an E . .,.a..%a. Bridge Place Bridge, Canterbury, Kent CT4 5LF A2/M2 1 mile, Canterbury 3 miles, London 63 miles A magnificent Grade II* listed Jacobean Manor, now offering a unique opportunity to re-establish a family home and described by Hasted in about 1780 as having "the size and stateliness, full sufficient for a gentleman’s residence". Drawing room, morning room, sitting room, parlour 7 bedrooms 4 en suite bathrooms Family bathroom Kitchen, 2 further rooms Storerooms Domestic offices and cloakrooms Extensive ground floor rooms Stable block (in need of improvement) Gardens and grounds, with river frontage and island In all about 61/3 acres .1» An extensive view of Bridge Place, Kent (prior to its remodelling) Jan Si/oerechts (1 62 7-1 703) Canterbury Office 2 St Margaret's Street, Canterbury CT1 2SL Tel 01227 451 123 Fax 01227 762 509 Email canterbury@struttandparker.co.uk London Office 37 Davies Street, London W1 K 4SP Tel 020 7629 7282 Fax 020 7409 2359 Email |ondon@struttandparker.co.uk These particulars give only a general outline and your attention is drawn to the mportant Notice printed within London Head Office and 27 offices across the UK www.struttandparker.com Introduction The introduction and the particulars are intended to give a fair and substantially correct overall description for the guidance of intending purchasers and do not constitute, nor constitute part, of an offer or contract. No responsibility is assumed for the accuracy of individual items. Prospective purchasers and lessees ought to seek their own professional advice. Situation “This estate lies in an exceedingly pleasant valley” (Schellinks, 1661). Bridge Place is located on the edge of the village of Bridge. Bridge offers a good range of local facilities including a highly regarded primary school, newsagent, public houses, restaurant, mini supermarket, doctor’s surgery and butcher. Canterbury (3 miles) offers a wide range of shopping, educational and leisure facilities with good schooling in both the private and state sector. The channel port of Dover is approximately 12 miles away offering regular ferry services to the continent. The Euro tunnel terminal at Folkestone (17 miles) has regular shuttle services to Calais. Bekesbourne station (11/2 miles) offers local services; alternatively fast services to London Victoria from Faversham (12 miles) take approximately 70 minutes. Ashford International Railway Station provides connections to London and the Continent. Recreation Bridge Place is situated on the edge of the village of Bridge in a picturesque valley; bridleways in the area provide excellent opportunities for riding in the surrounding countryside. Golf courses include St Georges and Princes at Sandwich and Deal; Canterbury Golf Club is found close by. Sailing can be enjoyed at a variety of coastal locations including Whitstable, Ramsgate and Sandwich. The property Bridge Place is listed Grade II* on account of its fine architecture and considerable historical importance. The current house is the remains of a much larger mansion, built by Sir Arnold Braems, who bought the surrounding estate in 1638. The house is of red brick construction in an English Bond beneath a hipped roof. The brick pilasters that flank each window bay are highly regarded and are described in Pevsner’s Buildings of England as being "finely executed in cut and moulded brick". Such correct classicism in brick is expected to date from c.1670 but historical evidence suggests the "magniflcent pile" to have been complete by 1659. The Manor of Blackmansbury, alias Bridge, belonged to St Augustines Abbey until the dissolution of the monasteries. It came into the ownership of Henry VIII and was granted to Henry Lawrence. It remained in that family until 1638, when it was sold to the Dutchman, Sir Arnold Braems. He became the first manager of Dover Harbour Board and had the magnificent house built, being nine bays wide by seven deep around a courtyard. Hasted describes it as "a spacious and magnificent mansion", which was renamed Bridge Place in about 1650. The great cost of the building "impoverished the estate" and it was sold in 1704 to John Taylor of Bifrons Park, Patrixbourne — the neighbouring estate owner. He pulled down the “greatest part of the mansion", leaving only one wing but as Hasted says "the size and stateliness" of it are "full sufficient for a gent|eman’s residence". The impoverishment of the estate is perhaps explained by the legendary hospitality of Sir Arnold : " This gentleman