Garden Open fire Off-street parking Central heating No Chain

Stunning Grade II Listed thatched property nestling in the centre of one of Kent's most sort after villages. Totally restored over the last 12 months and now rated as one of the jewels in this stunning village location. New thatch has been done by one of the few lady thatchers in the country and a her work has been a local attraction to villagers and tourists alike.

Wingham is a bustling village of extreme historical importance and lies between the fine cathedral city of Canterbury and the Medieval Cinque port town of Sandwich with it's Open Championship golf course. The historic town of Dover is a 15 minute drive away with it's sea-crossings to France. The channel tunnel is a 20 minute drive away and the high-speed rail link to London from Canterbury is due for completion in 2007. London Manston Airport is a 10 minute drive away and a further 5 minute drive takes you to the Dickensian seaside town of Broadstairs.

The village has a beautiful ancient church, primary school, three fine old inns, several antique shops, family stores, post office, two banks, florists, dentist, Indian restaurant etc. all within easy walking distance. A regular bus service passes through the village and the main train line to Victoria, London is accessed via the nearby station.

Now the work on "The Old Ship", once an inn until the early 1970's(see 80 year old photo) is completed. The accommodation combines the best of the old and the new, retaining all of the original features, including a wealth of original oak beams that have been lovingly brought back to life. Two original fireplaces in the main drawing room, set either end of this imposing space; being ideal for entertaining or relaxing. The grand entrance hall could be used as a office or study and leads through to the magnificent kitchen dining room. A large room with views over the garden, couryard and drive, with a solid oak floor featuring superb random width boards. Stable door to courtyard and garden. The luxury kitchen/breakfast room/dining room incorporating an 1100mm seven ring gas hob and breakfast bar. Solid oak-block work surfaces. Double butler sink with twin antique style mixer taps. Built-in top quality dishwasher. American style fridge with ice maker. Masses of storage space in the eye-level under-lit wall units. New downlighters all on dimmer switches and superbly decorated in Farrow & Ball paint to maintain the atmospheric feel of this very special property. A very useful utility room leads off from the kitchen, with stainless-steel bowl incorporating antique style mixer tap and plumbing for washing machine with additional room for laundry baskets.

The property benefits from new plumbing and central heating throughout, with a "ring-main" of contantly or timed hot water flowing through the entire house to give instant access to piping hot water to every area in the property. This is fed by two new Alpha System Condensing boilers working in tandem and supplying the 210 litre hot water tank which is located in the upstairs airing cupboard.

Four superb bedrooms, all with exposed oak beams and three with leaded-light windows, overlooking the picturesque village scene and the glorious secluded garden. Master bedroom has en-suite shower room, basin and toilet and a totally modernised family bathroom on the same floor. Fourth bedroom overlooks the garden and has it's own self-contained shower suite. This leads through to a lounge/TV/music room area. This atmospheric room would be suitable as an annex for family members and can be locked independently of the rest of the house if desired, with access to the kitchen across the newly fitted pavoir stone courtyard via the separate entrance.

All rooms are freshly decorated with neutral Farrow & Ball's "lime white", a restful and transluscent colour. High quality wool mix carpet and underlay throughout in a beautiful neutral hue. Quality light fittings throughout and new electrics with all necessary certifications.

Access to the large mature garden is via gates at either side of the house or from two doors at the rear of the property. Trees include oak, silver birch, holly, eucalyptus, Kent cob nut and many other fine specimens. The feature of the garden is the marvellous array of mature roses, some wall-climbing and others draped over a framed walkway and others in delightful beds scattered throughout the grounds. There is a brick-lined pool stocked with thriving plant life, fed by a waterfall with mature rockery with terracing for seating around it's circumference via some old brick steps.

Parking at the side of the property for 3 cars on the newly laid pavoir stone drive via the double entrance gates with electrics nearby if required for automation. A further plot of land is available adjacent to the rear of the garden, should garaging be required. This is available at an extra consideration if required and would be subject to the usual planning permission. The driveway could be extended to the side of the garden to gain access.

Various outbuildings for storage, one with a toilet and additional plumbing and all new electrics installed should a workshop be required.

All rooms have telephone and T.V. sockets and Sky television is currently wired to all areas. All new wiring was fitted prior to the restoration of the property and are virtually all concealed.

In conclusion; this is an opportunity to acquire one of the most prestigious character properties in one of the finest Kentish villages, set in a rural scene with all of the local amenities at hand. The Old Ship has been fastidiously restored to it's former glory by a handful of dedicated craftsmen and will suit someone wishing to retire to the country or a young family wishing to enjoy the beauty and vibrancy of village life.