Reading Street, Broadstairs, Kent

Reading Street was established by Flemish refugees in the 17th century and includes distinctive architectural features on many flint covered Grade II listed buildings. These include this property which features Dutch gables at either end of the property. It was granted the ‘Historic Building of Kent’ accolade and the red diamond shaped plaque is proudly displayed on an outer wall.

Originally built as two cottages in the 1600s it was renovated and extended in the early 1970s but still retains fascinating original and period features including exposed beams, oak doors and fireplaces. It is approached via a five bar gate leading to a driveway for off road parking and two adjacent interlinked garages with workshop facilities, including an inspection pit.

The main front door opens into a hall with a second staircase to the first floor, a cloakroom and access to the dual aspect dining room with French doors to the garden, a feature brick wall and exposed beams. The impressive and characterful sitting room has original beams, a fabulous inglenook fireplace with inset seating, two external doors to the driveway reflecting its past as two cottages, and an archway to the dual aspect kitchen/breakfast room. This has a small entrance to the cellar and includes units housing integrated and stand-alone appliances, space for a breakfast table and access to the dining room and garden.

The second staircase leads to the family shower room, an airing cupboard and eaves storage. A corridor in the original building leads to the primary staircase and has a vaulted ceiling, exposed beams and eaves storage. It provides access to three bedrooms including the second bedroom with ceiling beams, a fireplace and fitted cupboards. The original staircase provides access to the ground floor while another staircase leads to the second floor that includes a large, double bedroom with access to a partially vaulted dressing room.

Outside the large garden wraps around two sides of the property and is mainly laid to lawn with trees and shrub borders.

 
Please refer to the footnote regarding the services and appliances.

What the Owner says:

This historic property has been in our family for the past 54 years. When it was purchased in 1971 the property was in a very dilapidated state and over the next few years it was renovated and extended. This included the kitchen, dining room, hall, second staircase and a bedroom and bathroom upstairs and we had to replace a replica of the original rear Dutch gable.

Reading Street is a friendly community with activities in the village hall and the White Swan pub. We are close to Joss Bay and there are lovely walks across the field to the lighthouse and along the beautiful coastline. Broadstairs town centre is only about a mile away with its individual shops, bars and restaurants, theatre and cinema as well as sandy beaches and annual events. Broadstairs and nearby Ramsgate includes very good state and private schools, while the high speed trains from Broadstairs station can whisk you to London in under an hour and a half. If you want more in depth retail therapy there is Westwood Cross with its shops, restaurants, casino and the Vue cinema complex. There are also numerous sports clubs available, including the renowned North Foreland golf club.