is so amiab|e.... he keeps a princely board, (and) he has an extraordinary number of visits from Knights and highborn Gentlemen." (Schel|inks) The house, which has its origins in the Jacobean period as described earlier, was significantly remodelled contemporaneously with its reduction in size in the early 18th century. The principal garden facade is now of typical Queen Anne appearance, with tall sash windows replacing the earlier casements. These casements remain in place on the front elevation, and the contrast helps to demonstrate the gradual evolution of architecture during this period of the 17th and 18th centuries. It has subsequently changed hands on only a small number of occasions and has now been in the same ownership for about 40 years. Bridge Place retains a wealth of interesting features, both inside and out, and now offers great potential for an incoming purchaser. it is in need of updating and provides a fine canvas from which to recreate a magnificent family home in a very convenient position. An oak panelled front door opens to the: Entrance hall with cast iron radiator, panelled walls and central light point. Double oak doors lead to the: Reception hall, panelled with ornate scrolling, two concealed radiators. Doors to the principal reception rooms. Morning room (E). Two radiators, magnificent carved stone surround to brick fireplace with timber mantel over, shutters to windows, stone mullioned window to rear (blocked). Door to Discotheque. Drawing room (E). Exposed ceiling timbers, similar stone carved fireplace surround to brick fireplace, double radiator. Kitchen (N) with a pair of windows overlooking the front lawn. Currently fitted as a catering kitchen. Steps lead down to room 2 on lower ground floor. Room 1 (W) with views over courtyard. At the end of the main passageway steps lead up to: Ante room (S) with exposed ceiling and wall timbers. Door to: Sitting room (W & N). Massive exposed wall and ceiling timbers, two radiators, cupboard housing a lagged copper hot water cylinder and emersion heater, deep recess to one side. From the reception hall stairs lead down to the: Lower hall with door to the outside and a paved and tiled terrace. Door to utility cupboard and cloakroom, which has a large area for coats, a cast iron radiator, an archway through to the: Room 2 (unmeasured) Mezzanine From the reception hall stairs rise to the half landing and a door opens to the: Study (N) with exposed ceiling and wall timbers, fitted safe, radiator. First floor From the half landing a Jacobean staircase leads to the first floor landing. The staircase is of magnificent oak timbers with an elegant handrail and easy rising stairs. The landing has exposed timber framing and pine panelling to dado height, deep pine cupboards with shelves and a cast iron radiator. Door to: Master Bedroom Suite 1 (E). Lobby with door opening to the bedroom and stairs rising to the gallery above. The bedroom has two windows overlooking the garden, two cast iron radiators, deep cornice and intercommunicating door to Parlour. Bathroom (N). Roll top bath with mixer taps, a low level WC, pedestal wash hand basin, a large fully tiled shower cubicle with an Aqualisa shower. A gallery overlooks the master bedroom with an ornate balustrade and hail rail above. Storage cupboard. Bedroom 2 (N) panelled in oak to three-quarter height, magnificent plaster ceiling depicting cherubs and swags, central ceiling rose, radiator, brick fireplace with ornate oak surround and mantel. Parlour (E). A superb three-quarter panelled room with ornate carved oak mantel surround to brick fireplace and stone hearth. Period c.17th fish scale oak cornicing interspersed with various figureheads. Door to Master Bedroom. Bedroom 3 (N). Beams to ceiling, radiator. Archway to: En suite shower room. Fully fitted shower cubicle with Mira shower, low level WC, pedestal wash hand basin, radiator. Second floor From the first floor landing the elegant Jacobean staircase Continues to the second floor landing, which has a window to the rear, wide gauge floorboards and a cupboard. Doors to: Bedroom 7 (N) with a cast iron style radiator, exposed floorboards and hatch to roof space. Bathroom with low suite WC, pedestal wash hand basin, panelled bath, radiator and partly tiled walls. Bedroom 6 (N) with cast iron style radiator, hatch to roof space and fireplace with stone surround. Bedroom 4 (I3. Double radiator, mullioned window. Bathroom (8) with low suite WC, pedestal wash hand basin, panelled