luxury house for sale Maidstone, United Kingdom

When it comes to privacy, security and discretion this stunning and unique 21st century country house has it all. Whether it is the indoor infinity swimming pool, the custom designed cinema room, the state-of-the art technology or the superb Wolf and Sub Zero designed chef’s kitchen, there is something for everyone. Completely hidden down a wooded dell surrounded by 2.2 acres of grounds that were previously part of the Chilham Castle Estate, it is approached along part of a private road owned by the property that leads to solid wood electronic gates, flanked by a high brick wall. The gates open onto a drive down to the large outer car parking area and an archway to the inner car park and an integral triple garage with electronic doors and a large, detached pitched roof outbuilding currently used for storage.The front door opens into the awe-inspiring entrance hall with its limestone flooring that flows throughout the ground floor and the beautifully designed curved stainless steel and wood staircase that sweeps up to the first floor. Off the hall is a very large storeroom and boot cupboard as well as a spacious shower room with a pair of trendy basins as well as steps down to the truly impressive ‘hub of the household’ that includes the amazing double height kitchen, sitting and dining areas. It is at this stage that you really begin to appreciate not only the uniqueness of this amazing property but also how incredibly light and bright it is with vast picture windows in many of the rooms, walls of glass and bi-fold doors. This is ably demonstrated in the large dining area that includes a glass door and wall that overlooks the indoor swimming pool complex and beyond to the impressive Welsh slate feature wall in the garden, a very large picture window. There are also six bi-fold doors with windows above in the sitting area that also has a raised box fireplace as a focal point. There is also a glass fronted ‘minstrels gallery’ style first floor landing that overlooks the whole room.For anyone who enjoys catering and entertaining the chef level kitchen is a true dream. Wolf and Sub Zero have designed their stainless steel kitchens for such culinary luminaries as Jamie Oliver, Gary Rhodes and Gordon Ramsay and celebrities including Sir Paul McCartney, David and Victoria Beckham, Madonna and Rod Stewart to name but a few, so it means you are in excellent company. The kitchen area has a range of stainless steel wall units housing a large integrated fridge, freezer, two built in ovens and a full height wine cooler as well as islands that include a breakfast bar and a built in teppanyaki griddle for cooking Japanese food, an eight ring gas hob, sinks and an ‘intelligent’ and sensitive air conditioning systems to remove unwanted cooking smells. To ensure that none of the ‘messy’ aspects of catering are seen in the main kitchen area there is a separate kitchen for food preparation and dishwashing facilities.The ground floor includes a delightful library with bespoke shelving and an integrated fridge, a good sized office with a door to the gravel terrace that could always be a ground floor bedroom for elderly relatives or those who find the stairs difficult as there is also the available shower room nearby. There is also a magnificent double height, dual aspect sitting room if you want somewhere quiet to repair to. This light and bright room has a vast double height cathedral style window and a door to the terrace as well as a cosy log burner and is overlooked by a mezzanine seating area with a glass balcony.The main staircase leads to the primary landing overlooking the family space. It has beautiful wood flooring that flows throughout the first floor including into the superb main suite with its various shaped vaulted ceiling and delightful picture window. There is an excellent dressing room with bespoke clothes storage and shelving that leads to the luxurious en suite bath/shower room with steps up to the impressive air bath for relaxation, two infinity limestone basins and a wet room style shower. Both the bedroom and bathroom have a wall of frosted glass and doors that lead to a secondary landing that overlooks the swimming pool and providing delightful views across the garden and includes a glassed in gym and secondary stairs to the swimming pool complex.This floor also provides three further, individually designed double bedrooms with en suite facilities including a fun room for a teenager with steps up to a built in double bed and bath, another with a seating area, large built in cupboards and very trendy en