North BarnGreat Cossington Farm | Pratling Street | Aylesford | Kent | ME20 7DQ

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North BarnThis exquisite Victorian barn is located in an ideal, semi-rural, location bordering open fields, with lovely country views and easy access to many local bridleways and footpaths. On their quest for a new home, Malcolm and Barbara were delighted to discover this small, exclusive, development underway involving the conversion of a group of farm properties, one of which became North Barn. They were immediately attracted to the barn, which is constructed with flint faced walls, stone dressings, cast iron columns and an imposing clay tiled roof. As an architect Malcolm had a comprehensive knowledge, and experience in the construction and renovation of residential properties, so they were able to redesign the interior and to specify their own bespoke kitchen and bathroom units, together with fixtures and fittings to fit in with the history of the barn.

“We are tucked quietly away and surrounded by such wonderful countryside and yet, everything we require, is close by. It is only a short walk for us into the local, pretty, village of Aylesford. Here there are shops, delightful restaurants and pubs. Maidstone has excellent schools and colleges, many with sporting facilities and Cobtree Manor Golf Course is on our doorstep. There is a choice of stations within easy reach for commuting into the Capital, and we enjoy convenient access onto the motorway for journeys to Gatwick airport, Le Shuttle, or the Channel ports.”

“The design of the barn is quite unusual and we find this way of living, with the bedrooms on the ground floor, and our main living room upstairs, quite special. This is a spacious, open plan, bright and airy room, zoned with separate areas for cooking, dining and relaxing. The space is ideal for easy relaxed family life or for social gatherings with our family and friends.”

“The room also features a glorious vaulted ceiling with exposed roof trusses and timbers, and its large amount of glazing floods the area with natural light, and also provides an ever changing outlook over the garden and surrounding countryside, including spectacular sun-sets.”

“We also added a gallery in the roof space for a library and study, which also provides an extra bedroom when we have family to stay.”

“Our garden is extremely private and adjoins the adjacent fields. It has been professionally landscaped and incorporates a raised decking area on which we enjoy al fresco dining. There is also a summerhouse and terrace, which provides a different view of the surrounding landscape and the North Downs. Another special space is our covered entrance courtyard, which is most useful, especially as we like to BBQ and are able to do this whatever the weather.”

“We have enjoyed living here in this small community and have made friends with our neighbours. We all respect each other’s privacy but do enjoy impromptu gatherings on occasions. It is, however, now time for another family to live here and we are sure they will love it as much as we have.”*

* 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.

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This striking home is nestled within a cluster of converted buildings that were once part of Great Cossington Farm. This particular property was converted and completed in March 2003 and has been lovingly maintained and improved to become arguably one of the regions most sought after conversions.

At present the property is configured with three stylish bedrooms, served by an en suite and family bathroom. The open plan living area and kitchen are cleverly positioned on the first floor and enjoy quite remarkable views across generous gardens and countryside beyond. A modern spiral staircase leads to a galleried mezzanine level that provides an excellent home office or if required could be used as a guest bedroom.

Externally, a communal courtyard provides an attractive approach and parking area for this and the adjacent homes. A further enclosed courtyard provides access to the property and the direct neighbour. The gardens to the rear and side are a delight and are orientated to enjoy the sun well into the evening.

The property benefits from a very large double garage, which could easily accommodate a dedicated work shop area. Twin up and over powered doors plus a personal door to the side provide ease of access.

The property sits just north of the historic village of Aylesford, which lies either side of the River Medway. The picturesque stone bridge that spans the river is complemented by the numerous listed homes that are nestled within the heart of the village. The county town of Maidstone with its vast amenities is just a short drive away. For those that require schooling, the Maidstone region is renowned for its excellent facilities, that include, state, private and four grammar schools.

The property is well positioned for commuting. It enjoys very comfortable access to either M2 or M20 motorways and the mainline rail stations in Maidstone are found within a few minutes drive. High speed rail access to the London or the continent can be accessed via the international rail termini at Ashford or Ebbsfleet.

ENTRANCE Part double glazed wooden entrance door opening into:

ENTRANCE HALLWAY Inset ceiling spot lights. Understairs storage cupboard housing oil fired boiler. Radiator. High Quality engineered wooden flooring. Open tread staircase to first floor. Burglar alarm panel.

BEDROOM Double glazed window to side. Double glazed Conservation roof lights to rear. Built-in wardrobes. Radiator. Fitted carpet. TV point.

EN SUITE Double glazed conservation roof light to rear. Low level WC with concealed cistern. Wash hand basin with mixer tap and storage below and to side. Large mirror and shaver point. Radiator/towel rail. Inset ceiling lights. Tiled shower enclosure. Extractor fan. Tiled floor.

BEDROOM Double glazed window to side. Built-in wardrobes. Radiator. Fitted carpet. TV and telephone points.

BEDROOMDouble glazed conservation roof lights to rear. Radiator. Fitted carpet. TV and telephone points. Panic button for alarm system. FAMILY BATHROOM Inset ceiling spot lights. Low level WC with concealed cistern. Wash hand basin with mixer tap and storage below and to side. Corner bath with mixer taps and hand shower. Large shower enclosure. Large mirrors. Local wall tiling. Radiator/towel rail.

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Part tiled and part carpeted floor. Extractor fan and shaver point.

UTILITY ROOMCeiling extractor fan. Stainless steel sink unit with mixer taps inset into roll fronted work surface with cupboards below. Range of eye level wall cabinets. Plumbing for washing machine. Space for tumble dryer and fridge freezer. Local wall tiling. Tiled floor.

STAIRS TO FIRST FLOOR Open tread staircase with fitted carpet. Hand rail and balustrade.

LOUNGE AREA Full height double glazed windows with far reaching views to rear. High quality engineered wooden floor. Feature gas fire (via propane gas supply). Vaulted ceiling. Radiator. TV and telephone points.

DINING AREA Full height double glazed windows to rear. Radiator. High quality engineered wooden flooring.

KITCHEN Double glazed windows to front. One and a half bowl stainless steel sink unit with waste disposal. Granite work surfaces. Range of cupboard and drawer base units. Inset electric hob. Integrated dishwasher. Upright cabinets housing fridge freezer plus double oven/grill and microwave. Range of shelving and shuttered storage. Steel extractor hood. High quality engineered wooden flooring.

SPIRAL STAIRCASE AND MEZZANINE Contemporary spiral staircase leading from lounge area to a vaulted ceiling mezzanine level with views over the lounge below. Extensive shelving and pine floor.

PRIMARY COURTYARD Jointly owned with the neighbouring homes with central millstone island. This communal area is maintained via funds collected and administered by a residents association.

ENTRANCE COURTYARD With wrought iron entrance gates opening into a paved and covered courtyard that provides access to this property, the neighbouring property and the gardens.

GARDENS Arranged to side and rear. With a large timber decking area. Paved terrace, Flat lawn areas with a wide variety of established shrubs and fruit trees. Wooden summer house with power and light. External power points. Natural screening to oil tank.

GARAGE AND WORK SHOP Large attached double garage. With twin up and over powered doors. Power and light. Personal door to side.

DIRECTIONSExit the M20 at junction 6 (Maidstone). Proceed on the A299 towards Chatham. After approximately 400m take the slip road on the left (signposted to a local golf course). Continue on, then turn right onto a track (near a pylon). Proceed on this track until you approach the barn and its neighbouring properties. The entrance to the courtyard can be found on the right hand side. The barn can be found in the far left hand corner behind tall wrought iron gates.

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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 14.12.2015

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

Tel 01732 222272

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