SOLD VIA FINE & COUNTRY
Steeped in Dickensian history Wildacre is a substantial detached property set within the former walled shrubbery of Charles Dickens family home Gad’s Hill Place. The writers Swiss Chalet used to be in this garden and still to this day one of his writing huts still stands within the beautifully tendered grounds. Dickens reached his chalet via a tunnel which still runs under the road and is adjourned either end by busts representing the performing arts Tragedy and Comedy.

Over the last 20 years the current owners have meticulously redesigned the property creating a stunning family home bathed in light taking full advantage of the south facing plot.


Location

Directions

Location    Higham village is situated between Gravesend and Rochester. In the village you will find a Post Office, Doctor's surgery, pubs, convenience shops, a greengrocer, and library. The village primary school, village hall, park, tennis courts and the Knowle Restaurant are approximately half way between the two parts of the village on School Lane. The commuter is well served by main line railway station at Higham on the Cannon Street line.

Seller Insight

Directions    From the A2 coast bound at Junction 1 take the A289 towards Gillingham, take the first exit signposted Higham A226 turn left at the roundabout, follow the road up the hill, upon reaching the Sir John Falstaff Public House turn next right into Forge Lane, where the entrance will be found immediately on the right.

Seller Insight    We were originally attracted to this property for its village location, large size, and secluded plot. We also loved the style of the house being of Kentish Yeoman with its half-hung tiles, and the interesting history attached to the plot was an added bonus too, say the owners.

Known by locals as ‘The House with the Tunnel', the grounds which the house sits in were once named ‘Wilderness’ and were owned by Charles Dickens who commissioned the tunnel in the garden. We still have a small gazebo in the garden that belonged to him and our children took great pleasure in using the tunnel as their own private entrance to the school opposite, Gad's Hill, which was once the home of Charles Dickens. There are two stone heads representing the performing arts Tragedy and Comedy above the entrance of the tunnel which had been purchased by Dickens on a trip to Italy. Most of the wall in our walled terrace is also original to Dickens and we have felt so privileged to have lived in a house with such history attached.

This is the place we have called home for the past 23 years and we have lovingly brought life back to this beautiful property after years of extensive work to both the house and the garden. We have extended the house, creating a very spacious and modern kitchen with a large orangery that leads off the kitchen and opens to an extensive walled terrace area with plenty of space for outside dining. To the left of the property is a large garden room with a wood burner. We have had many fun dinner parties in this room and it's also a favourite place for our son to sit and enjoy a few beers with friends.

Wildacre is a great property for entertaining and parties. We have had many years of fun in our home making lovely memories. We have held lots of dinner parties, BBQ’s, and big paellas to share in the house and garden. We have hosted birthday parties for our children and had a marquee put up on the terrace for a special birthday. We also brought in the new millennium with a themed party in the tunnel where we dressed up in our favourite Dickensian character costumes.

We love to walk and there are some great walks in Higham and the surrounding area, such as Shorne Woods Country Park and Cliffe Marshes. The village has a few good local stores, along with two schools, a local park with tennis courts, and a couple of good pubs within a short walking distance from the property.

Transport Information    Higham Railway Station: 1.2 miles
Strood Railway Station: 2.7 miles
Rochester Railway Station (high speed service): 2.9 miles
Sole Street Railway Station: 5.7 miles
Meopham Railway Station: 8.1 miles
Ebbsfleet International Eurostar Station: 9.5 miles

All distances calculated are as the crow flies.

Education    Please check with the local authority as to catchment areas and intake criteria.

Golf Clubs    Rochester and Cobham Golf Club: 3.2 miles
Southern Valley Golf Club: 4.2 miles
Mid Kent Golf Club: 4.8 miles
London Golf Club: 17.5 miles

Health Clubs    Nuffield Health Rochester 3.5 miles
Roko Health Club: 9 miles

Useful Information    We recognise that buying a property is a big commitment and therefore recommend that you visit the local authority website for more helpful information about the property and local area before proceeding.

Council Tax    We are informed this property is in council tax band TBA, you should verify this with Gravesham Borough Council

Tenure    The vendor advises us that this property is Freehold. Should you proceed with the purchase of the property your solicitor must verify these details

Appliances/Services    The mention of any appliances and/or services within these sales particulars does not imply that they are in full efficient working order.

Measurements    All measurements are approximate and therefore may be subject to a small margin of error.

Viewing    Strictly via Fine & Country North West Kent

Ref    HA/SD/JT/210512 - HAR210094/D1