Bicknor Lane, Bicknor, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9

Believed to date from the twelfth century, according to local archaeologists, and evidence from carvings in fireplaces from 1625, together with research from English Heritage who suggests that the house was built in the mid-16th Century, with a later 16th Century addition, ownership conveys guardianship of this historic Grade 2* listed house for future generations. Bicknor Court is of timber framed construction with plaster filled panels to the north east of the building and English Bond brickwork facing most of the remainder of the building. There are chamfered brick mullion windows, rendered to resemble stone, as well as two substantial chimney stacks. Internally, the building features beautiful, exposed timber beams, a staircase with turned balusters, finely carved wooden bressummers over two significant fireplaces and a gallery landing overlooking the Great Hall. The current owners embarked in 2007 on a programme of restoration, improvement and development such that this Grade 2* Listed House now represents a fine example of an historic country house. Works have included new driveway entrances with Oak electric gates, a sweeping gravel drive, a substantial double garage block with a lift access to the basement cinema room, stunning landscaped gardens with manicured Box hedges and sunny south facing terraces, a new kitchen and new bathrooms throughout. Bicknor Court is situated in the small hamlet of Bicknor, in the parish of Bredgar, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the North Kent Downs. Bicknor is close to the Hucking Estate which offers, via Waymarked Walks and Bridleways, access to a vibrant mosaic of habitats, archaeologic features, dazzling bluebell displays, varied wildlife and breathtaking views. Bicknor is in between two thriving town centres � Sittingbourne (5 miles) and Maidstone (10 miles) where there is a full range of shops for day-to-day needs. A wider range of shops can be found in Canterbury and Bluewater, both within a 45-minute drive of the property. There are a good range of schools in the area, with a Primary school in Bredgar and additional Primary schools in Milstead, Tunstall, Borden and Hollingbourne. Sittingbourne and Maidstone both have boy�s and girls' Grammar schools, secondary schools and nearby independent schools include The King's School in Rochester, 17 miles, and Sutton Valence School, 9 miles, together with Kings School, St Edmunds and Kent College in Canterbury, 20 miles. Transport communications are good with the M2 (junction 5) just under 3 miles away and Junction 7 of the M20 8 miles away. Sittingbourne station provides services to London Victoria, St Pancras, Cannon Street and London Bridge Stations in around an hour. Ebbsfleet International station is just 26.6 miles via the M2/A2, with services to London taking just 18 minutes. /// groomed.classed.lads