suite stone style bath, black slate basin, shower and walls and the third with a seating area, cathedral style windows, a vaulted ceiling and an elegant en suite bathroom with a stand alone bath and wet room style shower. There is also the ‘snug’ overlooking the sitting room, mirrored cupboards on the landing, a very useful fitted laundry room with Miele appliances and a splendid dual aspect home office/fifth bedroom with vaulted ceilings, feature brick walls, and cathedral style windows.For leisure and pleasure you can enjoy the beautiful infinity swimming pool with its vast internal terrace where you can sit and relax with a cup of coffee or revel in the large sauna and steam rooms, while later in the day take the steps down to the beautifully designed cinema room and sink into a comfortable chair while sipping a glass of wine from the bar and watch your favourite movie.Outside the very easy to maintain garden is primary laid to lawn with a gravel terrace and paved patio as well as the slate wall with steps up to the woodland areas. There are a wide variety of mature and specimen trees and shrubs that surround the property. TechnologyThe property was designed some 17 years ago for a member of the Pentland Homes family and it is believed it took two years to complete as a very special project. Despite the 17 years, from a technological point of view, the house was way ahead of its time and could be considered state-of-the-art even today. It includes a Control 4 system that controls the underfloor heating on all three floors with individual thermostatic controls, a central Vac system, air conditioning, electric blinds and curtains, a Lutron lighting system throughout the house and a top-of-the range AMX audio-visual system as well as a UV and chlorine filter system for the swimming pool. The plant room incorporating all these facilities can be found on the lower ground floor. HistoryAlthough the property is ultra-modern the environment and the grounds are steeped in history. Up until 2006 it was part of the Chilham Castle Estate. The original Chilham Castle was built in 709 by the ‘King of Kent,’ and was probably made of wood. However the Keep dates to Norman times and was erected 1174 while the current Jacobean mansion was built in 1616 for Sir Dudley Digges. Over the years it has had a number of owners and in 1949 it was bought by the 13th Viscount Masereene who lived there until his death in 1992 but is currently a private residence. It has also been the backdrop for a number of films and TV series including Moll Flanders, Poirot and Dempsey and Makepeace.

We moved here in 1996 and it has been a wonderful home to bring up our family. However the children have now flown the nest and we feel it is time for us to downsize. We really love Pembury and lived here even before we bought this house but we saw this house and realised it was everything we needed at the time. It is quiet and peaceful and, because it is in a cul-de-sac, it is also very safe for children and pets. We have always enjoyed the large south facing garden and have hosted a number of outdoor parties and even a family wedding with a marquee that actually looked quite small when compared with the size of the garden. It is great that the good primary school and nursery are within easy walking distance and we are not far from the doctor’s surgery while the recently built hospital is nearby. The heart of the village centres around the village green and it maintains its unique character with historic buildings from the 12th century through to the modern homes built in the 20th century. There is a useful convenience store as well as a post office, newsagent, bank, chemist and hairdresser and three pubs, other eateries and the Camden Arms Hotel, while excellent local produce is available from the Downingbury Farm shop. In addition to a junior football club and cricket club the village also includes a bridge club and the Pembury Players for those with a theatrical bent.We are just four and a half miles from Tunbridge Wells with its delightful mix of independent shops, bars and restaurants, high street stores, hair and beauty salons and a number of luxury and boutique hotels as well as retail parks and a station with trains that will get you to London within an hour. There are grammar schools and a number of primary and secondary schools rated Outstanding by Ofsted and entertainment facilities include a nine-screen Odeon cinema, the Trinity Theatre, the well-respected Assembly Theatre and for sports enthusiasts there is the indoor sports and tennis centre, a swimming pool and the Neville Golf Club.

