Exclusive peek at a secluded nation villa, nestled in an idyllic hamlet, boasting a sizable natural water feature intended for swimming
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Kent countryside, the Grade II-listed Whites in Goudhurst is an exquisite historic property that boasts a fascinating connection to the area's past. Built between 1901 and 1905 by local master builders Davis and Leavey for Sir Charles Jessel of Ladham House, this neo-Georgian residence offers a unique blend of elegance, history, and luxury.
Whites sits on 61⁄2 acres of gardens and grounds, providing an idyllic setting for its inhabitants. The property is currently being sold off-market, with potential buyers required to contact Peter Whatmore of Edenfells Property for more information. The sale is guided at £5.5m, making it an attractive proposition for those seeking a luxurious lifestyle in Goudhurst.
The three-story Whites offers elegant accommodation with a large entrance hall, two principal reception rooms, a study, a large kitchen/dining/sitting room, a master bedroom suite, seven further bedrooms, and four further bathrooms. One of the property's most striking features is its 350 sq m (3,767 sq ft) natural swimming pond, installed by Gartenart, one of the largest domestic swimming ponds the firm has ever created.
Goudhurst, the village where Whites stands, has a rich and varied history. The village was once a centre of the Wealden iron trade, with abundant iron ore and woodland for charcoal making it an ideal location for iron production from the Iron Age through the medieval period into the early modern era. While the specific direct connection of Whites itself to the iron trade is not detailed, the area's heritage is strongly tied to this industry that shaped the local economy and landscape.
Goudhurst is also part of a notable hop-growing region within Kent, historically one of the key English areas for hop cultivation, vital to the brewing industry. The Kent hop fields contributed significantly to the local agricultural economy, and properties like Whites would have sat amidst these productive rural lands.
A significant part of Goudhurst's local history involves the conflict between the Goudhurst Militia and the Hawkhurst Gang, a notorious smuggling group operating in the 18th century. The Goudhurst Militia was formed by the villagers to protect the area from the Hawkhurst Gang, culminating in a famed violent confrontation known as the Battle of Goudhurst in 1747. This confrontation was integral to suppressing smuggling in the area, reflecting the turbulent social and economic conditions of the time.
While Whites itself is a later neo-Georgian residence, it is part of the broader historic tapestry of Goudhurst—a village marked by its agricultural heritage, its role in regional iron production (Wealden iron trade), and its dramatic history against smuggling gangs like Hawkhurst.
Today, Goudhurst continues to evolve, with vineyards producing English wines adding a modern twist to its rich history. The village is 10 miles east of Royal Tunbridge Wells and five miles from Cranbrook, making it a convenient location for those seeking a peaceful retreat yet close to amenities.
Interested parties can contact Peter Whatmore of Edenfells Property for more information about the sale of Whites, which is being sold off-market. His contact number is 07971 226917.
The exquisite historic property, Whites, is an attractive proposition for those seeking a luxurious lifestyle in Goudhurst, as it offers not only a unique blend of elegance and history but also provides an opportunity for outdoor-living with its idyllic 6 ½ acres of gardens and grounds. The property further enhances this lifestyle with its large natural swimming pond, perfect for home-and-garden enthusiasts and lovers of outdoor-living.
