“This home exemplifies the quality and attention to detail that define our village property offering. The property has undertaken a meticulous programme of upgrading, enhancing comfort, style and practicality while preserving the timeless charm of its setting, plus the commuters dream being only a few minutes walk from Pluckley station” — Mark Hoyle, Residential Sales
Heritage & Lifestyle :
A rare chance to live in a Victorian sporting lodge, complete with its own secret garden.
There is a quiet magic to 3 The Grove the feeling of stepping into a beautifully preserved piece of Kentish history while enjoying the ease of modern village living. Once believed to have formed part of a pair of Victorian shooting lodges serving the renowned Dering Estate, the building still carries the romance of its origins. Its ragstone elevations and distinctive arched Dering windows echo the craftsmanship of the nearby Dering Arms hunting lodge, creating an atmosphere that feels both timeless and deeply rooted in Pluckley’s past.
These architectural details tell the story of an era when the village was a lively hub for country sports, its woodland and rolling Wealden landscape drawing visitors from across Kent. To live here is to be part of that heritage not as a custodian of a relic, but as someone who gets to enjoy the charm and character of a historic building every single day.
Thoughtfully converted into six individual apartments, The Grove blends its Victorian soul with modern comfort. And despite its tucked away position along a peaceful no through road, the location offers remarkable convenience: Pluckley station is only a short stroll away, making Ashford, London and wider connections easily accessible without ever needing to take the car out.
Adding to its appeal, 3 The Grove enjoys its own secret garden, quietly positioned behind the historic building. This private outdoor space feels like a hidden retreat a place to unwind, entertain, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the setting, surrounded by the character of the original lodge.
A home that offers history, charm, practicality and a touch of the unexpected a rare combination in one of Kent’s most sought after villages.
Accommodation :
Accessed via a communal hall with a spiral staircase, the apartment opens into an impressive:
Entrance Hall :
31’11” x 4’3″ (9.73m x 1.32m)
The landing is an impressive space in its own right unusually generous for an apartment and beautifully finished to reflect the building’s Victorian heritage. The long hallway is bright and inviting, with crisp white walls paired with smart dark panelling that adds depth and character. Decorative mouldings, detailed door surrounds and carefully chosen artwork create a refined, gallery like feel as you move through the home.
Soft carpeting underfoot enhances the sense of comfort, while multiple doors lead off to the principal rooms, giving the landing a natural flow and a strong sense of arrival. It’s a space that connects the apartment beautifully, offering both practicality and a touch of understated elegance.
Open Plan Kitchen / Living Room :
15’11” x 22’9″ (4.86m x 6.94m)
This beautifully designed open plan space forms the true heart of the home a seamless blend of contemporary style, period character and everyday comfort. Generous natural light pours in through the elegant Dering windows, enhancing the rich green tones, crisp white panelling and refined architectural detailing.
The kitchen area is centred around a striking granite topped island, now complete with a sleek electric hob that allows cooking and socialising to blend effortlessly. The layout encourages conversation, making the island a natural gathering point for family and guests. Sleek cabinetry, integrated appliances and modern pendant lighting create a clean, sophisticated aesthetic, complemented by patterned tiling and thoughtful design touches.
Flowing effortlessly into the living area, the room opens out to a welcoming seating zone arranged around a stylish marble fireplace housing a wood burner. Bespoke log shelving adds warmth and texture, while soft carpeting and a spacious layout create an inviting place to relax, dine or gather with friends.
Spacious, light filled and beautifully balanced, this open plan room delivers a lifestyle as impressive as its design a space made for cooking, unwinding and enjoying time together at the very centre of the home.
Principal Bedroom :
12’6″ x 18’0″ (3.81m x 5.51m)
The principal bedroom is a beautifully proportioned and serene space, designed to offer both comfort and understated luxury. Soft teal tones paired with crisp white panelling create a refined backdrop, while the large arched Dering window draws in generous natural light and frames a picturesque view of the surrounding period architecture and greenery.
The room’s impressive scale allows for a large bed to sit comfortably at its centre, with ample space remaining for additional furniture such as bedside tables, seating or further storage. The layout feels open and restful, offering the sense of a true sanctuary within the home.
A decorative cast iron fireplace with ornate detailing provides a charming focal point, enhancing the room’s heritage character. Thoughtful styling and layered soft furnishings complete the space with a sense of calm sophistication.
Spacious, elegant and filled with natural light, the principal bedroom offers a peaceful retreat at the heart of the home a perfect blend of period charm and modern comfort.
Bedroom Two :
14’0″ x 10’8″ (4.28m x 3.25m)
Bedroom Two is a bright and versatile double room, offering an ideal balance of comfort and practicality. The large Dering window draws in generous natural light and frames a pleasant outlook, creating a calm and uplifting atmosphere throughout the day.
The room is thoughtfully arranged, with space for both a comfortable seating area and a well appointed workspace, making it perfectly suited to modern living. Whether used as a guest bedroom, home office or creative studio, the proportions allow for flexibility without compromising on comfort.
Elegant wall panelling, soft carpeting and tasteful décor add refinement, while shelving and display areas provide opportunities for personal touches. Spacious, adaptable and beautifully presented, Bedroom Two enhances the home with its blend of style and functionality.
