“If you’re seeking a quintessential country cottage that marries heritage charm with modern refinement, this is the one you’ve been waiting for.” — Mark Hoyle, Residential Property & Land & New Homes Manager
Northwood, incorporating Stevens, proudly presents Carlton Cottage under its exclusive Bespoke Village Homes collection — a truly enchanting period residence that has undergone a meticulous transformation. With its striking red brick façade, tile-hung elevations, and iconic Dering windows, this home is a masterclass in architectural elegance and thoughtful restoration.
Behind its classic exterior lies a comprehensive renovation and extension programme that has elevated the property to contemporary standards while preserving its soul. Every detail has been considered from rewiring and replumbing to the installation of a new heating system, bespoke kitchen, stylish cloakroom, luxurious bathroom, and fresh flooring and décor throughout.
Accommodation Overview :
Step through the front door into a welcoming entrance hall, where natural light and thoughtful design immediately set the tone. To your right, a neatly appointed cloakroom offers convenience for guests and family alike, there is under-stairs cupboard with plumbing and space for a washing machine while the staircase rises gracefully to the first floor. A part glazed door ahead opens into the true heart of the home, a spacious kitchen and dining area that invites both lively gatherings and quiet morning coffees.
This kitchen exudes a bright, modern charm with its open-plan layout and clean aesthetic. Natural light floods the space through large windows and glass doors, creating an airy and welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The walls are painted a soft, light green, which pairs beautifully with the white cabinetry and warm oak wooden counter-tops, striking a balance between freshness and warmth. The sink area features a built-in white ceramic basin with a sleek metallic faucet, positioned beneath a Dering arched window that offers a pleasant view of the outdoor space.
The cooking area is equally stylish and functional, boasting a black electric induction hob with touch controls and a stainless steel oven below. A matching stainless steel range hood is mounted on a white-painted brick wall, adding a touch of industrial elegance. Behind the hob a patterned tile back-splash in shades of gray and white introduces texture and visual interest to the design. The flooring throughout the kitchen and dining area is a beautifully laid herringbone-patterned vinyl, which adds a layer of sophistication and warmth, complementing the natural tones of the counter-tops and cabinetry.
This open plan space is generously proportioned, easily accommodating a full-sized dining table and freestanding furniture, with ample room to move and breathe. Bi-folding doors stretch across the rear wall, seamlessly connecting the indoors to the garden beyond and flooding the room with light. A glazed side door adds further charm and practicality, perfect for summer breezes or quick access to the garden. Integrated appliances, including a discreetly fitted dishwasher, enhance the kitchen’s functionality while maintaining its sleek, uncluttered look.
Overall, the kitchen is thoughtfully designed to blend practicality with style, making it a standout feature of the home. Whether you’re preparing meals, hosting guests, or simply enjoying a quiet moment, this space feels both functional and inviting.
The living room, positioned at the front of the property, exudes warmth and character. Dering windows frame views of the leafy lane, while an open fireplace stands ready to cast a golden glow on winter evenings — a perfect setting for curling up with a book or sharing stories by the fire.
Upstairs, the first floor reveals two generously sized double bedrooms. The principal bedroom is a standout, featuring elegant Dering windows and a charming period fireplace that adds a touch of heritage and romance. The second bedroom is equally spacious, ideal for guests, children, or a home office.
The bathroom is a sanctuary in itself, fitted with a classic white three-piece suite. A roll-top bath with shower over takes centre stage, inviting long, luxurious soaks beneath soft lighting — a space designed for relaxation and indulgence.
Exterior Features :
Outside, the property offers driveway parking for multiple vehicles, ensuring practicality without compromise. A boarded courtesy gate to the side leads to the rear garden — a private haven of greenery and calm. Generously sized and thoughtfully enclosed, the garden provides a tranquil retreat, perfect for alfresco dining, gardening, or simply unwinding in peace
Accommodation :
Entrance Hall : 11’4” x 6’10” (3.51m x 2.12m)
Cloakroom : 2’10” x 3’9” (0.88m x 1.15m)
Kitchen/Diner/Family Room : 22’8” x 9’8” (6.93m x 2.96m)
Living Room : 11’0” x 12’11” (3.37m x 3.94m)
First Floor Landing : 2’10” x 3’9” (0.8m x 1.15m)
Bedroom One : 12’2” x 11’1” (3.71m x 3.40m)
Bedroom Two : 8’9” x 10’8” (2.67m x 10’8” (2.67m x 3.27m)
Bathroom : 6’0” x 8’9” (1.84m x 2.67m)
Pluckley one of Kents most go to desirable Villages :
Carlton Cottage is situated on the fringe of the historic village of Pluckley, reputed to be England’s most haunted village—a claim famously endorsed by the Guinness Book of Records in 1988. With tales of spectral monks, phantom coaches, and ghostly apparitions, Pluckley continues to attract paranormal enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.
