Sturry Hill, Sturry, Canterbury, Kent

A rare development opportunity has arisen in connection with this detached Edwardian house in 1.1 acres of grounds with numerous outbuildings. It has hardly been touched in 70 years and is conveniently located just a stone’s throw from Sturry station. While needing completely refurbishing the house has wonderful original features and is set back from the road with a driveway, bordered by a front garden that leads to garages and off-road parking.

The original front door opens into a porch with terracotta tiles and the inner front door incorporating stained glass insets and side panels. The ground floor accommodation includes a study with interesting half height panelling and a matching fireplace and a utility room. A well-proportioned dual aspect sitting room features a marble fireplace and a leaded light door to the veranda while the dining room is also dual aspect with a leaded light door to the veranda and a tiled fireplace.

The kitchen includes a large pantry and a back door to the garden as well as a hatch and doorway to the breakfast area where you will find the original lower half of a dresser, a tiled fireplace flanked by shelving and French doors to the conservatory.

The half landing includes a large cupboard and a bathroom with the original bath while the first floor has four double bedrooms with fireplaces where two are dual aspect. The second floor has two large attic stores and two vaulted attic rooms that would make ideal offices, games rooms or bedrooms.

While the gardens need a little TLC they include magnificent mature trees, shrubs and flower bed as well as lawns and pathways, a ‘secret garden’ with a large lawn surrounded by hedging and a wrought iron gate to the orchard. There is an original greenhouse with a vine and numerous outbuildings that are ripe for conversion, subject to planning. A covered walkway provides access to the kitchen and includes doors to storage sheds and a workshop.

 
Please refer to the footnote regarding the services and appliances.

What the Owner says:

This was the home of Kinn Hamilton McIntosh MBE, professionally known as crime writer Catherine Aird, from the age of sixteen until her death last year at the age of 94 and where her father had run his medical practice. Although it is in a Conservation Area there could be the opportunity to develop the footprint of some of the outbuildings, subject to planning. Historically plans were approved to build a bungalow in the orchard so, while those plans have long since lapsed, alternative plans could be put forward.
Sturry includes a convenience store, pharmacy, post office, hairdressers and the famous Kings School prep school as well as a primary school rated Outstanding by Ofsted and a cricket club. While nearby Fordwich features the George and Dragon pub restaurant as well as the Michelin Star Fordwich Arms.
Fishing is available on the river Stour while the nearby Westbere Lakes also offers sailing and other sporting activities including golf can be found in and around Canterbury. There is a nearby retail park and only a short drive or bus ride to Canterbury with its ancient buildings, high street stores, individual shops, bars, restaurants and theatres as well as excellent grammar and private schools and universities.