How would you like to own your own piece of Kentish history?

Privately set looking out over Rye Harbour Nature Reserve to the sea, and only moments from the energetic buzz of the historic town of Rye, discover the delights of The Old Oast.

Peaceful, private setting

Double gates open onto a neat gravel drive where there is ample parking for four or more cars. Allow the verdant surrounds to soothe your soul; the approach to The Old Oast is celebrated in a cascade of colour from the mature magnolia, camelia bushes heavy with blossom and climbing roses festooning the front of the home. Birdsong provides the soundtrack to your arrival home.

Converted to a dwelling in the 1980s, The Old Oast, with its evocative original roundels, is believed to be one of a number of outbuildings comprising part of the neighbouring farm. Legend has it that a third roundel once existed, destroyed by a plane during the Second World War.

Meander along the path to the pale green front door, stepping through into the entrance hallway. Dressed in Nina Campbell luxury designer wallpaper, sense the warmth of welcome in this utterly unique home, with its intriguing angles and curves.

Feast your eyes

Turning right, step through into the kitchen, nestled within one of the roundels. Emanating cosy, hobbit hole cheer, the bespoke David Haugh of Tunbridge Wells wooden cabinetry curves seamlessly against the walls, accommodating a double oven, Miele dishwasher and induction hob with extractor fan. Amtico flooring in traditional chequered pattern is practical underfoot, gleaming beneath light flowing in through several windows to multiple sides.

Ample storage is available in the cabinetry, whilst a circular central island adds a sociable element to the room, with breakfast bar seating and further storage. Access the garden with ease, through the traditional stable door.

Returning to the entrance hallway, freshen up in the downstairs WC with wash basin, where white metro tiling meets with eclectic wallpaper.

From the hallway, glass double doors invite light through into the drawing room beyond. A sumptuously sized room, it lends itself to all seasons: light and airy in the summer months and cosy and embracing in the wintertime, snuggled up in front of the log-burning stove, nestled within its enormous red-brick surround.

Exposed beams add character, as light flows in through several cottage style windows. Throughout the home a classic palette from Farrow & Ball and Zoffany embellishes the walls for a homely, stylish feel.

Flow through to the light-filled orangery, where contemporary tiling underfoot is warmed by underfloor heating. Airy and bright, this spacious room (which is also cooled in the hotter months by air conditioning) has planning permission to be extended into a modern open-plan kitchen-dining room.

Continue into the snug, where carpet extends underfoot. A quiet, serene room, snuggle up on the sofa for a cosy night in front of the television.

Beyond the snug, arrive at the library, a stunning room converted from the original garage, serving as both study and reading room. Naturally zoned with fitted shelving reaching up to the sloping ceiling, light pours in through three large skylights.  A home that lovingly absorbs people and pets, there is ample room for everyone to find their own comfortable pocket of privacy.

As part of the garage conversion, a utility room was created, brimming with storage, containing a Belfast sink, and housing further cabinetry in addition to a supplementary fridge and freezer. There is plumbing for a washer and dryer and easy access directly out into the garden, making this an excellent ‘boot room’ entrance when returning home from muddy walks through the fields and country lanes with the dog. A rainwater harvesting system features at The Old Oast, offering a sustainable way to water the garden.

Bedtime beckons

From the entrance hall, make your way up the staircase, carpeted in a regal Indian wool and silk mix, before emerging on the first-floor landing.

A home housing much hidden storage, sneak a peek at the storage cupboard ahead. Nooks and crannies throughout make this home a joy for children.

OWNER QUOTE: “It’s a home where there are lots of places to sit, reflect and read. It’s very tranquil.”

Arrive at bedroom two, nestled snug within a roundel, it currently accommodates a king-size bed, with fitted storage containing automatic lighting to either side of the door. There is also space for freestanding furniture. Admire the views over the nature reserve to the sea in the distance.

Returning to the landing, admire the whimsical designer wallpaper, encapsulating the fairytale essence of The Old Oast perfectly. Next, visit bedroom three, another double bedroom, currently housing a bespoke-built bunk bed with playhouse underneath. Fitted wardrobes provide plentiful storage for shoes and clothes. Views unfurl over the garden and nature reserve to the distant seashores.

Returning to the landing, turning right from the stairs, discover further storage in the airing cupboard, before freshening up in the family shower room on the right.

Elegant white tiles stand regally amidst the exposed beams, whilst traditional flourishes in the gold fittings including drench showerhead and taps add a touch of understated luxury. Fitted with a separate shower, WC and wash basin, electric blinds are fitted to the windows.

The Primary Suite

Next, make your way through to the main bedroom, where robust beams add warmth, and views over the garden are framed by the window. Wooden flooring extends underfoot, with space for an armchair and plenty of room for furniture. Auto-illuminating fitted wardrobes offer further storage. From the bed, wake up to views of the sea.

