What makes a home 'luxurious'?

Is it the heated swimming pool, panoramic sea views or simply - if you're looking to buy on Whitstable seafront - having off-street parking?

In every single Kent town, stunning homes have gone on the market in recent weeks - and many boast the features listed above.

Whether they're up for sale for the first time in decades, or a stunning new-build, this is a rare chance to see inside some of the county's most exclusive homes...

Sevenoaks

Nine-bed detached house in Ide Hill: £5,350,000

A tennis court, heated swimming pool, gym and stabling are among the many features of this Georgian-style house.

The accommodation extends to more than 7,500 sq ft, arranged over three floors.

The current owners purchased the property more than 20 years ago and have since carried out extensive work, including the addition of a stunning orangery in 2012.

The "vast" kitchen/breakfast room is equipped with a central work island, fitted Gaggenau appliances and an oil-fired Aga.

The house, which was put on the market last week, sits within 33.8 acres of gardens and grounds.

Surrounding the house and immediate gardens, the land extends to paddocks and woodland which opens to a large area of pasture running the length of the valley, currently used as a golf practice area.

Nearest railway station: Sevenoaks 3.2 miles

Average Sevenoaks property price: £726,024, up 3.18% in past 12 months.

See more of the house on Zoopla or call estate agents Knight Frank on 020 3641 0797.

Rochester

Six-bed detached house in Priestfields: £1,250,000

The owners have overseen a complete remodelling of the original 1930s property to create a stunning family home, facing the green and Grade II-listed almhouses.

The hub of the house is the kitchen/living room with skylight and bifold doors which open out onto a paved terrace.

Backing onto Priestfields Park, the large south-facing garden comes with a sunken heated pool.

Upstairs, the main bedroom has a cathedral-style window overlooking the garden and park, as well as a large dressing room and en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower.

The house, which went on the market only a week ago, is also located close to Rochester Girls Grammar School and the high street.

Nearest railway station: Rochester 1.1 miles.

Average Rochester property price: £308,156, up 3.17% in the past 12 months.

See more of the house on Zoopla or call estate agents Machin Lane Partnership on 01634 799572.

Tunbridge Wells

Four-bed bungalow in Calverley Park Gardens: £1,600,000

A swimming pool, underfloor heating throughout and a rainwater harvest system are among the features of this property.

The main double-bedroom comes with a fitted floating dressing table, a walk-through dressing room and a luxurious en-suite.

The kitchen has a large central island with a breakfast bar on one side and seating for six people.

The house, which went on the market on Wednesday, is approached by a driveway with parking, leading to the garage which has an electric car charging point.

Estate agents Knight Frank describe it as "arguably one of the finest examples of a contemporary home in Tunbridge Wells".

Nearest railway station: Tunbridge Wells 0.5 miles.

Average Tunbridge Wells property price: £532,239, up 5.35% in past 12 months.

See more of this house on Zoopla or call Knight Frank on 01892 333714.

Hythe

Two-bedroom penthouse apartment off Seabrook Road: £1,100,000

With spectacular sea views, this new property is one of nine-two bedroom apartments which make up the Aspect development.

The penthouse, which went on the market late last month, has a full-width terrace with three sets of sliding glass doors to the front - described as "perfect for capturing blazing sunsets".

It occupies the whole of the top floor, with a spacious open-plan living area. The master suite also has direct access onto the roof terrace.

The penthouse also benefits from two garages.

Nearest railway station: Folkestone West 2.2 miles.

Average Hythe property price: £388,631, up 7.36% in the past 12 months.

See more of the penthouse on Zoopla or call estate agents CR Child & Partners on 01303 396258.

Canterbury

Five-bed detached house in Bekesbourne Lane, Bekesbourne: £1,595,000

This newly-constructed barn-style property covers 4,500 sq ft of "luxuriously-appointed" accommodation, which has been "designed to create a masterpiece of light and space".

There is underfloor heating on the ground floor, while upstairs French doors open up onto a large balcony boasting "spectacular views" over surrounding farmland.

The property, called St Quentin, is set within 0.69 acres of park-like grounds, entered via a set of electronic double gates with an intercom system. These open onto a large, gravelled driveway which leads to a detached triple garage.

The house, which went on the market on June 9, is situated on a quiet country lane in the village of Bekesbourne, four miles south east of Canterbury, with Howletts Wildlife Park nearby.

Nearest railway station: Bekesbourne 0.4 miles.

Average Canterbury property price: £384,123, up 10.08% in past 12 months.

See more of the house on Zoopla or call Foundation Estate Agents on 01227 319638.

Maidstone

Six-bed semi-detached house in The Green, Bearsted: £1,250,000

Dating back to the 15th century, The Limes is one of the oldest houses in the village of Bearsted.

The Grade II-listed property, which went on the market earlier this month, is described as a "beautiful rambling family home full of quirky corners".

It features inglenook fireplaces and the kitchen includes an Aga range cooker.

Estate agents say: "The warmth and charm of the rooms is only eclipsed by the breathtaking views over the village green, probably the best outlook of any property in the village."

Nearest railway station: Bearsted 0.2 miles.

Average Maidstone property price: £370,591, up 4.57% in past 12 months.

See more of the house on Zoopla or call estate agents Ferris & Co on 01622 829475.

Sheppey

Six-bed detached house in Queenborough Drive, Minster-on-Sea: £750,000

Covering almost 4,000 sq ft of living accommodation, this huge property boasts far-reaching views across the island.