bath, double radiator, exposed timber framing. Bedroom 5 (N) open to full height with exposed ceiling timbers, radiator, brick fireplace with Bressumer over. En suite bathroom (N) with exposed timber framing, pedestal wash hand basin, low suite WC, panelled bath and radiator. Ground floor A door from the first reception room leads through to the: Large ground floor rooms. Suitable for a variety of purposes including indoor pool, leisure complex, entertainment suite. Subject to any necessary consent. Door to outside. Door to: Cloakroom with twin wash hand basins and WC’s. Storeroom. A door leads to a passageway with: Cellar. Potterton Kingfisher gas~fired boiler for central heating. Cloakroom with fitted shelves and hanging space. Archway to: Storeroom partially divided into two with timber framing and mullioned windows, radiator. Kitchen with quarry-tiled floor, range of floor cupboards with double bowl stainless steel sink, tiled walls. Off the passageway opposite is the: Boiler room with two pre-lagged copper hot water cylinders and twin gas—fired boilers for heating. A further passageway with brick floor leads to a store and a side rear door to the terrace. Outside Bridge Place is set in extensive gardens and grounds; the house is approached over a long avenue with a central driveway, which culminates in a parking and turning area to the front of the house. The driveway continues beyond the house and exits to the rear, towards Bridge village. A branch of the driveway leads to the rear of the house and a bridge leads to the island where the stable block is found. The grounds are extensively planted with trees and benefit from the River Nailbourne, which flows through the grounds and surrounds the island, on which are the remains of a period wall and the opportunity exists to recreate the formal walled garden that stood on the island. To the front of the house is an extensive area of lawn with open views towards the Downs beyond. Historically the gardens were of note, being described by Schellinks thus: "Very fine and skilfully made pleasure gardens and orchards which are all irrigated with wonderfully sweet water. This flows into several fishponds." Planning In recent years, part of the property has been used as a country club, the remainder having being used as family home. It is considered suitable for reinstatement as a substantial family home, subject to any necessary consents. Planning permission to convert the stables to a separate residence has now lapsed. Method of sale The property is offered for sale by private treaty. Fixtures and fittings All fitted carpets and curtains, together with garden ornaments and statuary, are specifically reserved from the sale. These may be available to the purchaser if required at valuation. Services Mains water, drainage, gas and electricity. Local authorities Canterbury City Council. Council tax Band H. Easements and rights of way The property is sold subject to and with the benefit of all rights, including rights of way, whether public or private, light, support, drainage, water and electricity supplies and other rights and obligations, easements, quasi easements and restrictive covenants and all existing and proposed way leaves for masts, pylons, stays, cables, drains, water and gas and other pipes whether referred to in these particulars or not. The incoming purchaser will be required to install an electricity meter in respect of the electric gates. An annual fee is payable to the adjoining landowner in respect of a small part of one of the access roads. Directions From London, take the M2 towards the coast and join the A2 towards Canterbury. Pass Canterbury on the A2 and take the exit signposted to Bridge and Patrixbourne. At the end of the slip road turn right towards Bridge. At the next T—junction turn left and descend the hill into the village of Bridge. Pass the church on the right hand side and turn right into Bourne Park Road. Bridge Place is approached via the driveway on the right hand side, after about 1/2 mile, distinguished by the tall wrought iron gates. Follow the central drive through the avenue and bear left at the end, parking adjacent to the house. Viewing Strictly by prior appointment with the sole agents, Strutt & Parker: 2 St Margaret's Street, Canterbury, Kent CT1 28L Tel: 01227 451123. Photographs taken during 2003 and May 2005. Particulars prepared May 2005. Ref: 08CD/‘i 0829. Important Notice Strutt & Parker for themselves and for the Vendors of The Property whose agents they are give notice that: - 1. The particulars are intended to give a fair and substantially correct overall description for the guidance of intending purchasers and do not constitute part of, an offer or contract. Prospective purchaser(s) and lessees ought to seek their own professional advice. 2. All descriptions, dimensions, areas, reference to condition and if necessary permissions for use and occupation and their details are given in good faith and are believed to be correct. Any intending purchaser(s) should not rely on them as statements or representations of fact but must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise as to the correctness of each of them. 3. No person in the employment of Strutt & Parker has any authority to make or give any representation to warranty, whether in relation to this properly or these particulars, nor to enter into any contract relating to the property on behalf of the Vendor. 4. No responsibility can be accepted for any expenses incurred by any intending purchaser(s) in inspecting properties that have been sold, let or withdrawn. Measurements and other information All measurements are approximate. While we endeavour to make our sale particulars accurate and reliable, if there is any point which is of particular importance to you, please contact Strutt 8. Parker and we will be pleased to check the information foryou, particularly if contemplating travelling some distance to view the property. Terrace Ground Floor Parlour 6.57m x 4.60i'n 216" X 15'0" Masler Byedroorn 1' 590m x 4.46m 7' Stud)’ 19.3.» X 14161I 44m X l , -14‘6"”_x,9’6" First Floor M ezzani ne B ridge Place 1:1 1071.8 sq.m (11536 sq.ft.) Gross Internal Area Morning Room 6.63m X 5.16m 21'9" x ‘l7'O" -, Drawing Room’ 5.53m x :‘'..21m Kitchen 5‘“‘”9.“°°”‘ 219" X 17'0" 557m X 4_33m 4.95m x 4.86m 1 . » 15'3" x 16'0" 13'3" x 14'3" Raised G round Floor ’ Gpen over ’ : masferbedroomj‘ 7‘ Second Floor Gallery For Identification Purposes Only Bridge Place — Stable : 130.6 sq.m (1405 sq.ft.) Grosslnternal Area . :59 ..:??£.:::i.1 5 ., f f , , /1% , 5 Z%,%,,,“ , , ,mai¢,////,7 //,/£2 .2 , ./,. ,2 .,/2.//3.,»///////Z/,.2,,,, :€.é§2,?.;Z. E‘ 2 Z First Floor G round Floor B ridge Place Ground Floor Kitchen For Identification Purposes Only. This is published for the converfenoe of purchasers o1|y. us accuracy 15 not guaranteed and It Is expressly excluded from any contract. I //. This p\an is based upon the Ordnance Survey map wxlh the sanclion of the ' Controller of HM stauonery Office. Crown _ copyright reserved. Lwcence 100041908. \\?{\ ~ mm: LeysdO;Nn_0n_Sea Weslgate on Sea H ,fi‘ '’ ‘- ’’ 4'T* -*- ‘_._—— -— V ‘ .fl,_JtgE<3vLr3:v:v: aucwnsry» r: E ° “ERNE BAY ,R:;':'.*;:!! 1:“ "" ' ‘@ ‘fig HII orough WHITSTABLE T, Shelf Ness ~.51\ . . r,'TBroam1i;z1d \/‘3U§1|ChG|3S tersNForsta)/ , ’\ §l.\f,\{V3d/19 _ Marshside ‘\ Sm ,4 chss:et.»—\{‘( w; r’ Ur — . ‘. RP‘ J \\ ¥3\.x9 pf ., ,, v FAVERSHAM ‘.5 /v u Goodneswe . All 7 ' VBR@,\/.ERI\¢,\/M _ 4/x i " Easolstreet (' 5' " Snowdown ‘gmggmu Womenswold Qpklgrdswl or Sibertoid , ,1 This plan is based upon the Ordnance Survey map wilh the sanction of the Controfler of HM Stationery Office. Crown copyrighl reserved. Licence 100041908. ... 1% R E K m P STRUTT 8‘ TELEGRAPH PROPERTY Saturday, June 25, 2005 '\*::&’.a.....;;_,v_I,)’.,..-‘G-,—-‘u.,—\—~.IAe,..,\-»e~eM\~’;’ r, ,—~ .~,.~c» ~».,——~ ‘_,..¢J-—-.M\w~«~.w.v._ ridge Place, near ‘ Canterbury, is one of those mellow brick buildings so weathered by ‘ time that it is as much part of the landscape as the towering trees that surround it. Built in 1638 during the reign of . King Charles I — although it was completed in 1659, after his execution'— the house is a ' 400—year—old timewarp — even the ornately carved, four—poster beds have not been moved since the house was newly completed. Oak panelling, unique “fish scale” ‘ cornicing in the main bedrooms and extravagant stucco work on the ceilings are equally untouched, as is the Cromwellian armour — shields, breastplates and helmets, strewn about the place as if the owner had just come back from battle to nice hot bath. » » The Grade—II* house was built for a Catholic Flemish merchant, Sir Arnold Braems, at a time when Catholics were heavily persecuted for practising their faith. It contains not one, but two priestholes for hiding those Catholic priests brave enough to,_conduc't Mass. The holes are so cleverly hidden that current owner Peter Malkin, an aficionado of ancient buildings, has to demonstrate how they work. At first glance, there is nothing special about the mauve-painted bookshelf, sparsely filled with pop CDs, except that the colour clashes rather badly with the floral- swirled carpet beneath it. But Peter Malkin presses his hand underneath the top shelf and, with a soft click, the bookcase swings into the wall, revealing a small dark recess, just about Big enough for two people to crouch inside. The other, reached by i a narrow corridor built into the thick external walls, holds four people. These compartments now serve a modern need: they, hide offensive clutter. Four hundred yearsgold, they offer modern storage solutions: not only is the clutter hidden, but so are the cupboards themselves, buriedinsidei 4ft thick walls. Peter Malkin’s ancestors lived in the seven-bedroom house at the end of the 17th century and his family’s coat of arms, displaying a lion and a griffin in carved stone, still rests above the front door today. “I was always interested in my family history and in old houses, so when this place ca market in 1967, I Vi desperate to buy it When he bought B Mr Malkin, who d4 Gascony What: A four-bedroom, two-reception room, 19th- l century house with a large T garden and pool. where: In a small hamlet about five miles from Boulogne and Castelnau, 28 miles from Auch. Airport: Toulouse 50 miles Shop: Boulogne ’ Why: Lovely and very French- looking home with great views across to the Pyrenees. Spacious rooms and large garden. Why not: In need of some updating. Would suit: Monsieur Bricolage. Price: €335,000 (£235,000) Agent: David Klngi(02O 8673 6800) North Yorkshire What: Lilac Cottage, a four- bedroom, three reception room, 19th-century house with large gardens and double garage. Where: Claxton, a conservaton village eight miles from York. Station: York (Leeds, 24 mins) Hampshire What: Bryants Cottage, technically a two-bedroom cottage in three quarters of an acre of garden surrounded by open countryside and with adorable thatch andbold, green exteriors. . . _, Where: Just outside the village you get. There is no speak of, no bathror any gas, electricity ( drainage. Would suit: Jolly gi Price: £285,000 Agent: Nicholas Zo __5ll91l) property.telegraph.co.uk 3 g . carved stone, still : the front door as always in my family 1 in old houses, so when this place came on the market in 1967, I was desperate to buy it,” he says. When he bought Bridge Place, Mr Malkin, who describes you get. There is no kitchen to speak of, no bathroom at all nor any gas, electricity or mains drainage. - Would suit: Jolly green Bryant. Price: £285,000 l___l.. kli.-|—.nI—~o~ 7.‘-—\l-. /!'\1'I('1I1 himself as “conservationist and entrepreneur” had been in the entertainment . business, running a jazz club at the Bromley Court Hotel, llomufishire What: Up Yonder, a five- bedroom, three-reception room, stone-built house standing in about three quarters of an acre of garden. Where: In farmland, about three ‘Milne 4:.-nm hdnlrnrn ‘Jr: mum- featuring artists such as Acker Bilk and Kenny Ball. It wasn’t long before Bridge Place became a well known watering hole for the well- heeled of Kent, continuinga long tradition of hospitality at the house. In 1661, social commentator and hon viveur Willem Schellinks wrote of then owner Arnold Braems: “This gentleman is so amiable and hospitable and keeps a princely board,” going on to describe tables groaning with fish, game and meats provided by the estate. There are pheasant and rabbits in the 12 acres of meadow and woodland that come with the house and the Nailbourne River, which flows through the estate, is Station: Edinburgh (London 4hrs 22mins) Shop: Melrose — Why: Pretty, traditional house which provides far more room than the average "cottage". The lanrl inrll mint: H-c nuun hll mhnll home to sweet, speckled brown trout. There is still a bar and dance floor on the lower ground floor of a wing which 1. -g was partially pulled down at the end of the 17th century after a fire. But more than a :‘ place for entertaining, Mr .Malkin hopes the house will go to a family whose children will relish the playground of such a mysterious and ' captivating house. “Just think ' of the games of hide and seek they could play,” he says. Sarah Lonsdale 0 Bridge Place is for sale with 2 smmreparker (01227 451123). Ojfers over £2 million are invited. Possible reinstatement of local railway. Why not: Lane up to house gets A lots of farm traffic. Would suit: Non-trainspotter. Price: Offers over £340,000 Lnélill-0 Kninhir I-"rank (01:79 : tn. » "Ft‘e‘u_ «)3 4: . .-.