Bedroom Three :
11’9″ x 14’6″ (3.58m x 4.44m)
Bedroom Three is a wonderfully versatile double room, full of charm and natural light. The soft neutral décor and large window create a calm, welcoming atmosphere, while the room’s generous proportions make it ideal for use as a bedroom, home office or creative studio.
A feature original fireplace with a classic mantel adds character and a sense of heritage, complemented by built in shelving that provides both display space and practical storage. The room is thoughtfully arranged, with space for a desk, musical instruments or additional furniture without ever feeling crowded.
Whether used as a peaceful guest room, a productive workspace or a hobby room, Bedroom Three offers flexibility and comfort in equal measure a beautifully balanced space that enhances the home’s overall appeal.
Luxury Bathroom :
8’8″ x 10’2″ (2.65m x 3.12m)
The bathroom is a beautifully appointed space, combining classic elegance with contemporary comfort. A stunning roll top clawfoot bath takes centre stage, positioned beneath tall windows that fill the room with soft natural light creating a serene, spa like atmosphere.
A separate glass enclosed shower offers everyday practicality, complementing the bath without compromising the room’s generous sense of space. The traditional high level cistern WC and patterned floor tiles add character, while the dark navy vanity unit with integrated sink provides a refined modern contrast and excellent storage.
Outside
Private Secret Garden
Tucked behind the historic building, this enclosed garden feels like a hidden retreat laid mainly to lawn with raised sleeper bordered beds and a generous flagstone terrace perfect for entertaining or enjoying the sunshine.
Garage En Bloc
Accessed via a side driveway, providing secure parking or storage.
Pluckley One of Kent’s Most Desirable and Storied Villages :
Pluckley is a village unlike any other in Kent rich in heritage, wrapped in pastoral beauty, and renowned for its unmistakable sense of community. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Pluchelei, it has long held a place of prominence, with Roman roads and villa remains nearby at Little Chart hinting at its ancient importance. The 900 year old spire of St Nicholas Church, together with the historic Dering Chapel, anchors the village in centuries of architectural and cultural legacy.
Its reputation as England’s “most haunted village,” famously noted by the Guinness Book of Records in 1988, adds a layer of intrigue. Tales of spectral monks, phantom coaches and mysterious apparitions continue to fascinate visitors but it is the village’s charm, not its folklore, that truly captivates those who live here.
Pluckley’s cinematic appeal was immortalised in The Darling Buds of May, filmed in and around the village and starring David Jason and Catherine Zeta Jones. The series cemented Pluckley’s image as the epitome of “perfick” English countryside living — a reputation it still embodies today.
A Village with Everything Close at Hand :
Despite its rural tranquility, Pluckley offers excellent everyday convenience. A post office, general store, butchers and a well loved farm shop serve the community, while dining options are exceptional for a village of this size.
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The Dering Arms, once a hunting lodge, is celebrated for its seafood, award winning hospitality and roaring log fires.. just a few minutes walk .
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The Black Horse provides a cosy, characterful setting for hearty gastro pub dining.
A Community That Welcomes You In :
Pluckley thrives on its strong community spirit. Tennis, cricket and football clubs sit alongside gardening societies, music groups and a well supported village choir, creating a lively and inclusive social calendar. This is a place where neighbours know one another, newcomers are warmly welcomed, and village life is genuinely cherished.
Outstanding Countryside and Walks :
The surrounding landscape is a walker’s paradise. The Greensand Way and Stour Valley Walk weave through rolling fields, woodland and far reaching viewpoints, offering peaceful escapes and some of Kent’s most scenic routes.
Education and Schools :
Families benefit from Pluckley Church of England Primary School, rated Good by Ofsted. Excellent secondary and grammar schools are available in nearby Ashford, along with prestigious independent options across the county.
Exceptional Transport Links
For such a rural setting, connectivity is superb.
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Pluckley station provides direct rail services to London.
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Ashford International, under seven miles away, offers high?speed trains reaching the capital in just 38 minutes.
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Junction 9 of the M20 ensures swift access to the wider motorway network.
Nearby, the Cinque Port town of Tenterden and Ashford’s bustling centre offer comprehensive shopping, dining and leisure facilities, including the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, supermarkets, banks and restaurants.
The Result :
This apartment offers a beautifully balanced home that honours its architectural legacy while embracing modern comfort. It sits within a village celebrated for its heritage, community warmth and exceptional connectivity a place where history, countryside living and contemporary convenience come together effortlessly.
What truly sets this property apart is the lifestyle it affords. With its generous proportions, elegant detailing and refined sense of space, the apartment evokes the charm and ease of large country house living, yet in a wonderfully manageable and modern form. It is a home that feels both special and practical a rare blend of character, comfort and village life at its very best.
Services : Mains Water, Mains Drainage, Electric heating
Local Authority :
Ashford Borough Council
Council Tax Band D
Method of Sale :
This property is Leasehold 999 Years from 25/3/2015 End date 25/3/2988 (Term remaining 962 years )
Ground Rent £ 1 Per Annum.
Maintenance : Equally Shared By Six Apartments.
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, enquiries, 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.
