Property description
Steeped in the past this amazing property has to be seen to be believed. “Centuries” is a rare and complete Grade II* listed building in a conservation area with parts dating to the 12th Century. For anyone interested in history, this property offers something very special. It is the birthplace and family home of Hamo de Hethe (Hythe), Bishop of Rochester, who added the south west wing in 1334 and there is a plaque on the building denoting its origins. But above all “Centuries” is a remarkably charming and comfortable family home.
The magnificent stone building dominates the corner of Church Hill, an inviting pathway with delightful historic houses and gardens, and Bartholomew Street just below the ancient Church of St. Leonard’s.
The expansive and sunlit first floor is approached through a private walled garden and offers a stunning mix of features from a bygone era and modern day living. Through the pretty south west facing courtyard garden, you will find the entrance to this versatile
Accommodation which is all conveniently arranged on one floor.
Once inside there is a welcoming sitting room, an immense master bedroom and a comprehensive range of cabinets and appliances in a fitted kitchen which features the stone work of a 12th Century
Wall. These rooms marry well with the later Georgian wing with its lattice window along the hall, in three of the double bedrooms and the study/fourth bedroom. No matter where you are in the property, all of it oozes character and a multitude of period features. The elegant dining room and intriguingly shaped sitting room provide a charming area for entertaining while the sunny courtyard garden, with mature plants, trees and raised beds among the flagstones provides an ideal space for al fresco meals and relaxing over a cup of coffee.
“Centuries” is a freehold property subject to a 158 year lease of the ground floor accommodation and part of the garden is currently lived in by the leaseholder. The maintenance costs relating to the exterior of the entire property are split 50/50 between the freeholder and the leaseholder.
What the Owner says:
“We are just a few minutes walk away from the high street shops,
The historic Royal Military Canal, providing boating, wonderful walks and cycle rides, and from there, across the canal on Ladies Walk, to the beach”
“Centuries” has been in our family since 1967 and we have always delighted in its historic significance and uniqueness. Built as family residence in the 12th Century before coming under the charge of Christ Church it has retained its vernacular origins and remains today a welcoming family home.
Hythe offers its own micro-climate, most often seeming a few degrees warmer than the surrounding area. We really enjoy our courtyard garden surrounded by ancient walls that provide a sense of sanctuary trapping sun all day until the last rays of the evening. Whether you just want to sit at a street café, dine at your favourite restaurant or do the weekly shop at Waitrose, you will rarely need to drive as everything is within walking distance. It’s just a few steps to the historic Royal Military Canal and beyond that to the beach with seaside fine dining, Griggs fresh seafood and the Imperial Hotel with its golf course, swimming pool, spa and other sporting facilities. For the avid golfer there is the Henry Cotton designed by Sene Valley Golf course and the Royal Saint George just a short drive up the coast in Sandwich.”
The information provided about this property does not constitute or form part of an offer or contract, nor may be it be regarded as representations. All interested parties must verify accuracy and your solicitor must verify tenure/lease information, fixtures & fittings and, where the property has been extended/converted, planning/building regulation consents. All dimensions are approximate and quoted for guidance only as are floor plans which are not to scale and their accuracy cannot be confirmed. Reference to appliances and/or services does not imply that they are necessarily in working order or fit for the purpose.
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Property Info: