About this property
According to Nicholas Pevsner in his Architectural Guide, Marine House is one of ‘three especially nice houses circa 1830 in this location’. This striking Grade II listed property is referred to in the official list entry as Harecroft School ‘a curious house of about 1840-1850, probably also designed by Amon Henry Wilds’. It has an unusual and very attractive classical main facade, finished with pebbles which are thought to have come from Brighton Beach. The twin ground floor round ended sash windows perfectly frame the magnificent main entrance, with its fine pediment of decorative gauge brickwork, set above the panelled front door which has a delightful covered decorative iron balcony with trellised columns above.
This handsome double-fronted property is arranged over four floors and is partially attached to its neighbour along one side, up to the first floor level. Inside, there is elegant and unspoilt accommodation with an abundance of character throughout and with varied interesting outlooks over the town. Notable features include working shutters, lots of period fireplaces, some in marble and a number in the classical Regency style, exposed original timber floors, panelled doors, brass door furniture and the fine original staircase, with painted balusters and polished mahogany rail. Modern-day touches for comfort subtly enhance the appeal of this special home, with five-amp lighting in the drawing room and recessed ceiling down-lighters to the key areas. The striking beautifully appointed kitchen/breakfast room is fitted with bespoke traditional cupboards, drawers and cabinets, combined with marble worktops and flooring. The cupboards continue through to the generously proportioned utility room and the marble flooring runs into the snug, which is currently used for informal dining, set-up with a small woodburning stove in the fireplace.
Eight good-sized bedrooms are arranged over the first and second floors, together with two very impressive fitted bathrooms and a useful third, in a more traditional style. The one on the top floor has an adjoining sauna room.
Outside: The gated mature gardens are limited in area, but include secluded outside seating and an area of level lawn. There are two parking spaces accessed directly from the rear courtyard, as well as a small Leasehold garage in the nearby Warwick Park car park, with access from Cumberland Walk.
Local information
- Royal Tunbridge Wells is a historic spa town located about thirty miles south of London, surrounded by wonderful countryside and villages, offering a popular base for commuters and an excellent choice for families. Marine House is tucked away in the town, in the area known as the ‘Village’ just up from the High Street on the hillside up to Camden Park. Here there are characterful lanes of period homes and later Victorian architecture, set around the delightful Grove Park and the well known Compasses pub.
- The High Street is within immediate reach, linked by the delightful Chapel Place walkway with its individual shops, to the historic Pantiles, known for its charming Georgian colonnade, summer Jazz festivals, and regular craft and food markets. The property is also within convenient reach of both Grove Park and Calverley Park with their children’s outdoor play areas and the Tunbridge Wells Common, much loved by children who have played on the rocks for generations, as well as local dog walkers.
- The town is generally well served by supermarkets and national retailers, and has two theatres, with one of them also serving as an arts cinema. The multi-plex Odeon cinema is out of town at Knights Park, where there is also further retail shopping.
- For sporting amenities, there are cricket and tennis facilities at the Nevill grounds, off nearby Warwick Park, there are a number of private health clubs in the town and golf at The Nevill members’ club, along with country pursuits around the Ashdown Forest to the west and Bewl Water reservoir to the south east.
Additional information
- Services: Mains gas, water, electricity and drainage.
- Outgoings: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council 01892 526121. Tax Band G.
- Cumberland Yard is a private road. Marine House is responsible for 2/6 of any maintenance costs, but our client has not paid anything during his ownership.
- Directions: On foot from our office in the High Street: Proceed south and turn left up Mount Sion by Pizza Express. After a short distance, turn right into Cumberland Gardens. On reaching Cumberland Walk, turn left and Marine House will be found after a short distance on the left-hand side.
- EPC Rating: D
- Tenure: Freehold
- Council Tax Band: G
