Myrtle Street, Appledore

Docton Court is a Grade II* listed building. It is the only building with this designation in Appledore.

It was constructed in 1604 by Thomas Docton as a private Customs House under the 'Customs Farm' scheme set up under James I. No other purpose-built Customs building is believed to exist in Britain from this period, so the
property can be rightly said to be 'unique'. A full history of the property, produced by historian David Carter, the present owner, will accompany this sale. The building was fully restored from a shell by the present owners in 2004, and offers many original features including exposed roof beams, plaster mouldings and oak or slate floors throughout. Gas-powered heating with new boiler installed January 2024. Underfloor heating to upper floor. The Ground Floor contains a retail lock-up shop, with its own WC, Kitchen, and Storeroom/Workshop. The Courtyard in front of the building is under the same Freehold, which also contains a hidden drying area, log-store, and space for recycling boxes.

The Ground Floor retail shop was run by the present owners until recently, but has now been let to a new retail tenant selling soap and other local crafts, at a rent of £500pcm. Their 5-year lease commenced on 01 Oct 2024 but has a 2-year break clause. The use of the Courtyard at the front is still fully retained by the owners. The First Floor apartment is accessed via a covered staircase to the right of the building. This floor used to house the
administrative offices for the Custom House, and contained granite fireplaces and moulded plaster friezes, all which have been restored, and are part of the current configuration of the apartment. Agents Note:
Please note that Bedroom 2 currently has ladder access as does the additional mezzanine sleeping area.

The internal layout contains:

A large living/dining area, with partly screened off kitchen.

Large master bedroom with storage areas and built in wardrobes.

Twin bedroom in attic with Velux window, accessed by fixed ladder.

Mezzanine levels which overlook the living area, accessed by fixed ladders.

These mezzanine levels have Velux windows and could be used to accommodate an additional four guests.

Separate shower room, containing cupboard for washing machine & dryer.

Oak boarded floors throughout except for Kitchen and Bathroom, which are slate.

All with south-facing windows and a side-view to the river.

The roof was insulated to 2004 building regulation standards.

The windows are mostly single-glazed but have internal thermal shutters.

The granite fireplaces can be used for open fires in the winter months. The charm and character of this impressive and unique property coming to the market for the first time in nearly 50 years is sure to impress and comes highly recommended by the sole selling agents with an internal inspection advised to avoid disappointment with the property being sold with no ongoing chain.

GROUND FLOOR

Retail shop area (not including side stairs)
14.5m x 4.8m

WC & Utility
2.4 x 4.8m

Workshop / Store
3.4m x 5.4m

FIRST FLOOR
Living Space (including staircase)
Comprising Living Room, Kitchen Area,
Bathroom and Main Bedroom
18.3m x 4.95m
Mezzanine Levels
5.2m x 4.9m