Richdore Road, Waltham, Canterbury, Kent, CT4

A beautiful oasis of calm, full of character and period features - with spacious self-contained annexe, extensive flint barns and overlooking its own meadow - nestled in mature prize-winning gardens atop the North Downs, on the edge of the ancient village of Waltham. For over 400 years, Walnut Tree Farm has proudly stood at the approach to Waltham, an ancient village with simple unspoilt 12th Century church, and originally called Temple Waltham due to its links with the Knights Templar. Set atop the North Downs - a designated "area of outstanding natural beauty" - the Grade II Listed house, self-contained cottage annexe and multiple flint barns cover just under an acre and enjoy a secluded spot with views of the spectacular rolling Kent countryside. The extensive prize-winning gardens and 3½ acre meadow teem with flora and fauna. There is a thriving community in the village, and walking and horse riding are popular in the surrounding forest downs and byways, with several stables available nearby. Recognised as being of "special architectural and historic interest", this charming and characterful house boasts a wealth of period features, including extensive exposed timbers, an impressive inglenook fireplace, large cellar, second/back stairs and Kent peg-tiled roof. There are four double bedrooms (two en suite), a large dual-aspect lounge, dining room with its own feature fireplace, snug, country-style kitchen, and recently modernised accessible family bathroom. Outside there are two large south-west facing terraces - one adjoining the house with an original 200m deep well (covered by a robust metal grate), the other looking out over a walled formal garden area with a pergola, mature vine and topiary. A gated gravel driveway leads to a single garage and parking for at least five cars - all screened from the garden by beautifully manicured yew hedging. Included with the property is the triangular "Green" at the front, referred to in some parts as a "Godcake". The flint cottage annexe was formerly a single storey barn and is connected to the house by the partly glazed "Link". It is arranged on a single, accessible level and features an impressive large high-ceilinged lounge, good sized dining kitchen, and two double bedrooms, both en suite. It currently generates income from a periodic tenancy agreement. Both buildings feature timber windows with secondary glazing, modern central heating fuelled by separate oil-fired boilers, and rock wool insulated loft spaces. The barns are currently used for storage, with one containing two oil tanks which supply the house and cottage boilers separately. The meadow also generates income from the annual grazing licence, and is currently used for horses. Ashford and historic Canterbury are close by, both with mainline stations serving London, the former with fast trains taking just 38 minutes. Eurotunnel at Cheriton is only 13 miles away, taking less than half an hour by car. The Compasses Inn Gastropub in Crundale is a short walk away, and there is a very good primary school in nearby Petham. The popular village of Wye is just 5 miles away, with a mainline station and amenities including doctor's surgery, public library, shops, and excellent country pubs and restaurants. Council Tax Bands: Bands E (House) & A (Annexe)