Constructed in 1850 and inspired by the Arcadian style earlier employed by Decimus Burton, The Old Vicarage was built originally as the vicarage to St Barnabas Church. Classical exteriors of painted stucco with quoin detailing, and large sash windows with decorative scroll work, are complimented by intricate wrought iron work and a porticoed entrance. Internally the house retains a quiet grandeur with elegant reception rooms boasting tall ceilings with cornicing and period fireplaces. Refurbished in recent times by the present owners, the character of the property has further been enhanced by the inclusion of contemporary treatments. Glazing to all of the windows has been upgraded, timber floors repaired and exposed, slate flooring with under floor heating laid in both the reception hall and through to the kitchen/breakfast room, which has hand painted cabinetry with black granite work surfaces and French doors out to the rear. The garden level accommodation is presently arranged to provide further reception areas, a utility room and a media room with bar, but as there is external access, this could be reformed to create an annexe/separate apartment.
The upper levels are given over to six bedrooms, three of which are on the second floor along with a second bathroom. The master suite is an example of the fusion of old and new having a traditionally styled bedroom, which connects to a highly contemporary en suite shower room, which in turn connects to the dressing room with its distinctive wardrobe treatment. The remaining two first floor bedrooms have views over the rear gardens and period fireplaces sharing the family bathroom with its roll top bath and separate shower cubicle.

Situation

The Old Vicarage occupies a convenient position with a short walk of Tunbridge Wells town centre and St James’ Primary School with the mainline station just over half a mile distant. The Royal Spa town of Tunbridge Wells has a vibrant and eclectic community with a marvellous selection of restaurants, pubs, cafes and boutiques in the famous Pantiles district and historic High Street as well as a growing independent restaurant, cafe and bar scene in and around Camden Road, which is close-by. Within Tunbridge Wells there are superb sports and leisure facilities including a leisure centre, two golf courses and two theatres and the town offers excellent educational facilities for boys and girls of all ages including Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Girls, Skinners School for Boys, Holmewood House, The Mead and Rosehill Prep Schools.

Outside

The property is approached over a sweeping gravel driveway with in and out access. Set back behind a retaining wall with shrubbery, the property holds a commanding position not far from St James Church. Covered parking is provided by two garages (one being tandem in length) either side of the house whilst there is a useful garden store to one side. The rear garden is an excellent size for such a central location and a wide terrace traverses the width of the house and has steps down to a large expanse of lawn with herbaceous borders. Mature trees – including apple, plum, walnut and pear – and shrubs provide seclusion.

Additional Information

Tunbridge Wells, Victoria Centre – 0.3 miles; Tunbridge Wells Station (London Bridge from 44 mins) – 0.6 miles; Tunbridge Wells, Pantiles – 1.1 miles;
A21 Intersection – 1.8 miles; Gatwick Airport – 23.6 miles;
Central London – 43 miles
(All distances and times approximate)

Disclaimer Property reference 37934_TUN170127. Details are provided and maintained by Hamptons International. Nethouseprices.com makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of aforementioned details.