Is there anything more satisfying then coming across a great house in need of renovation, and spending the afternoon dreaming of all the ways you could transform it if it were your own?
Make a cup of tea and get your Pinterest board out, as we introduce you to Kennards: a Grade II listed, picturesque thatched property in need of a makeover, currently on the market via Hamptons with a guide price of £1.7 million.
Planning permission has been granted to renovate the existing house and create a link to the utterly charming thatched period barn, located just next to the house, thereby creating lots more comfortable accommodation.
The plans are set to include a large open plan kitchen/dining area with steps down to a vaulted living room and access out onto a patio; a library, study, snug and utility.
Upstairs, the proposed planning allows for four bedrooms — three of which are accessed via two separate stairwells to the first floor, and the remaining ensuite bedroom (or gym) located on the second floor.
Everything here oozes charm, from the gently curved tiled roof and slightly askew doors on the period stable block to the decorative timbers on Kennards façade.
Permission has also been granted to turn the stable block into a two bay carport, and whilst useful, there is so much here that deserves to be preserved and kept in its most original form to keep some of the magic that this property so clearly emulates.
Expressive wooden beams form the bones of the house, whilst two large inglenook fireplaces with bressummer beams create the perfect centre piece, no matter where renovations take you.
Behind a wooden five bar entrance gate you’ll find traditional, well maintained cottage gardens, with views over the Wild Brooks. A small terrace area leads onto lawn and flower beds, separated by box hedging, with space for a bench at the other end to take in the house and pretty views.
Kennards is located in the heart of Amberley, a picturesque village set in the South Downs National Park. It’s a highly sought after area to live, thanks to its architectural traditional buildings and cute stone flint and thatched cottages (if Kennards is anything to go by, you know you’re in for a treat).
But there’s more here than first meets the eye, with an award-winning shop and post office, a primary school, an ancient Norman church and two popular pubs. It's also well connected as the Amberley train station runs services to London Victoria and London Bridge.
Further facilities can be found in Arundel — just six miles away — and the coast is also easily reached where you can sail at Chichester Harbour, Littlehampton and Brighton. There are miles of walking tracks to explore across the South Downs, plus plenty of local golf courses to discover.
This is the sort of property that deserves to be renovated in a way that preserves all of its quirks and charms, as well as honouring its idyllic surroundings.
Kennards is currently on the market via Hamptons with a guide price of £1.7 million — see more pictures or enquire with the agent for further details.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
-
'The watch is Head Boy of men’s accessorising': Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey and Tom Chamberlin's Summer Season style secretsWhen it comes to dressing for the Season, accessories will transform an outfit. Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey and Tom Chamberlin, both stylish summer-party veterans, offer some sage advice.
-
Lewis Hamilton, Claude Monet and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: Country Life Quiz of the Day, April 29, 2025Tuesday's Quiz of the Day looks back at Lewis Hamilton's first win and ponders on the meaning of greige.
-
About time: The fastest and slowest moving housing markets revealedNew research by Zoopla has shown where it's easy to sell and where it will take quite a while to find a buyer.
-
A wisteria clad hall built by one of the founders of the Bank of EnglandCome for the history of Old Hall. Stay for the interesting interiors.
-
A gorgeous Scottish cottage with contemporary interiors on the bonny banks of the River TayCarnliath on the edge of Strathtay is a delightful family home set in sensational scenery.
-
Six rural properties with space, charm and endless views, as seen in Country LifeWe take a look at some of the best houses to come to the market via Country Life in the past week.
-
380 acres and 90 bedrooms on the £25m private island being sold by one of Britain's top music producersStormzy, Rihanna and the Rolling Stones are just a part of the story at Osea Island, a dot on the map in the seas off Essex.
-
A home cinema, tasteful interiors and 65 acres of private parkland hidden in an unassuming lodge in KentNorth Lodge near Tonbridge may seem relatively simple, but there is a lot more than what meets the eye.
-
A rare opportunity to own a family home on Vanbrugh Terrace, one of London's finest streetsThis six-bedroom Victorian home sits right on the start line of the London Marathon, with easy access to Blackheath and Greenwich Park.
-
A tale of everyday life as lived on Britain's most expensive streetWinnington Road in Hampstead has an average house price of £11.9 million. But what's it really like? Lotte Brundle went to find out.
