For Sale6 Bedroom House in Capel-le-Ferne, Folkestone, Kent Ct18 7hz£1,750,000

Believed to be the closest house in the UK to France, or at least the most visible to our French neighbours, this iconic white painted residence is steeped in history and was originally built in 1860 and has even been used as a film set. It stands approximately 500 feet above sea level along the clifftops at Capel-le-Ferne and has completely uninterrupted and panoramic views across the sea and around the coast. It sits in 2.66 acres of grounds accessed via a private road with a gateway that opens onto a circular driveway flanked by sweeping lawns leading to the spacious gravel parking area, the garage and the impressive front entrance. Interestingly the house is not listed but it does include some stunning period features including high ceilings, spacious well-proportioned rooms, bay windows, panelled doors and fireplaces. However many other features have been restored, replaced or reinstated by the current owner. These include ornate coved ceilings, elegant arches and plasterwork, attractive ceiling roses, high skirtings and oak flooring. At the same time it has been modernised to provide everything needed for contemporary living including building a two storey extension and creating a spacious self-contained one bedroom apartment on the lower ground floor with independent access. To provide even more interesting accommodation and views there is also an attractive and well equipped Airstream caravan serviced by adjacent contemporary shower and toilet facilities and, virtually at the cliffs’ edge, you will find an outdoor kitchen and a decked ‘lookout’ terrace. Impressive balustraded steps lead to the glazed double entrance doors that open into the pitched roof vestibule and through double doors to the awe inspiring reception hall where you can imagine guests gathering for cocktails before dinner. This lovely room will take your breath away with its high ceilings, fabulous neo-classical arches, beautiful original oak parquet flooring and delightful Edwardian style staircase. Equally or even more stunning is the very elegant 34ft dual aspect open plan sitting and dining areas with original wood flooring, an open fire you can cosy up to on a cold winter’s evening and a charming wide central archway and a large bay window providing excellent views. Next door is a light and bright double bedroom with another large bay window, an original fireplace, access to a large decked terrace and an ensuite shower room. This could always become a snug or an office where you could position your desk so you can enjoy the vista laid out before you. A completely different atmosphere will be experienced as you move into the ultra-modern kitchen/breakfast room. This superb space will gladden the hearts of anyone who enjoys catering and entertaining. It is part of the new extension and features porcelain tiled flooring, a 19ft breakfast area with a veritable wall of bi-fold doors to the very spacious decked terrace with a luxurious hot tub where you can soak away the stresses of the day. When the bi-fold doors are open you really do feel you are living in the ‘great outdoors’. While in the kitchen area there are a raft of glossy black units with hard wearing Minerva worktops housing Neff appliances including an induction hob, built in oven and combi microwave, an integrated dishwasher and an American style fridge freezer as well as an adjacent fitted utility room with laundry facilities. There is also a store room and a guest cloakroom. Off the first floor landing there are four individually designed double bedrooms. Three have ensuite facilities and the fourth has access to the adjacent family bathroom with a gorgeous slipper bath and am impressive ceiling rose. Steps lead down to the dual aspect principal bedroom that has four bifold doors to an upper decked balcony where you can sip your morning coffee enjoying the unbeatable views to France on a clear day or just watch the ships sailing by from the comfort of your bed. You could even see the twinkling lights of Cap Gris Nez or Calais as you enjoy a nightcap. There was originally a second floor but in the 1930s storm the roof was blown away so the staircase now continues up to the flat roof. However, should additional accommodation be required it should be possible to recreate the second floor. Most of the furniture and furnishings were made by Indonesian craftsmen and shipped to the UK for the owner and, while the ground floor features comfortable sofas and attractive tables, all the bedroom furniture is in the French style and was individually made to fit each room. It is all available by separate negotiation. Wrought iron gates open onto a pathway bordered by artificial grass that leads to steps down to the separate apartment. It includes a hallway with engineered oak flooring that flows throughout the flat and leads to a large contemporary wet room, a double bedroom with fitted cupboards and inset lighting and the impressive open plan lounge with a large bay window. This includes a spacious seating and office area, a dining area and a well-equipped kitchen with white units housing an induction hob, built in oven, microwave, fridge freezer and dishwasher while an adjacent utility room includes laundry appliances. The flat would be ideal for elderly relatives or adult children wanting a little independence but it could also be useful for staff. They would be able to look after the property if it was being used as the ultimate holiday home and weekend retreat.