A countryside vicarage offering tranquil solitude, rural community, and easy access to urban work life in the City
The Old Vicarage, a Georgian country house nestled near a picturesque village, offers more than just uninterrupted views and seclusion. With its rich history and beautiful architecture, this property has captured the interest of many.
Uncovering the Past
To delve into the history of The Old Vicarage, start by visiting local archives and public records in Hawkhurst or nearby towns. Libraries and local historical societies often have documents and photographs that can provide valuable insights into the property's past.
Look for deeds, wills, and other legal documents that might detail past ownership. Websites like the UK Land Registry may also offer information on property ownership. Renovations and significant architectural details can often be found in local historical documents or by contacting local preservation societies.
Connecting with Local Resources
Contacting local historical societies or preservation groups can offer insights into the property's history, including any significant architectural features or renovations. These groups may have detailed records of changes to the property over the years.
Online Resources
Websites like the UK National Trust or Historic England may have listings for historically significant vicarages, including any with architectural or historical interest.
If you are specifically interested in Rye Harbour's Old Vicarage, you might find more information available through local tourism or historical resources.
General Information on Old Vicarages
Old Vicarages often exhibit architectural styles typical of their period, such as Victorian or Georgian. Renovations often include updating interior spaces while preserving exterior historical features. Ownership can change over time, with properties being sold privately or inherited through family lines.
The Old Vicarage at Hawkhurst, built in 1826, is said to have been built for Henry Owen Cleaver, the second son of Euseby Cleaver, Archbishop of Dublin. The property boasts a dual-aspect drawing room, dining room, study, office, large high-specification kitchen/breakfast room, and a sitting room beyond opening onto a terrace.
The first floor houses the principal bedroom suite, three further bedrooms, a dressing room, and a family bathroom. The charming kitchen garden is located within the walled garden, with a courtyard of useful outbuildings attached to the main house.
The Old Vicarage, set in 6.5 acres of gardens and paddock, also includes specimen trees, shrubs, flowerbeds, topiary, a formal garden, a water-feature, and a ha-ha. The property has undergone a wide-ranging program of renovation and refurbishment, including a new roof, landscaping by Roger Platt, and the installation of new bathrooms and utilities.
The only building visible from The Old Vicarage is St Laurence's 75ft-tall bell tower, which is a Grade I-listed church on the southern edge of the village. The property falls within the Cranbrook School catchment area and is conveniently located near Lamberhurst, offering a wide range of leisure activities, including fishing, sailing, rowing, and wonderful walks at Bewl Water Reservoir.
Mainline rail services from Etchingham (five miles) and Staplehurst (101⁄2 miles) provide frequent services to London Bridge and Waterloo East. As of now, The Old Vicarage at Hawkhurst is on the market through Savills at £3.5 million.