Sneak a peek at the ensuite, a spacious room, with separate shower with drench head, wash basin with vanity light storage, separate bath, with showerhead attachment, WC and bidet. Vintage style mirrored tiling harmonises with modern touches for an utterly indulgent feel.

Returning to the landing, take the spiral staircase up to a landing area, providing access to the eaves storage and a boarded loft. Proceed to the secret bedroom, nestled in the uppermost part of the roundel. A comfortable double bedroom, with space for freestanding furniture, sublime views extend over Rye and to Winchelsea Beach.

Apartment living

Return to the snug lounge, where a bespoke Neville Johnson oak staircase wends up to an annex bedroom, a comfortable double bedroom with fitted storage and benefitting from its own ensuite shower room with WC and wash basin. Providing guests with perfect privacy, consider the potential to transform this portion of the home into its own private, self-contained living space.

English country garden

Outside, the manicured and low maintenance garden enjoys its own ambient microclimate, attributable in part to the handsome listed red-brick wall, where the mature magnolia spreads out, a spectacular sight in its springtime blossom.

The picture of an English country garden, climbing roses wend up the wall, a Tibetan cherry tree is handsome, its reddish bark a striking contrast to the pure white of the dovecote. Take a seat beneath the field maple, its leaves a resplendent rich gold in autumn.

Dine alfresco on the patio in the comfortable warmth of this sunny south-east facing, sheltered garden. Beyond a side gate discover a shed and bin storage area.

Near and far

Countryside and town come together in perfect accord at The Old Oast. Step out of the door and meet your neighbours at your local, The Plough, roughly a quarter of a mile along the road.

Only 500 yards away, soak up the stunning views over the Tillingham valley from the nearby farm shop, serving up mouthwatering savouries.

Set opposite woodland, nature is in abundance. Enjoy a half hour stroll into the nearby town of Rye via ‘Undercliff’ or along the country footpaths on the other side of the road.

A bustling and vibrant town, dine out in one of the many restaurants, and meet friends for a drink in one of the historic hostelries including The Mermaid Inn and the well-known George hotel. Recently restored and due to reopen imminently, its past clientele includes Hollywood actors.

Known as a citadel, Rye is a medieval town with a fascinating history and strong links to the continent, alluded to in such titles as Ypres Tower – Rye’s castle museum. Walk along Dead Man’s Lane, ghoulishly named in reference to plague times when bodies were laid out ready for collection. A town with a strong literary history too, with connections to authors EF Benson and Henry James who resided at Lamb House. Rye is also associated with Russell Thorndike, whose Dr Syn stories were inspired by swashbuckling tales made up to entertain his sister Sybil on their travels as children. Links to the piratical history of the locale can be seen on top of The Old Oast’s roundel, where the cowl features a pirate with a cutlass.

Browse the many art and photography galleries or take a trip into Tenterden for a spot of shopping. Known as the Jewel of the Kent, there is a prolific choice of shops, in addition to a golf club and leisure centre.

Commuting couldn’t be more convenient, not far from Hastings or Tunbridge Wells. Catch the fast train from Ashford to St Pancras and within 35 minutes you can be boarding the Eurostar to Paris. Bon voyage!

Families are well served by an abundance of local state schools, whilst independent schooling is available at nearby Claremont Senior School and Marlborough House School.

On the cusp of the ancient seaside town of Winchelsea, an important trading port in Tudor times and during the reign of Henry VIII, admire the nighttime views of this historic port town, illuminated in the dusk.

OWNER QUOTE: “It’s a glorious home. It’s been a privilege living there.”

For a home that lends itself to all seasons, The Old Oast offers a safe, warm and beautiful embrace to all. Perfectly private, rich in character and with views of the sea, storybook charm doesn’t get better than this.

Home Nuances

• Historic coastal town of Rye
• Grade II listed former oast house
• Semi-detached 5 bedroom characterful home
• 4 reception rooms, including library and snug
• Views of the sea & nature reserve
• Driveway for several cars
• Oil fired central heating & electric underfloor heating
• Council tax band G
• 3.2 miles to Winchelsea Beach & 5.7 miles to Camber Sands
• 11.4 miles to Hastings

For a brochure of this home please call the Bees Homes country office on 01323 332344.

Viewing strictly by appointment with Bees Homes.

If there is any point which is of particular importance to you, we invite you to discuss this with us, especially before you travel to view the property.

Please Note:
Money Laundering Regulations 2007: Intending purchasers will be asked to produce identification documentation upon acceptance of any offer. We would ask for your cooperation in producing such in order that there will not be a delay in agreeing the sale.

Bees Homes use all reasonable endeavours to supply accurate property information in line with the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. These property details do not constitute any part of the offer or contract and all measurements are approximate. It should not be assumed that this property has all the necessary Planning, Building Regulation or other consents. Any services, appliances and heating system(s) listed have not been checked or tested.

Measurements: These approximate room sizes are only intended as general guidance. You must verify the dimensions carefully before ordering carpets or any built in furniture.

For a brochure of this unique home please call the Bees Homes country office on 01323 332344.