An Elizabethan masterpiece in Kent, touched by the genius of Lutyens
The Grange is an early 18th century house which was remodelled by the master himself: Sir Edwin Lutyens.


Some very old buildings survive history with their records all intact; most, however, meander their way through time with various elements added, others subtracted, more still changed beyond recognition. And the early years of The Grange, in the Kent countryside close to Sevenoaks, have been lost along the way – but the later work which has gone on will make it jump out, as it's now on the market at £4.35 million.
The original house is believed to have Elizabethan, or possibly Jacobean origins, although it was re-fronted in 1702 in a classical Queen Anne style.
It was in 1926, however, that the major work took place which created the house as it now stands. It was remodelled by the famous British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, and while it as received various remodelling and updating works by the current owners over the years the flooplan is essentially as it was when the great architect finished his work.
This nine-bedroom home boasts a wealth of impressive rooms and period features throughout. The main hallway with its galleried landing makes for an eye-catching entrance, and it's clear that the present owners are fieldsports enthusiasts.
The size of each of the main reception rooms is very generous – the drawing room is over 35ft long, and the house has over 10,000 sq ft in total. There are open fires in many rooms, while several rooms – including the handsome dining room – have wood-panelled walls.
The kitchen has been recently done, but charmingly so and retains a lovely old Aga and well-finished stone floor.
The gardens hold even more to enjoy, with an outdoor pool and a tennis court, plus 25 acres that include stables and three paddocks – a rare find in this part of Kent, not far outside the M25 and retaining easy access to London.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
It's not just access to the metropolis which makes the location tempting: the nearest village is Plaxtol, a beautiful spot in the heart of the Kent Weald.
The Grange is listed for sale via Jackson-Stops at £4.35 million - see more pictures and details.
Country Life is unlike any other magazine: the only glossy weekly on the newsstand and the only magazine that has been guest-edited by HRH The King not once, but twice. It is a celebration of modern rural life and all its diverse joys and pleasures — that was first published in Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee year. Our eclectic mixture of witty and informative content — from the most up-to-date property news and commentary and a coveted glimpse inside some of the UK's best houses and gardens, to gardening, the arts and interior design, written by experts in their field — still cannot be found in print or online, anywhere else.
-
I've seen the light: How a dark and gloomy kitchen in the Scottish Borders was reconfigured for 21st century living
When a family home passed to a new generation, Guild Anderson was asked to create a kitchen suited to modern living.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
Once threatened with extinction, the peregrine falcon has made a remarkable comeback
In the latest instalment of Mark Cocker's 'Winging it' column, he looks at the peregrine, a bird of prey with astonishing speed and super strength.
By Mark Cocker Published
-
Where Venice once ruled: The roving Venetians left handsome imprints across the Greek world, from its religion to its rambling villas
Matthew Dennison explores the lingering traces of Venice's vanished empire — and the best places to buy where it once stood.
By Matthew Dennison Last updated
-
A delightful 16th century home with some of Kent's most beautiful gardens has come on to the market
The Grange puts the 'garden' into the Garden of England.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A pristine Scottish island for sale at the price of a garage in Fulham
A dot on the map of the west coast of Scotland has come on to the market, where you'll be surrounded by sea, living off grid and be neighbours with the local seal colony.
By Toby Keel Published
-
18 beautiful homes, from charming cottages to a Highland mansion with unbeatable views, as seen in Country Life
Our look at some of the best homes to come to the market via Country Life in the past week includes Georgian manor houses, charming commutable homes and the grandest home in Newcastle.
By Toby Keel Published
-
The gorgeous Somerset home of the designer behind one of Glastonbury's chicest spots
The Manor in Hinton Blewitt is a glorious Georgian home that ticks every box.
By Toby Keel Published
-
A 600-year-old National Trust property that you can call home
This blooming property in Kent showcases the original garden of England. Penny Churchill takes a look.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A wisteria-clad delight with lawns running down to the Thames is the prettiest riverside home for sale in London today
Deodar Road, near Putney High Street, offers unrivalled views of the Thames and is characterful in excess.
By James Fisher Published
-
Five of the most majestic properties for sale in Britain today, from a 1,700-acre estate to a private island, as seen in Country Life
Our look at the best homes to come to the market via Country Life this week includes some genuinely breathtaking places.
By Toby Keel Published