8 bed detached house for sale

Old Loose Hill, Loose, Maidstone, Kent ME15

Vale House is an impressive Grade II Listed 18th-century residence, typical of the early Georgian period, uniquely situated in a village location in a conservation area, surrounded by its beautifully landscaped gardens, the property exudes timeless character.

Approached through electrically operated gates, the gravel driveway provides ample parking to the front and rear of the house. Inside, the property retains a wealth of period features, including high ceilings, deep skirtings, decorative cornicing, sash windows with many working shutters and a selection of attractive fireplaces. Cleverly designed storage is found throughout the home.

The welcoming reception hall features classic black-and-white floor tiles and an elegant wide staircase with an oak banister. All principal reception rooms are well proportioned: The sitting room boasts a handsome stone fireplace with an open fire and French doors leading out to the terrace and garden; the dual-aspect study enjoys lovely views over the front garden; and the dining room includes two large storage cupboards and a working fireplace.

To the rear, the current owners have thoughtfully reconfigured the layout to create a spacious kitchen/breakfast/family room featuring a wood-burning stove, underfloor heating, and direct access to the garden. The kitchen is fitted with a comprehensive range of units with granite worktops, a large pantry cupboard, AEG appliances, and a breakfast bar. From here, steps lead to a practical utility/boot room and ground-floor WC. The cellars, accessed from the hallway, include a large store room and a wine cellar.

The bright and generous bedrooms are arranged over two upper floors, accessed via a split-level staircase that creates a charming nook - perfect for a piano or a quiet reading space and an additional WC. The principal bedroom benefits from a walk-in dressing room and an en suite bathroom. The first floor offers three further generous double bedrooms, a family bathroom, and a separate shower room. On the second floor, there are four further well-proportioned bedrooms, sitting room and an additional WC, ideal for multi-generational living, guest accommodation, or use as a nanny annexe/flat.

Externally, the beautifully landscaped gardens are a true highlight of Vale House. A large level lawn to the front is framed by mature trees and shrubs, ensuring privacy, while a delightful woodland area offers a perfect space for children to explore. Several terraced areas provide options for outdoor entertaining, including spots adjacent to the sitting room, kitchen, and by the tennis court. The gardens and tennis court are well maintained and a charming wall divides the front and rear gardens, the latter predominantly laid to lawn.

Two outbuildings, a coach house and stables currently used as a tractor store, workshop and general storage, benefit from planning permission to be converted into ancillary accommodation (Maidstone Borough Council Planning Ref: 24/502434/full). Additionally, there is a log store housing the original bread oven from the main house. To the front, a substantial detached garage provides parking for three cars.

Vale House is situated in the popular village of Loose, which is bisected by a pretty stream running through the grounds of the house. Old Loose village and the valley are designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Loose Valley lies within a Conservation Area.

There is an extensive range of educational, recreational, and shopping facilities in Maidstone, while the nearby villages of Headcorn, Staplehurst, Marden and Sutton Valence all provide good day-to-day amenities.

Marden Station (4 miles) offers services to Charing Cross, Cannon Street, and London Bridge in approximately 50 minutes. Maidstone provides services to London Victoria, London Bridge and Waterloo.

Junction 7 of the M20 is about 5 miles away, giving access to the M25 and motorway network, Gatwick, Heathrow and Stansted airports, the Channel Tunnel and Bluewater Shopping Centre.

There is an excellent selection of schools in the area, with Loose village having its own highly sought-after primary school. Independent schools include Sutton Valence Prep and Senior Schools and Dulwich Prep in Cranbrook. Further afield are Tonbridge School, Sevenoaks School, The King's School Canterbury, and King's Rochester. Additionally, there are highly regarded grammar schools in both Maidstone and Tonbridge, both easily accessible by train or bus.