point of the sitting room is a large brick fireplace with bressumer beam above, under which is a wood-burning stove. Recycled chestnut laminate flooring extends throughout both areas, complementing the ceiling and wall beams.
The kitchen / breakfast room is well fitted with a range of light wood cabinets and granite work surfaces. An oil-fired Rayburn range provides hot water, heating and cooking facilities. Integrated kitchen items include a dishwasher, fridge-freezer, electric hob and oven.
There are three rooms adjacent to the kitchen, a utility room, a cloakroom and a walk-in larder. Beyond is a study / bedroom four with beamed vaulted ceiling and wood-burning stove.
On the first floor is a master bedroom with part vaulted ceiling, bespoke fitted wardrobes and an en-suite shower room. Beyond is a family bathroom, and two further bedrooms, each with bespoke fitted wardrobes.
Christmas Cottage
• Single storey, self-contained annexe
• Open plan living room and kitchen
• Two bedrooms (master bedroom with en-suite)
• Study
• Shower room and toilet
• Internal area 812 sq ft (75 sq m)
Christmas Cottage is a self-contained annexe across the yard from Farriers. This recent conversion has more than 800 square feet of floor space, which is large enough for use as permanent living for an extended family or elderly relatives, a holiday let, or business use.
The 23-foot open plan living room and adjoining fitted kitchen has a vaulted ceiling.
The kitchen includes a fridge-freezer, hob, oven and dishwasher. There are two rooms off the living room, a spacious shower room with toilet, and a study, which could double as an occasional small single bedroom.
Off the hallway are two bedrooms and a utility cupboard. The master bedroom includes an en-suite, with bath and shower. The second bedroom is large enough to fit a double bed or two singles.
The utility cupboard houses an oil-fired combi-boiler for central heating and hot water. Plumbing is installed for a washing machine.
Outside
The property is approached through electronic wrought iron gates on brick pillars, leading to a tarmac parking and turning area.
A useful workshop, with power and light, is situated in the yard.
There are three brick paved terraced areas outside the main property, and beyond is an area of lawn, with colourful borders and fruit trees.
The gardens are easy to maintain and are a delightful area in which to relax.
Amenities and transport links
The village of Stockbury is nearby. It has a community-owned pub and a village farm shop, which includes a quality butcher and Post Office. There are several pubs and restaurants in the area, and well-regarded primary schools.
A more comprehensive range of amenities is found in the towns of Sittingbourne, Maidstone and Canterbury. Sittingbourne has boys and girls grammar schools; nearby independent schools include The King’s School in Rochester and Sutton Valence School, south of Maidstone.
Communication links are good with the M2 (Junction 5) nearby and access to the M20 (Junction 7) less than 10 minutes away. Sittingbourne station provides services to London Victoria and St Pancras International (from around 55 minutes). Ebbsfleet International is 25 minutes away and offers alternate access to more regular High Speed services to London taking 18 minutes.
