Atwater Court, Maidstone, ME17

A two bedroom end-terrace cottage with patio garden and garage. The property is located on a purpose-built retirement development for the over 55s. Management services are provided by Cognatum Estates, a not-for-profit organisation and one of the UK's leading companies in retirement housing. Atwater Court sits in the former walled garden and orchard of Grove House. Owners on the estate enjoy what must surely be some of the most beautiful views in England, across the gardens towards the tower of the 12th century St Mary’s Church. Some features of the original garden remain, including mature trees, box hedges and the allotments and exquisite period potting shed, which are still in use. The properties surround two landscaped courtyards, which include a large lily pond and fountain. Lenham is to be found in Kent, the ‘Garden of England’, and its picturesque market square is only a 50-yard walk from Atwater Court. It has had a market since 1088 and still offers many pleasant amenities, including a good selection of pubs and restaurants. The village is on the southern fringe of the North Downs and half a mile south of the ancient Pilgrims Way. There are rail services from Lenham and Ashford stations providing links to London, Europe and beyond. Just five miles from the estate is Leeds Castle, a 13th-Century seat most famous for once being home to Henry VIII's first wife, Catherine of Aragon, and only slightly further afield is Canterbury with its impressive cathedral, Norman castle and ruins of St Augustine's Abbey. Cognatum Estates maintains, repairs and insures all the buildings, arranges the window cleaning and refuse collection and tends to the gardens and grounds thereby freeing owners and residents from these responsibilities. There is a personal alarm system in each property and resident estate managers are on hand to provide support and help when needed, making this an ideal 'Lock Up & Leave' property.   There is a laundry facility on site and a guest suite provides comfortable accommodation for family and friends. Allotments are available for residents' use. The cost of providing these services is shared equally between all properties. There are no restrictions on owning a property except that one resident must be over 55 years of age. 150 year lease (from 1984). No ground rent. Please Note: Upon resale of the property, Cognatum Estates management company charge £500 plus VAT for the leasehold pack, payable by the vendor. For viewings please contact the Estate Manager 01622 850559 / 07701 316 486