This is a home that will give you an intimate insight into history. Dating from the fourteenth century it has seen getting on for seven hundred years of life and change in Charing and in itself.
It draws you to research, to discover that before this home existed King Alfred of Wessex may have been in the area when, in 893, Vikings mounted dual raids in Milton Regis and Appledore. Mention of the village reputedly dates back to 788.
Charing Palace, yes palace, dates back to the eleventh century and had royal visitors on more than one occasion as it belonged to Christchurch Priory and was used by the Archbishops of Canterbury as a stopping place to and from London.
The village has a wealth of period homes and this is an intriguing one.
We understand it was once three cottages, it has been the 'poorhouse' for the village and is noted for its Bellarmine Jar. These were made in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries in Europe and made their way to England via trade.
A practice of protecting homes from witches’ curses involved burying or hiding these with various contents. Here, one was found under the fireplace and it will carry on the good work for the new owners albeit now on display, not hidden away.
Listed Grade II* the house has seen notable changes through the centuries which have resulted in a charming and intriguing home, one the camera loves as do we.
The eye catching exterior is matched by a quirky and intriguing interior. Beams, fireplaces, two staircases, stairs polished by age and human hand.
This is anything but your typical home and we love it for being unique. A delightful cottage garden means life outside is as fun as time spent within.
The kitchen has a spot for breakfast and provides a great place to work whilst admiring the planting outside. The central sitting room has that super fireplace with the Bellamine jar and the dining room, well the ceiling timbers are a delight.
Walk into this room and, even in summer, your mind wanders towards visions of a fire alight, dinner on the table and laughter and good cheer all around.
Each staircase leads you to a point of discovery, rooms have different characters, cupboards appear, recesses, places for treasured possessions to sit.
There is a bathroom on the ground floor with jack and jill doors, upstairs a shower room and two bedrooms have ensuites.
At the end of the garden sits a timber workshop, behind that parking for two vehicles.
In every way this home brings surprises and with it a great life to enjoy. The station is a simple walk to catch a train whether it be towards the coast or to London.
The village is one of character and still has a community spirit to it. A super butcher is within a short walk, pub, shops etc.
If you want you can pop through to Canterbury, to Ashford and Maidstone.
Step North or East of Charing village and you are in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and miles of glorious countryside and nature are at your fingertips. The adventurous amongst you may take the walk to Wye and if really adventurous, all the way to Canterbury! (You can get the train back to Charing).
There is so much we haven't touched upon. The photos will give you a taste of this home, research will whet your appetite for life in the village and a visit will bring it all together.

Get in touch if you like this home.