In addition to the house, there are three separate cottages in the grounds: The Barn, The Oast and The Cottage. All are atmospheric spaces with well-appointed, carefully designed bathroom and kitchen facilities. The current owners of Queen Anne Manor let these homes out; more details can be provided on request.

The Grand Tour

Queen Anne Manor sits in a private spot, ensconced by its own grounds. A driveway curves around to the home’s blue front door.

The historic core of the house is the drawing room, a grand space with white-painted panelled walls and exposed beams extending overhead. There is a wide, open fireplace on one side, and oak boards pave the floor. Two shuttered sash windows rise above perfectly placed seats.

On one side is the dining room, which has rich, navy-blue painted walls ('Hicks Blue'), an exposed brick fireplace and a fantastic floor-to-ceiling shuttered sash window to the garden. On the other is an antique pine-panelled living room, home to a log burner set into an inglenook fireplace.

A family room has deep forest-green walls ('Jewel Beetle' by Little Greene), panelling and plenty of book display space in fitted joinery. A log-burning stove keeps the space warm on wintery nights. 

'Beverly' by Farrow & Ball is used in the kitchen, which has more panelling, original cabinetry and a cream-coloured gas Aga. A deep double butler sink rests below a white-tiled splashback and timber and marble countertops. Other appliances include a gas-burner hob and an integrated dishwasher. Period bells, which would have been used to notify the home’s staff in its early life, remain in situ. 

From the kitchen, doors open to a bright study or breakfast room with a larder, and a separate utility room with a dog shower and laundry facilities.

There are five especially large bedrooms on the first floor, all with towering ceilings. One is a decadent space with dark timber wall panelling, and is currently used as a games room. The remaining rooms are all equally characterful, each with a distinctive colour scheme; one, the principal, has a beautiful hand-painted wallpaper. Two share a Jack-and-Jill bathroom, and there is an additional elegant, traditionally styled bathroom with a shower and a bath on this floor.

Tucked beneath the eaves upstairs are a further two rooms and a bathroom, with far-reaching views across the beautiful surrounding landscape.

The Cottages

All three cottages are Grade II-listed in their own right. They sit beautifully in the landscape, away from the main house, and face out across the ponds in the garden.

The Barn has striking external carving and was built in 1728. It is a beautiful one-bedroom annexe with a sitting room and kitchen; appliances here include a range cooker, dishwasher and a washer/dryer. A modern en suite has a luxurious bathtub. 

Significantly larger, The Oast is set over two storeys. It spans some 1,240 sq ft, with a peaceful living space and three bedrooms, each with an en suite.

The Cottage also has three bedrooms and spans 1,090 sq ft. It has two bathrooms and a downstairs living space. The principal bedroom has striking vaulting.

The Great Outdoors

Tranquil grounds of around three acres surround the house, fostering an especially private feel. Stretches of lawn – perfect for picnicking or a summertime kickabout – emanate, punctuated by plenty of mature trees. There is an orchard, a paddock, and ponds well-stocked with trout and carp. There is plenty of birdlife in the garden, with visiting kingfishers and coots. 

A partly walled rose garden is a fragrant, immersive spot come summer. Nearby, the sheltered, gas-heated swimming pool is large and is wonderful for cooling down on hot afternoons.

Out and About

There is plenty to do in the largely unchanged landscape that surrounds Queen Anne Manor. From the house is a bridleway that connects to The Pilgrims' Way, a historic, 138-mile-long route that connects Winchester to Canterbury. Local historical attractions include the Grade I-listed Leeds Castle, less than two miles away, which was constructed on islands in a lake formed by the River Len. Several wineries can be found in the area, including Pen Oast, which neighbours the house, and Wild Shark.

There is a village shop and post office around a 20-minute walk from the house, as well as three friendly local pubs: Grade II-listed The Dirty Habit (two minutes away), Sugar Loaves and The Windmill. Just a nine-minute drive from the house is Fish on the Green in Bearsted, renowned for its delicious fresh seafood. There is a community-run, award-winning cafe in the village, The Signal Box.

Further shopping, dining and recreation can be sought in neighbouring Maidstone, less than eight miles away. The town is home to the beloved Hazlitt Theatre, as well as Mote Park, with leisure facilities including sports fields and a climbing wall. The River Medway runs through the town, offering wonderful walks along the riverfront.

Kent is well known for its excellent selection of schools. Popular private options include Sutton Valence, Tonbridge, King’s Canterbury and St Edmunds. Hollingbourne Primary School is a 10-minute walk from the house, and there are state schools for boys and girls in Maidstone, Cranbrook, Sittingbourne, and Tonbridge. 

Hollingbourne rail station is a 19-minute walk – or a three-minute drive – from the house, with regular services to London Victoria in as little as 63 minutes. The village is also well-placed for access to rural Kent and the coast: Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate, Sandwich and Deal are all just over an hour’s drive away. The Channel Tunnel at Folkestone is also easily reached, providing connections to the continent.

Council Tax Band: H