Vicarage Hill, Westerham, TN16 1AY

A once in a generation opportunity to acquire Westerham’s iconic home. Set in the heart of one of Kent’s most sought-after market towns, this remarkable 2.2-acre retreat was once the residence of Alice Liddell, the inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s famous Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Alice Through The Looking Glass. 

The property’s back gate opens out onto miles of open farmland yet within two minutes walk of the front gate you will find access to many character cafes, bars, pubs, restaurants and boutique shops.

ACCOMMODATION

Breaches is a remarkable Grade II listed house, seamlessly blending Elizabethan and Victorian architectural styles into an exceptional 7,175 sq ft residence. The original part of the house is believed to have been an Elizabethan banqueting hall which has been enhanced by two major Victorian additions. The oldest part of the house benefits from stunning features coupled with higher ceilings as a result of its heritage.

Upon entering, you’re greeted by a grand reception hall with an inglenook fireplace. The ground floor also features an open-plan kitchen/breakfast room, a family room, a large dining room, a spacious entertaining room, a study, utility room, 2 cloakrooms, a gym, along with ample storage in the cellar.

The first floor boasts five bedrooms, a dressing room, a large reception room/office which could serve as a further bedroom, three bathrooms, and a Jack-and-Jill WC. The second floor includes a large sitting area, two attic bedrooms, a romantic bathroom and a storeroom.

The property is further enhanced by a detached double garage, two additional garages, a workshop/garden store, a summerhouse, a swimming pool, a pool house, and a barbecue gazebo.

Notable features of Breaches include high ceilings from its 19th-century additions, beautifully restored solid wood floorboards, exposed ceiling and wall beams, and cast-iron radiators. The home is adorned with sash bay windows and several fireplaces, including an inglenook in the reception hall. It also boasts an open-plan kitchen/breakfast room, stylish bathroom suites that include both large showers and traditional roll-top baths, a large utility room currently used as a dog room with potential for other use and excellent storage solutions with built-in cupboards, and a substantial cellar. The property also offers low cost carbon neutral electricity via a discreet solar array largely hidden away in the grounds.

OUTSIDE

The gardens of this property truly exceed expectations with over 2 acres of predominantly secluded and remarkably serene, south-facing gardens and grounds. The layout of the gardens offers the social benefits of a town centre with a village feel coupled with the tranquility of the countryside. This could be the ideal property for someone leaving London for the benefits of the countryside.

Meticulously landscaped gardens that wrap around the side and rear of the house, with pastoral backdrops, including a gently flowing stream through a wild meadow and private woodland—a haven for wildlife. Key features include a stunning outdoor pool complete with changing rooms and a summer/pool house. The River Darent meanders across the lower part of the grounds, with an historic leat positioned further up towards the main gardens, connected by charming footbridges.

A detached double garage, two additional garages, a garden store/workshop and a garden shed are in addition to the principal home.

LOCATION & TRAVEL

The property is centrally located, overlooking The Green, in the charming and historic market town of Westerham with easy access to the M25. This picturesque town is surrounded by some of Kent’s most beautiful landscapes, offering stunning views and opportunities for walking, horse riding, and cycling.

Westerham boasts a village-like atmosphere with its central green, a variety of period properties, and a delightful selection of pubs, cafes, and restaurants. The town also features an array of shops, including unique boutiques, hairdressers and antique stores.

Nearby towns, Oxted (3.4 miles) and Sevenoaks (6 Miles), offer more extensive shopping and leisure facilities, as well as mainline rail services to London from Oxted and Sevenoaks.

The area is home to a number of highly-regarded schools, including;

• Combe Bank School in Sundridge.
• Hazelwood School in Limpsfield Chart.
• Sevenoaks Public School.
• Tonbridge Public Schools.
• Russell House Prep School in Otford.
• St Michaels Prep School in Otford,
• Walthamstow Hall in Sevenoaks (for girls)
• Grammar Schools For Boys Tunbridge Wells.
• Girls In Tunbridge Wells.

For leisure, Westerham Fitness Club offers classes such as boxing and spinning, with additional health clubs and gyms available in Oxted and Sevenoaks. Limpsfield hosts a Tennis and Squash Club, and there are several public and private golf courses, including Westerham, Limpsfield Chart, and Tandridge. The area also features lovely walks and National Trust properties to explore, including Chartwell and Emmetts.