Built in 2020, ‘Loft House’ was designed by Carl Turner of Turner.Works.Its sleek black powder coated steel exterior echoes the iconic fishing huts of the Kent coastline, whilst inside it embodies contemporary elegance. Nestled in a tranquil private estate a short distance from the sea front, the house features a shingle front garden augmented with raised beds full of sea grasses and palms. The driveway can hold approximately four cars and a pathway curves around the property to the entrance on the West side. The hallway is full of natural light and leads to four large bedrooms, a shower room, bathroom and utility room with ample storage. There are polished concrete floors with underfloor heating throughout. These are fed by an air source heat pump which ensures year-round comfort whilst being environmentally sustainable. The first floor is an impressive open plan living space with vaulted ceilings running the width and length of the house with large industrial sliding doors at each end. On the South side there is a vast sitting room with a Morsø Panther wood-burner. Adjacent to this is a spacious study flooded with natural light from a skylight window. To the North End there is an expansive kitchen with a polished stone island facing a dining area with fitted seating. Off this kitchen there is a terrace with a spiral cast iron staircase taking you down to the garden which exudes tranquility - a relaxing and secluded private oasis.Whitstable's high street is full of independent restaurants, cafés and boutiques which are bustling and vibrant all year round. The Sportsman, widely regarded as one of the UK's finest gastropubs having held a Michelin star since 2008 is a 5 minute drive. The area boasts excellent schooling options and convenient access to rail links to London St Pancras (High Speed) and London Victoria.https://youtu.be/daa4FJ5zFiw?si=JbJYLQMOQNerqQ6Y

Built in 2012, this bespoke bungalow was commissioned by its current owners to perfectly align with their needs. Situated atop a substantial corner plot, it occupies a unique position as the sole beachside bungalow affording uninterrupted, awe-inspiring views across Whitstable Bay. Presenting a thoughtfully designed layout which includes three bedrooms, an en-suite, shower room and a family bathroom. The master bedroom is strategically positioned at the rear offering an expansive panorama of the sea. Likewise, the living room, also at the rear beckons with its breathtaking beachfront perspective, and a grand bay glassed pentagon window that opens to reveal the uninterrupted sea views. Double doors provide seamless access to the capacious terrace.The terrace, conveniently accessible from the east side of the property, gracefully convolved to the building, stretching across the entire plot width. It serves as a tranquil retreat for relaxation and outdoor enjoyment overlooking the sea.The kitchen, positioned laterally acts as the heart of the home, connecting fluidly to an annex thoughtfully designed as an art studio. This studio includes its own kitchenette and a well-appointed shower room. Double doors from the studio offer a direct connection to the terrace. A spacious driveway leads to the bungalow, affording ample parking space for multiple vehicles, complete with a convenient turning point. A detached double garage, equipped with an electric door easily controlled by a fob, enhances the property's convenience. Below the bungalow, a cellar serves as an invaluable storage space. Beneath the terrace, a meticulously landscaped garden is adorned with mature planting, adding to the property's allure. This unique residence presents an unparalleled opportunity for coastal living, offering bespoke design and breathtaking position and seafront views.https://youtu.be/pnS6U2KBQ-sBathroomShower RoomEnsuiteBedroomBedroomMaster BedroomKitchenLiving RoomStudioCellarGarage

We moved here some 26 years ago and it has been a wonderful place to bring up our family and over the years we have enjoyed entertaining guests and even had our son’s wedding here in a marquee in the garden. We originally arrived with three children, two horses and two dogs and spent the first couple of months putting in the manège and the swimming pool and then extended the house with a two storey extension at the front to include the games room and master en suite bedroom while at the rear we extended the utility room and created the garden room. All this has provided a spacious family home which we love but now that all the children have ‘flown the nest’ and have their own families and the horses and dogs are no more, we feel it is time for us to downsize and hand over the baton to new owners with similar equestrian and country life interests. At the same time the property has potential for business activities as it could make a superb events venue and there could be the opportunity to create a four double bedroom barn conversion, subject to the appropriate permissions.The location is great as we are only a couple of miles or so from Whitstable and about three miles from Canterbury while the nearby Blean primary school is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. Whitstable is a charming town full of individual shops, bars and restaurants as well as the harbour where you can buy the famous Whitstable oysters as well as a wide variety of other delicious fish. There is the Crab and Winkle route between Canterbury and Whitstable for cyclists and plenty of places to enjoy a walk with the dog. For golfing enthusiasts there is the Whitstable and Seasalter golf club that also includes 10 pin bowling, tennis and water sports and if you want more choice there is also the Chestfield Golf club, while sailors can join the Whitstable Yacht Club or the Tankerton sailing club.Canterbury is a wonderful city with a wide variety of historic buildings, high street stores and individual shops as well as numerous restaurants, bars and the cinema as well as the Marlowe and Gulbenkian theatres and two stations including Canterbury West servicing the high speed train to St Pancras. There are also excellent grammar and private schools, three universities and a further education college and plenty of opportunities for sporting enthusiasts with the Kent cricket ground within walking distance as well as a golf club, sports club and swimming pool.