The village’s rich history dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was recorded as “Pluchelei.” At that time, Pluckley was a more prominent settlement than nearby Ashford, boasting a thriving community of villagers, smallholders, and craftsmen. A Roman road once passed through the area, and the remains of a Roman villa have been discovered nearby at Little Chart.
Pluckley’s beautiful village church, dedicated to Saint Nicholas, has stood for over 900 years. Its spire has watched over the village through centuries of change, including the rise and fall of the local wool trade and the impact of the Black Death in the 14th century. The church also houses the Dering Chapel, built in 1475, which contains brasses commemorating members of the influential Dering family.
More recently, Pluckley gained fame as the filming location for the beloved television series The Darling Buds of May, starring David Jason and Catherine Zeta-Jones. This has added a layer of nostalgic charm to the village’s already picturesque appeal.
The village offers essential amenities including a post office, general store, local butchers, and a farm shop. Dining options are steeped in history: The Dering Arms, once a hunting lodge for the Dering estate, is now celebrated for its seafood menu, while The Black Horse gastro pub offers hearty fare in a cozy setting.
Pluckley boasts a vibrant community spirit with active tennis, cricket, and football clubs, as well as gardening, music, and choir groups. The surrounding countryside is crisscrossed with scenic footpaths, making it ideal for walkers and nature lovers. The village lies along the Greensand Way and is close to the Stour Valley Walk, offering stunning views and tranquil strolls.
Families are well served by the local Church of England primary school, rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted. For older children, there are highly regarded secondary and grammar schools in Ashford, along with prestigious independent schools in the wider Kent area.
Transport links are excellent. Pluckley station, just a short walk from Carlton Cottage, provides direct services to London. Ashford Town Centre and Ashford International Station—offering high-speed rail to London in just 38 minutes—are less than 7 miles away. Junction 9 of the M20 provides convenient access to the motorway network.
Nearby, the Cinque Port town of Tenterden and the market town of Ashford offer a comprehensive range of shopping and leisure facilities, including supermarkets, banks, restaurants, and the popular McArthur Glen Designer Outlet.
Should you require more information about this property please request: ‘The Key Facts for Buyers Report ‘ Which has been specially produced to give all potential purchasers as much relevant information as possible about the property and surrounding areas that they might be considering offering on to purchase.
The Northwood – Stevens Sales team are totally committed to provide the highest level of service for potential buyers as well as our selling clients and hopefully this detailed report will help and foster your decision-making process about viewing the property and submitting an offer.
Should you require any further or assistance please do not hesitate to contact a member of the sales team.
Services: Mains Water, Gas and Electricity. Gas central heating.
Local Authority: Ashford Borough Council
Council Tax Band c
Method of Sale:
This property is freehold and is offered for sale with vacant possession upon completion.
Viewings: In the first instance please contact a member of the sales team to arrange an appointment.
MONEY LAUNDERING REGULATIONS –
Agents are required by law to conduct anti-money laundering checks on all those buying a property. We outsource the initial checks to a partner supplier HIPLA who will contact you once you have had an offer accepted on a property you wish to buy. The cost of these checks is £30.00 inclusive VAT per buyer where this is a non refundable fee. These charges cover the cost of obtaining relevant data and any manual checks and monitoring which may be required. This fee will be required to be paid by you in advance of the office issuing a memorandum of sale on the property you would like to buy.
IMPORTANT NOTICE 1. These particulars have been prepared in good faith as a general guide, they are not exhaustive and include information provided to us by other parties including the seller, not all of which will have been verified by us. 2. We have not carried out a detailed or structural survey; we have not tested any services, appliances or fittings. Measurements, floor plans, orientation and distances are given as approximate only and should not be relied on. 3. The photographs are not necessarily comprehensive or current, aspects may have changed since the photographs were taken. No assumption should be made that any contents are included in the sale. 4. We have not checked that the property has all necessary planning, building regulation approval, statutory or regulatory permissions or consents. Any reference to any alterations or use of any part of the property does not mean that necessary planning, building regulations, or other consent has been obtained. 5. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves by inspection, searches, enquirers, surveys, and professional advice about all relevant aspects of the property. 6. These particulars do not form part of any offer or contract and must not be relied upon as statements or representations of fact; we have no authority to make or give any representation or warranties in relation to the property. If these are required, you should include their terms in any contract between you and the seller. MONEY LAUNDERING REGULATIONS – Intending purchasers will be asked to complete a ‘Personal Risk Assessment’ or produce identification documentation at a later stage and we would ask for your co-operation in order that there will be no delay in agreeing the sale.
Council tax band: C, Tenure: Freehold, EPC rating: C
