GRAHAM JOHNM A K E L I F E S P E C I A L

Georgian Gothicin a truly stunning environment

T: 01303 474101 M: 07875 001499E: mattryde@grahamjohn.com www.grahamjohn.com

The Details

Grade II Listed

Living Room

Garden room

Kitchen

3 Bedrooms

Study

‘Studio’

Bathroom

Shower room

Garden

Garage

Communal grounds

Stunning setting

Had Tennyson, Keats or Shelley had the chance to visit they would have been inspired by this charming home. Georgiana at its most intriguing. Some homes are genuinely unique and this, ‘The

Keep’, is most definitely one of them.

A stunning collection of individual homes, remnants

of the ‘castle’ built in the late eighteenth century and

of which ‘The Keep’ forms part, nestle beside Hadlow

Tower.

The tower, also known as May’s Folly, was built

between 1838 and 1840 by Walter Barton May,

Goodsall, in his Second Kentish Patchwork, referred

to it as ‘One of the best known, and certainly the most

conspicuous folly in the county...’

The tower and castle reference Fonthill in Wiltshire in

design and in Bagshaw’s 1847 Gazetteer it is referred

to as ‘a superb mansion, recently erected, and a fine

example of architectural embellishments... This tower

exhibits a unique specimen of diversity and beauty...’

The main house of Hadlow Castle, built in the place

of Hadlow Court Lodge, is long gone but May’s legacy

most definitely isn’t. Rising high above the skyline, the

tower is a beacon announcing Hadlow to passers-by.

It is a very special environment, like no other and

this collection of very individual and older Georgian

properties beside the tower provide a wonderful

home for anyone who has a passion for the romance

of architecture.

It’s hard to know where to begin describing this home.

To the first time visitor there is a sense of wonder as

you turn in through the gothic gateway between the

gatehouses. Wind along the driveway and a few select

homes peer from behind hedges and then you turn a

corner and this amazing Georgian presence appears

rising up with the Victorian Tower as a backdrop. It is

an intriguing introduction to a wonderful home that

keeps bringing surprises as you discover new facets.

It may be the shape of a window or the view through

it, the living room fireplace or the view as you turn a

corner outside, a casual encounter with a neighbour,

all these things add to the magic of being here.

Delightful rooms rise up, the product of an eccentric

mind and that romantic period of Georgian

architecture. You’re not sure what to expect when you

An iconic Victorian folly

The courtyard and a delightful group of individual

homes

Welcome to a unique home

There is gothic charm at every turn

visit and the property manages to surprise at every turn.

Frivolous space makes it intriguing as the ante rooms

add a very different feel to the living room and two of the

bedrooms.

This is a home where you show off your collections,

display your artwork and sit ensconced with a favourite

book in your very own ‘castle’ room.

It is a home of romance and yet one of practicality. The

living room, seeming almost square is a lovely space for

daily life and for entertaining in. The kitchen, compact

in comparison, works wonderfully and our clients have

catered for gatherings of twelve upwards with ease

here. Thoughtful design has had them place the freezer

and washing machine out of sight under the stairs to

maximise storage in the kitchen, a room that is incredibly

easy to work in.

Up above there are three bedrooms and two have that

ante room coming off. Studio space, dressing room,

office, play room, use them as you will, they add a

dimension to life that few homes can match.

Outside there is a private garden, lawned and hedged

to provide a space to enjoy to yourself. Beyond there

are grounds to wander through, a pond with seating for

the residents to make use of and beautiful views across

farmland.

One of our favourite things, silly as it may seem, is the

lovely gateway to the churchyard set in a charming brick

wall, a secret journey. Take your key, open it and you are

into the church grounds and moments from the square

with the bakers, greengrocers and butchers. Hadlow has

a general store, hairdressers, doctor, dentist, primary

school and restaurant too. It is a lovely community,

known to many for the agricultural college, you can also

enjoy Broadview Gardens and the tea rooms that are part

of it.

Travel a little further from the village through glorious

Kentish countryside and you can be in Tonbridge and

commute to London, a thirty-eight-minute train journey.

Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone all beckon as

do the many rural public houses that you may well enjoy

exploring on the way.

It is such a wonderful living space

This home is available for viewing by appointment

through Graham John Estate Agents.

01303 474101

Email: property@grahamjohn.com

www.grahamjohn.com

For those who love to collect

artwork this is a home that is a

wonderful gallery within which

to display your favourite pieces

Caption for photo to go here

‘Perfectly formed’innovative use of space

Great for entertaining

Every room has a very individual feel and the ante rooms beyond add an

extra dimension. The intriguing architecture encourages you to be bold

with furnishing. Will you be very traditional or take a completely different

view of decor. It will be so much fun to decide and then to implement

your ideas here.

Who wouldn’t love the idea of sleeping in a Roundel?

Important notice. Graham John and their clients give notice that 1) They are not authorised to make or give any representations or

warranties in relation to the property either here or elsewhere, either on their own behalf or on behalf of their client or otherwise.

They assume no responsibility for any statement that may be made in these particulars. These particulars do not form part of any

offer or contract and must not be relied upon as statements or representations of fact. 2) Any areas, measurements or distances are

approximate. The text, photographs and plans are for guidance only and are not necessarily comprehensive. It should not be assumed

that the property has all necessary planning, building regulation or other consents and Graham John have not tested and services,

equipment or facilities. Purchasers must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise.

The third bedroom is a lovely size

A lovely backdrop through the window

The master bedroom, viewed from the ante room

There can be few homes that offer

such an intriguing and individual

environment. The owners have loved

being part of a very special and very

select community.

As we have already alluded to, this is a home that is incredibly

special. We all look for something that makes a home, home.

Picture yourself walking around the castle grounds, listening

to the rustling of leaves on the trees by the pond. You’ll

see the seasons change and the landscape of the farmland

alter with them and all the time you can step back into a

truly individual Georgian home that nestles beside a

wonderful Victorian folly. Just a few steps away are

those delightful village shops yet, here in this magical

setting, it all feels so pleasantly far away. ■

Having a garden that is all your own is always

lovely and is so nice for get togethers. With

a westerly aspect the garden will be a treat

later in the day especially.

Your own private space to enjoy