Noakes Court80 Heath Road | Maidstone | Kent | ME16 9JS

Noakes CourtThis attractive three to four-bedroom detached bungalow, which has a detached double garage, is set in mature gardens on a plot of just under an acre at the end of a private shared drive in Barming.

“We bought the land in 1972 at a time when it was hard to find land with planning permission,” recalls Averil. “As I worked in London, and Michael in Dartford, we restricted ourselves to looking within a 20 mile radius. We were immediately attracted by this plot as it had been part of the grounds of a Victorian manor house and had many mature trees. A year later, we moved into our specially built bungalow, which then comprised two bedrooms, a bathroom and a split level lounge/diner with a hatch through to the kitchen. Shortly afterwards, we added the double garage.”

“It turned out to be a superb location as the doctors, the dentist, the hospital, the primary school and Oakwood Park Grammar are all walkable, while the other three grammar schools and Maidstone centre are easily reached by bus,” says Michael. Oaken Woods and the River Medway are also within easy walking distance. “The M20 is close by and Barming station is on the Victoria line, so the location is ideal for commuting.”

“By 1985, our growing family required us to undertake an extension, which added a big bedroom that could be divided into two, and a large lounge,” remembers Averil. “The old lounge area is now a music room. In 1988, we added a conservatory, which could be accessed by French doors from the original two bedrooms, which were then occupied by our children. The conservatory made an excellent playroom and a useful separate space for them and their friends when they were older.”

“The garden is very special,” continues Michael. “Its structure was landscaped by George Whiteleg, who used to exhibit at Chelsea, although we’ve done most of the planting. The back garden was levelled, then a pond with a substantial rockery, using stone from the Forest of Dean, were constructed on the north side; water flows from the pond to a stream and is returned by a waterfall over the rockery. Beyond the adjoining patio and lawn toward the rear of the garden is a woodland area with abundant rhododendrons, camellias and bluebells. We lost some of the mature trees in the storm of 1987 but the remaining four have preservation orders on them.”

“To the front of the bungalow, there’s a terraced patio, which is sheltered and private,” adds Averil. “At the south end there’s a formal pond overhung by acers. There’s also another lawn with a planted border and a circular rose bed, and a pergola with climbing roses and hanging baskets. At the north end of the bungalow another pergola covered with ramblers leads from the driveway to a brick moon gate, which Michael built to frame the view down the back garden.”

“We’re going to miss the garden most of all, particularly as some of the trees and plants were gifts from friends and family, so hold special memories, but it’s time to downsize now,” conclude Averil and Michael. *

* These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.

A quite striking example of a unique home that has been designed, constructed, furnished and subsequently maintained in the period style of the 1970’s. The current owners immaculate attention to detail ensure that both inside and out, this home visually inspires.

Currently the property is configured with three very generous reception areas and three bedrooms, served by a master bedroom en suite, a family bathroom and a separate W.C. A sun room/playroom plus a utility room adds further space and practicality.

The property sits with a plot of approximately three quarters of an acre. A private lane leads to the gated entrance with a long block paved drive, parking area and double garage beyond. On entering the plot you will immediately appreciate just how special this home is. High quality soft and hard landscaping surrounds you and invitingly draws you towards the entrance of the home. The delightful gardens extend beyond the Japanese style pond at the side towards the rear where the most sumptuous garden is located. A myriad of shrubs and flower beds edge a central manicured lawn and large ornamental pond.

Beyond this is an area of mature woodland with specimen trees and meandering pathways.

The area of Barming is conveniently positioned to the west of Maidstone. Barming enjoys its own mainline rail station and primary schools. Nearby Maidstone benefits from several senior schools and four grammar schools. Private schools are also accessible, notably the Sutton Valence School and adjacent prep school which are within a comfortable drive.

ENTRANCE Double glazed entrance door opening into accommodation.

ENTRANCE HALL Double glazed windows to front. Inset ceiling spot lights. Built in airing cupboard plus warm air system. Hard wood flooring.

RECEPTION ROOM Double glazed high level windows to front. Double glazed full width sliding doors to garden. Inset ceiling spot lights. Hard wood flooring.

RECEPTION ROOM/DINING ROOM Double glazed sliding patio doors to garden. Rose wood panelled walls. Hard wood flooring.

RECEPTION ROOM Double glazed windows to side. Double glazed door to garden. Wood panelled ceiling with inset spot lights. Sunken seating area with feature fireplace. Hard wood floor. This room is hardwired for a surround sound system and has remotely controlled mood lighting.

KITCHEN Double glazed window and double glazed door to garden. Twin bowl stainless steel sink unit with mixer taps inset into work surface. Range of cupboard and drawer base units. Inset electric five zone induction hob. Space for dishwasher. Upright cabinets housing electric double oven/grill. Range of eye level wall cabinets. Extractor fan. Space for large fridge freezer. Inset ceiling spot lights. Tiled splash backs. Breakfast bar. Tiled floor.

MASTER BEDROOM Double glazed windows to front. Wood panelled ceiling with inset spot lights. Storage cupboard housing warm air heating system. Sliding wooden doors that act as partitions when open and conceal fitted storage when closed. Hardwood floor.

EN SUITE Double glazed windows to side. Pedestal wash hand basin, low level W.C. and bidet. Tiled shower enclosure. Wood panelled ceiling with inset spot lights. Wood effect flooring.

UTILITY ROOM Double glazed window to front. Space for washing machine and tumble dryer. Tiled walls and floor.

BEDROOM Double glazed sliding door to rear. Ceiling with inset spot lights. Range of mirror fronted wardrobes. Wood panelled walls. Tiled floor.

BEDROOM Double glazed sliding doors to rear. Ceiling with inset spot lights. Range of mirror fronted wardrobes. Tiled floor.

SUN LOUNGE Double glazed windows and curved double glazed roof. Double glazed door to garden. Carpet tiles.

GARDENSProfessionally designed stylised gardens with manicured lawns to front and rear. Japanese style pond to side. Larger ornamental fishpond to rear. Wide variety of oriental style Acers. Countless varieties of flowers and shrubs. Woodland area to rear with meandering pathways and a variety a wide variety of trees, notably three mature Lime trees. Paved patio area providing views of the garden.

ACCESS AND DRIVEWAY The property is approached via a privately owned lane that provides access to just this and two further homes. A gated entrance opens onto a long block paved driveway that leads to a parking area and garage.

PARKING A block paved parking area provides parking and a turning area for several vehicles.

GARAGING AND GREENHOUSE Detached double width garage with up and over door and over-head storage. Power, light and window to side. Attached green house accessed from driveway.

Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and quoted in metric with imperial equivalents and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Printed

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Fine & Country West Malling 28 High Street, West Malling, Kent ME19 6QR

Tel 01732 222272