Softly Softly
The Limeworks at Faversham (c) 2012 Savills.
We have never featured a Water Softening Plant before. In fact had never even heard of one until we were presented with this absolutely fabulous structure ….
http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-493466-water-softening-plant-newnham/photos
The current description is: The Limeworks, Faversham Road, Norton, Kent, ME13 0SE. However, there seems to be a little question on what exactly this almost topical Men In Black from-another-planet movie type structure was originally built for. A little due diligence says water softening.
Along with some precious ‘before’ photos to show just how much imagination, dedication and work has gone into preserving this truly unique building, and bringing it back to life again ….
http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/images/buildings/en/493/493466-10901-800.jpg
However, the current description of Limeworks fits too. The key thing is the quality and style about the restoration and conversion ….
The Limeworks at Faversham (c) 2012 Savills.
This is an impressive and sensitive conversion of two water towers into a spacious and contemporary home. Almost Art Deco. A Grade II listed building, built in the early 1930s and was a functioning water softening plant until 1942. The current owners acquired the property in 2005, and have sympathetically converted, restored and refurbished the building, with the emphasis on attention to detail and specification.
The Limeworks at Faversham (c) 2012 Savills.
The accommodation is arranged over 4 floors. The ground floor benefits from floor to ceiling windows, culminating in light and elegant living spaces. A series of spiral staircases lead to the leisure facilities on the first floor and the bedrooms and bathrooms on the second floor. An impressive master bedroom suite occupies the entire fourth floor and features far reaching views over the grounds. There are two roof terraces, one of which accommodates the pool and both which provides contemporary outdoor entertaining areas. Tail-end works are still ongoing at the Limeworks with the purpose of bringing the house to 90% completion which will allow the buyer to design and specify the final 10% by way of arrangement with the current construction company or with the buyer appointing their own designer and contractors.
The Limeworks is approached via electric wrought iron gates which open to a gravel driveway that leads to a large parking area and underground double garage of circa 331 sq.ft. Stone steps flanked by lawns and lavender borders lead to the front door. The house is set in 8 acres of grounds and is surrounded by beautiful countryside. A useful storage of approximately 1,257 sq ft lies to the side of the main house and could be suitable for a range of alternative uses, subject to the necessary planning consents.
Faversham 3 miles, Canterbury 12 miles, M2 (J6) 3.5 miles, central London 55 miles, Gatwick Airport 61 miles, Ashford International Station (fast train service to St Pancras in 38 minutes) 15 miles.
Tenure: Freehold.
Guide: Region of £3,750,000.
Contact Savills: 0207 499 8644 or 01580 720 161.
Online Brochure….
http://residentialsearch.savills.co.uk/property-detail/262332/list
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Gardening Grade II Style
Gardener’s Cottage (c) 2012 Bentons.
Gardeners Cottage, now renamed The Bothy, is a detached building being the gardener’s home for the grounds within which it sits, plus a much larger treat in store. We have this property feature slightly back to front, as whilst the Gardener’s Cottage fits in with our unique list, the main Abbots Oak is really the top notch star attraction and if you buy the Gardener’s Cottage, you also have included in the purchase this magnificent castellated mansion house, known as Abbots Oak …
Abbots Oak (c) 2012 Bentons.
This beautiful building at Warren Hills Road, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 4UY, consists of an eight bedrooms and many feature rooms. Utilised recently as a hotel. Set in approximately 2.75 acres both the main Manor building and the smaller Gardener’s Cottage represent a significant amount of property for the price sought.
Steeped in history, this Grade II listed period property enjoys a private leafy hilltop location on the edge of Charnwood Forest. The building has many features including oak panelled reception rooms, a magnificent ornate staircase rising three floors.
Abbots Oak Interior (c) 2012 Bentons.
Abbots Oak offers five large reception rooms, eight double bedrooms and six bathrooms. Formal gardens with a magnificent cedar tree give way to woods and rocky granite outcrops. There is wealth of panelling in many rooms. The dining room has carvings of Queen Elizabeth I and Sir Walter Raleigh surround the fireplace, whilst the drawing room fireplace has a beautiful sculptured surround, complete with dragons.
Tenure: Freehold.
Guide: £850,000.
Contact Bentons Agency: 01664 563892.
Online Brochure….
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Thatched Chapel
Chapel Cottage (c) 2012 Fowlers.
It is fairly rare that we see two reasonably unique aspects in the one building. Here we have a former chapel and a picturesque thatched cottage all under the same roof. Located at Thorn, Chagford, Devon, TQ13 8DX, this Grade II listed semi-detached chapel has been tastefully converted to provide a unique 2 bedroom home.
