The opportunity has arisen for the first time in over 80 years to acquire what is believed to be one of the oldest properties in Dunbridge, one that for many years was pivotal to life in Dunbridge and the surrounding villages. Originally a two-up two-down semi-detached cottage dating from the early Victorian era, the property was subsequently extended and enlarged to what is now a spacious and individual family home with a flexible and versatile internal layout, situated in a desirable and sought-after location.
With a good size garden to the rear and space to the side for further extensions if required, and offered with no forward chain, we would advise that the property must be viewed for its charm and potential to be fully appreciated.
HISTORY:
The Old Stores stands at the bottom of Barley Hill in the relatively calm and peaceful hamlet of Dunbridge, adjacent to the site where a working flour mill stood until 1939 served by the railway station which is still in existence today. The property was originally a tailors and drapers run by a well-known local family, and was sold in the mid-1920s to another well-known established family. In 1935, the property was taken over by the current owner’s parents who opened a general grocers store specialising in home deliveries throughout the local area. The current owner took over the business from his parents, purchasing the freehold to the property in 1960, and continued to operate The Stores until his retirement in 1989 when the whole property became the family home right up to the present day.
ACCOMMODATION:
The original main entrance at the front, although not in use currently, leads into the sitting room from which is a concealed staircase to the first floor and a door into the dining room. In turn, a door opens into the kitchen/breakfast room which has a basic but well maintained range of wall and base units, space for cooker and fridge, door to the rear garden, and room to accommodate a table and chairs for informal eating. Adjoining the kitchen is the bathroom which contains a well preserved coloured suite with partial wall tiling and a window to the rear.
The dining room also provides access into what was the store room as it is immediately behind the original shop which still has a door giving access to the outside and which is ideal as a family room or occasional bedroom if required. The store room, which could be used as a study, has its own staircase which provides useful alternative access to the first floor.
The staircase from the sitting room provides the principal access to the first floor landing, from where you will find the master bedroom with its adjoining dressing room, and two additional double bedrooms. The landing also gives access to a nursery/bedroom four which can also be reached via the staircase rising from the study/store room on the ground floor. Adjoining here is a room containing the water storage tank and purification system which provides domestic water and which comes directly from the property’s own well.
OUTSIDE:
There is a driveway to the side which extends behind the house providing off-road parking for several vehicles and leads to the two garages and outbuildings. Beyond this area is a good size garden mainly laid to lawn enclosed by panel fencing with flower and shrub borders. There is ample space to the side of the property for further extensions if required subject, of course, to the usual planning consent.
AGENT'S NOTE:
In addition to its own driveway, The Old Stores enjoys a right of way over the adjacent drive that serves the pumping station to the rear. In turn, off this drive the owner of The Old Stores created an access over the far corner of the rear garden in 1972, enabling vehicular access to the rear of the three neighbouring properties, two of which were at the time owned by members of the family. Maintenance of this access is the responsibility of these three properties.
TEST VALLEY COUNCIL TAX:
Band: D, Price £1692.34 for the year 2019/20
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