An oast house within the landscape that gave birth to the National Trust
It was at Toys Hill in Kent that Britain's largest charity came to being and this home holds those ideals of conservation and preservation close to its heart.
Toys Hill rises some 771ft above sea level in the Brasted Civil Parish, near Sevenoaks in Kent. It was here that, in the late 19th century, Octavia Hill donated a terrace that features an outstanding view of the High Weald, which became one of the National Trust’s first properties. Indeed, it was Hill’s connection to the area, and its landscape, that helped inspire her and her partners to form the charity more than 100 years ago.
For the first time in more than 50 years Toys Hill Farm House is up for sale, for a price of £1.475 million with Hamptons. The Grade II-listed home, which features six bedrooms, sits at the edge of the hamlet of Toys Hill, and is very much in touch with the heritage of the area and the surrounding landscape.
That commitment to conservation has meant that very little has changed in this part of the Kent Downs AONB, with the National Trust now owning and managing some 200 acres of woodland at Toys Hill and nearby Emmetts Gardens. Naturally, this makes Toys Hill a very sought after location for homebuyers.
The property is set over three floors, and dates from the 16th century, incorporating a single-roundel oast house. Per the agents, the property is in need of some modernisation, but the character is there for all to see, with exposed beams, inglenook fireplaces and delightful mullioned windows. All in all, the accommodation extends to some 2,730sq ft.
Outside, the gardens and grounds take advantage of the wonderful outlook, with plenty of views to enjoy. Extending to ½ an acre, the gardens feature lawned areas, mature trees, two ponds, fruit trees and a productive kitchen garden. Two barns are also on sight, offering development potential.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
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
Credit: Strutt & Parker
An award-winning oast barn conversion that overlooks the Swale Estuary in Kent
Distinctive Nouds Oast magically incorporates its conical oast roundels into flexible, beautiful living spaces that harmonise with the surrounding gardens
Credit: Hamptons
A truly imaginative oast house conversion that's created a simply breathtaking home in the Kent countryside
Hayle Oast is a highly unique, spectacular oast barn conversion which magically blends glass, exposed oak beams and cathedral-like ceilings
The Country Life Podcast
Listen to all the episodes of the Country Life Podcast.

James Fisher is the Digital Commissioning Editor of Country Life. He writes about motoring, travel and things that upset him. He lives in London. He wants to publish good stories, so you should email him.
-
Bare roots: How to find the perfect rose and how to plant itTabi Jackson Gee moved to a cottage in Wiltshire, and went about finding the perfect rose to bring light and colour to the garden.
By Tabi Jackson Gee Published
-
Flying backwards, pink milk, and holding your breath. A Country Life quiz of animal factsDo you know the difference between a bobbit worm and a mantis shrimp? You will soon.
By Country Life Published
-
An Arts-and-Crafts home that sits in prime position in the most exclusive (and priciest) road in HampshireWith its own private jetty on the Beaulieu River, The Rookery is a rare and beautiful home. Penny Churchill takes a look.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A home where medieval, Georgian and modern come together in rare styleSet in a couple of acres in the leafy outskirts of Essex, Rochfords is a family house that blends old and new with charm and a sense of fun.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A private island in the Thames Estuary is up for sale at £50,000, complete with its own Victorian fortDarnet Fort is seeking a new owner — but it's going to need someone of great vision and spirit.
By Toby Keel Published
-
A 500-year-old house with Soho House-style interiors, Chelsea gold medallist gardens and a grass tennis courtHaslingfield Manor is an extraordinary mix of styles and ideas, from Tudor Britain to the cutting edge of modern design. Penny Churchill takes a look.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
Utterly wonderful country homes for sale across Britain, from a 10-bedroom mansion to a Devon hideaway, as seen in Country LifeFrom an irresistibly charming house in Devon to a 400-year-old commutable home in Hertfordshire, here's our pick of some of the best homes to come to market via Country Life in the past week.
By Toby Keel Published
-
The London house where Rolls-Royce's co-founder Charles Rolls tinkered with his very first car is for sale at £17 millionCharles Rolls, the engineer and co-founder of Rolls-Royce, got his hands dirty when using the stables of this fine London home as a makeshift garage. Annabel Dixon reports.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
A vineyard for sale on the slopes above 'the best beach in Britain' is for sale at just £650,000In the beautifully unspoilt Devon village of Bantham, an award-winning vineyard is for sale. Toby Keel takes a look.
By Toby Keel Published
-
The ultimate Black Friday sale? A £15 million castle reduced to £7.5 millionThe art and science of being an estate agent is never trickier than when dealing with homes that are being sold for the first time in centuries — and Ripley Castle in Yorkshire provides the perfect example. Lucy Denton explains more.
By Lucy Denton Published