The property is of Victorian Gothic Revival style, dating from about 1850 and in good condition, having been much improved by the present owners with replumbing, central heating installation, rewiring, and rethatching as required.
Chapel Cottage (c) 2012 Fowlers.
Upstairs on the first floor is a generous double bedroom and a single, whilst clever design has created a very usable loft area accessed by a set of fitted ladder stairs. The classic Gothic arched leaded windows clearly show the building’s chapel heritage and it has been a much loved home for this young family. The garden is very private and is divided into two adjoining segments for both sitting and productive elements. A lovely summerhouse is included, various useful sheds and stores and there is parking for two vehicles.
Tenure: Freehold.
Guide: £425,000.
Contact Fowlers Agency: 01647 433 595.
Online Brochure….
http://www.chagford.co.uk/fowlers/400001-to-500000/chapel-cottage/#more-3442
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Church Of ‘Ope
Bijou Building (c) 2012 Hull Gregson Hull.
We have had mention that some of the more exotic properties we feature carry similarly exotic prices. So in an effort to cover the full spectrum, and as a piece of fun we looked for the most ‘economic’ property that we could find. This is it. Situated at Church Ope Cove, Portland, DT5 1JA, it is effectively a diminutive beech house. Though even for that, it has an elevated balcony and nice view. Not too sure about staying overnight, but certainly worth considering as a way of basking in the sun for a day here and there, also saving a fortune on holiday accommodation.
Bijou Building But With A Big View (c) 2012 Hull Gregson Hull.
The property is fully for sale, but is on a lease with a nominal annual ground rent. Further details of this available from the agents. The little building has it’s own balcony/veranda where excellent views over the beach and sea can be enjoyed. The internal measurement is approximately 11 feet by 7 feet 10 inches (cat not supplied). A floor panel provides access to a stone cellar below.
The balcony is around 8 feet by 4 feet, and there is a small concrete area to the side. public toilets and water available at the Cove.
Tenure: Leasehold (Ground Rent £250 per annum).
Guide: £22,000.
Contact Hull Gregson Hull Agencies: 01305 510029 or 01305 822222.
Brochure From The Selling Agent.
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Lodging At Luton
Stockwell Lodge (c) 2012 DWR Sales.
This traditional Gateman’s Lodge house was built approximately 150 years ago. Two bedroom detached. Has double glazing, refitted kitchen, conservatory, en-suite shower room to bedroom 2, lounge with triple aspect views, family bathroom with corner suite and separate WC, alarm system. Outside are gardens to front, side and rear which are completely secluded and well laid out. There is a 5 bar double gate leading to a small driveway and path to the entrance.
Stockwell Lodge (c) 2012 DWR Sales.
Originally built on the private estate, and conveniently situated at the entrance to Stockwood Park and Museum. Luton Lodge is also close to the local golf club, amenities and approximately 1 mile from Luton Town Centre. The M1 Junction 10 and London Luton Airport are also easily accessible.
Tenure: Freehold.
Guide: £225,000.
Contact DWR Agencies: 01582 808711.
Brochure From Selling Agents.
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Tin Pan Alley Barn
Pan Alley Barn, Isle of Wight (c) 2012 The Wright Agency.
Are any intrepid readers a fan of the tin roof? We have this definite ‘before’ example at Pan Alley, close to Newport on the Isle of Wight, PO30 2QD.
OK so it is the proverbial rusty ugly duckling, but anyone who has checked out some of the finished barns on this website will know these can be brought back to life and with special style.
Ooops ! Pan Alley Barn, Isle of Wight (c) 2012 The Wright Agency.
This derelict barn has no current planning permission to turn into a home, but the owners are more than willing to grant “an option to purchase” subject to planning consent being approved. If you have any questions on options to purchase, please just email us and we shall do our best to help. Simply put, this is an agreement PRIOR to buying that any purchase is CONDITIONAL upon planning permission to convert to a home being granted.
Pan Alley Barn View (c) 2012 The Wright Agency.
In the meantime we have been approached by representatives of the television presenter and architect George Clarke’s television programme Restoration Man seeking suitable property candidates to follow from the near derelict structure, to the finished home. For anyone interested in having help from George Clarke, please check out our dedicated Unique Property Bulletin Restoration Man webpage and consider contacting Tiger Aspect television….
http://uniquepropertybulletin.co.uk/unique-property-television/
So if you fancy a challenge, maybe this barn is for you.
For more information about the Pan Alley Barn, please contact Paul Grimes at Wright Agencies.
Tenure: Freehold.
Guide: £100,000.
Contact The Wright Agency: 01983 619137.
Online Brochure….
http://www.wright-iw.co.uk/property/np021711.aspx