A 16th-century residence boasting some of Kent's most beautiful garden landscapes is now available for purchase.
In the picturesque county of Kent, known as the Garden of England, lies The Grange, a Grade II*-listed historic house that boasts a rich history and remarkable gardens. While the exact details of The Grange may not be fully documented, its features and historical patterns align with those of similar notable houses in the area.
The Grange, believed to date back several centuries, likely has origins in the medieval or early modern period, evolving through significant remodelling phases, such as the 16th or 18th centuries. Historically, properties like these often began as manor houses or ecclesiastical buildings, which were subsequently converted into large private residences with Georgian or Tudor architectural modifications.
The house would display architectural elements such as deep medieval walls, Norman arches, and Georgian symmetrical façades, indicating the layers of history it has undergone. Interiors commonly include high-ceilinged drawing rooms, formal dining rooms, and richly decorated bedrooms, sometimes with historic names, suggesting the personal stories of former inhabitants.
The gardens of The Grange, like those associated with other notable houses in the area, are often expansive and beautifully maintained, demonstrating a blend of formal design and naturalistic planting, with an emphasis on restoration after periods of neglect. These gardens may be open periodically to visitors through schemes such as the National Garden Scheme, emphasizing their importance and beauty within the local heritage.
The Grange, standing on just under 16 acres of gardens and paddocks, includes a three-storey extension undertaken in 2021 by Stuart Page Architecture. The formal dining room, part of the extension, is a splendid, high-ceilinged, spacious room with a large stone fireplace. Three sets of double doors open onto a crescent-shaped terrace, offering distant southerly and westerly views.
The property also features a Victorian coach house, converted into a one-bedroom, two-reception room home. The Victorian section of The Grange includes a large, bespoke kitchen/breakfast room with top-of-the-range appliances. The kitchen/breakfast room flows through to the air-conditioned garden room.
Penny Churchill is associated with the article, and The Grange is currently for sale through Savills at £6.5 million. The Grange in Bidborough, near Tunbridge Wells, is a new entrant to Kent's finest gardens, joining the ranks of Hever Castle, Chartwell, Penshurst, and Sissinghurst.
While The Grange's specific history may not be fully known, its architectural significance and beautiful gardens make it a must-see for anyone interested in England's rich heritage.
- The Grange's historical evolution, including remodeling phases that span across time periods like the medieval, 16th, and 18th centuries, makes it an intriguing property for those studying the history of finance and real-estate in England.
- With its stunning formal gardens, high-ceilinged interiors, and a Victorian coach house converted into a modern home, The Grange in Bidborough, near Tunbridge Wells, offers an appealing lifestyle opportunity for anyone interested in home-and-garden renovation projects and investing in Kent's renowned real-estate market.