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque coastal town of Whitstable, this home stands as a timeless and sophisticated residence, epitomising the essence of refined living overlooking the sea. This distinguished property is built to a high specification with interior design by Italian architects. Situated in a private gated development with parking for approximately three cars. The interior exudes an air of sophistication, featuring high-quality finishes and thoughtful design elements throughout. The open living spaces are bathed in natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages both relaxation and entertaining with views of the sea on all levels. Elegant flooring combined with underfloor heating has been fitted throughout. Neutral colour palette contribute to the overall sense of refined aesthetics. The principle kitchen also boasts Miele appliances. The bedrooms offer tranquility and comfort. Each room is generously appointed with luxurious details overlooking the sea with access to a balcony. The fourth floor comprises solely of the principle suite, a haven of relaxation, featuring a spa-like ensuite bath, walk-in closet and private secluded balcony overlooking the sea.The outdoor spaces have been thoughtfully designed to provide a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. With superb terraces, balconies and a manageable garden creating an ideal setting for al fresco dining, morning coffee, or simply enjoying the coastal breeze.Joy Lane is more than just a residence; it is an embodiment of a refined lifestyle. With its timeless design, meticulous attention to detail, and prime location in Whitstable. Living in Whitstable:Whitstable, a charming seaside town in Kent, England, is known for its unique character, beautiful coastline, and delightful attractions. Here are some highlights, including restaurants and the new beach sauna. The Cathedral City of Canterbury:Just 7.3 miles (22min) away you can wind your way around Canterbury's cobbled streets and historic sights, shop at a huge mix of independent and high street retailers, and relax in award-winning restaurants, breweries and cosy cafés. Whitstable Beach:The beach is a central attraction with its pebble shores and colourful beach huts. Visitors can enjoy long walks along the coast, take in the sea air, and enjoy views of the picturesque Whitstable Bay.Whitstable Harbour:The harbour is a bustling area with fishing boats, seafood stalls, and lively pubs. You can stroll along the harbour, enjoy and buy fresh seafood directly from the boat, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the local fishermen at work.Oyster Beds:Whitstable is famous for its oysters, and you can explore the oyster beds to learn about the town's rich maritime history. Many seafood restaurants in the area offer delicious oyster dishes.Whitstable Castle and Gardens:The Whitstable Castle, surrounded by lovely gardens, is a historic landmark. Visitors can explore the castle, enjoy afternoon tea, or take a leisurely walk through the well-maintained gardens.High Street and Shops:Whitstable's High Street is filled with independent shops, boutiques, and art galleries. It's a great place to explore unique finds, local crafts, and vintage items.Restaurants in Whitstable:Whitstable boasts a variety of restaurants offering diverse culinary experiences. Seafood lovers will find plenty of options, but there are also establishments serving international cuisine, traditional British fare, and more. Some popular restaurants include:The Sportsman: A Michelin-starred gastropub known for its exquisite seafood dishes.Wheelers Oyster Bar: An historic seafood restaurant offering fresh oysters and other delicious seafood.Pearsons Arms: A waterfront traditional pub with a diverse menu, offering both seafood and non-seafood options.Activities:Beach Sauna:Indulge in a rejuvenating seaside escape at the newly opened Sea Scrub Sauna in the heart of Whitstable Harbour. This hidden gem combines the healing powers of the sea with the relaxing warmth of a sauna, creating an unparalleled wellness experience.Whitstable Yacht Club:Whitstable Yacht Club is one of the oldest and largest sailing clubs in England. The Club is situated on the north coast of Kent where the Thames Estuary meets the North Sea. WYC offers sailing in sheltered waters at all times of the tide for catamarans, dinghies, and windsurfers with yachts in nearby creeks which dry out.Cold Water Swimming Clubs:There are various groups of cold water swimmers that you can join in order to reap the health benefits of this exciting new trend. To London by Train:Whitstable has a railway station that provides a direct train service to London. Travel times can vary, but it typically takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach London Victoria or London St Pancras International.To London by Car:Driving to London from Whitstable takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the specific destination within London.To Airports:To London Gatwick Airport (LGW): The driving time is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.To London Heathrow Airport (LHR): The driving time is around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.To London Stansted Airport (STN): The driving time is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.To London City Airport (LCY): The driving time is around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.https://youtu.be/OUQLY_9Jcfs

'Seasong' is a contemporary and stylish executive beach house. There are 7 bedrooms 5 bathrooms and a grand double height open plan reception room spanning the width of the house overlooking the sea. 'Seasong' boasts a unique secluded position on the beach front on the popular Tankerton Beach with direct access from the back gate onto a short pathway down to the beach. 'Seasong' is spread over three floors. On entering through the front door you can see right through to the sea passed the double height kitchen area that leads out onto the gardens. With a snug to the right hand side with fireplace and wood burner and double Crittall style doors that lead through to the seating area in the kitchen. The open plan kitchen leads you through to a vast utility room with bespoke cabinetry for storage. There is also a further storage room, a useful separate study and guest WC. The first floor has four double bedrooms with sea views one with an ensuite. There is a smaller room with a view over the Castle and a good size family bathroom. The third floor boasts a central terrace with far reaching sea views over 'The Street' and out to the windmills and beyond. The double doors leading out to the terrace let in light and a delightful sea breeze. Both bedrooms over the third floor have ensuite bathrooms and sea views. Access to the beach is via the garden onto a short pathway taking you straight to the sea. The front of Seasong overlooks Whitstable Castle and is also yards from Tankerton Slopes which are cliff-top lawns that roll gently towards the sea and provide excellent views of ‘The Street ‘-a naturally formed spit of land that extends into the sea and can be walked on at low tide.The landscaped garden is terraced over three levels with multiple seating areas patios, and parts laid to lawn. Whitstable is a vibrant and desirable seaside town frequented by visitors form London with many deciding to reside full time. Tankerton high street is set back from the beach is a small high street filled with shops, cafes, and Ossie’s, a reliably delicious fish and chip shop. The popular Jo Jo’s meze bar is a short stroll from the house. The cliff-top lawns of Tankerton Slopes roll gently towards the sea and provide excellent views of ‘The Street’, a naturally formed spit of land that extends into the sea and can be walked on at low tide. These shingle slopes support a population of the rare Fisher’s estuarine moth, Gortyna borelii lunata, and as such have been designated a Special Area of Conservation. Colourful and highly covetable beach huts nestle at the base of the slopes, one of which was transported and transformed in Tracy Emin’s 2000 work ‘The Last Thing I Said to You was Don’t leave me here’. Tankerton’s Blue Flag beach is deservedly popular in summer but happily avoids the crowds of this stretch of coast. Whitstable high street is a short walk along the promenade and offers an impressive mix of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, wonderful historic architecture and a thriving cultural scene. With its own Biennale, a wealth of independent businesses, and easy access to London, the area supports a diverse community enjoying a vibrant life on the coast. Whitstable is historically famed for its oysters. The epicurean tradition has continued locally with the annual Whitstable Oyster Festival and at Wheelers Oyster Bar, Oyster Co., and Stephen Harris’ Michelin-starred The Sportsman. Other dining options within a half-hour drive include The Fordwich Arms, The Pig at Bridge Place, and The Goods Shed in Canterbury, all driven by local produce. Local train lines provide excellent transport connections; Whitstable Station is a 15 minute walk away with direct trains to London St Pancras and London Victoria in under 90 minutes. To the south, Canterbury is accessible by bus or a 20-minute drive, whilst Margate is 30 minutes and Dover is 45 minutes by car. The M2 and the M20 connect to central London in 60 miles and take around 1 hour 40 minutes.https://youtu.be/VIBYVomfO4s