The house, which went on the market on June 7, has a "beautifully landscaped" rear garden with a fish pond, water rockery and two large summer houses.

Nearest railway station: Sheerness-on-Sea 2.3 miles.

Average Sheppey property price: £244,969, up 2% in the past 12 months.

See more of the house on Zoopla or call estate agents Fine & Country on 01732 658753.

Dover

Seven-bed detached house in Chisnall Road, River: £1,395,000

This property, arranged over four floors, was built by the current owners 12 years ago.

Its features include a games room, entertainment bar, swimming pool, gym, sauna and steam room.

The owner of the house, which went on the market on Monday, says: "We are immensely proud of our property but feel it is time to downsize and let another family enjoy everything we have created."

Nearest railway station: Kearsney 0.3 miles.

Average Dover property price: £264,974, up 6.06% in past 12 months.

See more of the property on Zoopla or call estate agents Fine & Country on 01227 469276.

Broadstairs

Four-bedroom detached house in The Cricketers: £1,120,000

This family home on a private road comes with its own large cinema room.

It went on the market on June 11 and there is an open house event on June 26.

The property, which was built in 2004, has a gated entrance, double garage, four double bedrooms and overlooks Broadstairs Cricket Ground.

Nearest railway station: Dumpton Park 0.3 miles.

Average Broadstairs property price: £373,286, up 9.12% in past 12 months.

See more of the house on Zoopla or call estate agents Zest on 01227 319839.

Herne Bay

Four-bed detached house in Broomfield Road: £879,995

A heated swimming pool, sauna and hot tub are among the features of this property, which was put up for sale last month.

Estate agents say the home offers "flexibility" if separate accommodation is needed for a family member wanting their own space.

Nearest railway station: Herne Bay 1.3 miles.

Average Herne Bay property price: £322,909, up 1.87% in the past 12 months.

See more of the house on Zoopla or call estate agents Zest on 01227 319839.

Margate

Four-bed detached house in Royal Esplanade: £925,000

The open plan kitchen/breakfast room/lounge is described as the "hub" of this spacious family home.

It also features a study which could be used as an office, with views out to sea.

There is off-street parking for several cars, with wraparound gardens and a paved patio area ideal for barbecues.

The corner plot property was put on the market last month.

Nearest railway station: Westgate-on-Sea 0.4 miles.

Average Margate property price: £251,160, up 4.83% in past 12 months.

See more of the house on Zoopla or call estate agents Miles & Barr on 01227 319149.

Whitstable

Four-bed house in Island Wall: £950,000

This home in a sought-after road crucially comes with off-street parking, which estate agents say is "an extremely rare thing to find in this brilliant location".

The accommodation is arranged over three floors and includes an open-plan kitchen/diner/sitting room, "perfect for entertaining", which opens onto the outdoor area.

The house was put up for sale on June 8.

Nearest railway station: Whitstable 0.5 miles.

Average Whistable property price: £422,417, up 2.76%.

See more of the house on Zoopla or call estate agents Miles & Barr on 01227 319149.

Tonbridge

Five-bed semi-detached house in Dry Hill Park Road: £1,200,000

The accommodation of this property - which was put up for sale on June 9 - is laid over four floors, with large rooms and high ceilings.

The lower ground floor includes a bedroom with en-suite and wine cellar and "could be the perfect space to be used as a self-contained annex for an elderly relative, teenager or an au pair".

The top floor boasts views of miles of "breathtaking" countryside.

Nearest railway station: Tonbridge 0.9 miles.

Average Tonbridge property price: £520,690, up 5.8% over the past 12 months.

See more of the house on Zoopla or call estate agents Freeman Forman on 01732 658635.

Ramsgate

Four-bed detached house in Vale Square: £925,000

Designed and built by a former Belgian ambassador and used as his official consulate, this double-fronted family family home has a real "sense of grandeur".

The property, which went up for sale on Monday, includes a stunning fitted kitchen and a garden with patio area for outdoor dining.

The sash windows to the front provide a "wonderful view" of celebrated architect Gilbert Scott’s Christ Church.

A large double garage provides space for storage or use as a workshop.

Nearest railway station: Ramsgate 0.7 miles.

Average Ramsgate property price: £275,172, up 8.29% in past 12 months.

See more of the house on Zoopla or call estate agents Purple Bricks on 024 7511 8874.

Tenterden

Five-bed detached house in Smallhythe Road: £1,375,000

This home, which was put on the market late last month, is described as being "set in splendid seclusion and unrivalled tranquillity".

It includes a stable block, gardens, a feature well, sun terrace and a seating area overlooking the pond.

Nearest railway station: Appledore 5.6 miles.

Average Tenterden property price: £522,174, up 3.5% in the past 12 months.

See more of the property on Zoopla or call estate agents Rafferty & Pickard on 01622 829511.

Deal

Four-bed detached house in Liverpool Road, Walmer: £1,250,000

This property is set in private gardens, among a selection of impressive detached houses adjoining the meadow and gardens of Walmer Castle - with the seafront within walking distance.

It was constructed during the inter-war years by the Denne family, renowned for building distinguished properties in the area.

The sitting room features an exposed brick fireplace, while a rear extension provides a spacious study and sun room with French doors opening to the rear garden.

The house was put on the market on June 1 and there is no onward chain.

Nearest railway station: Walmer 0.7 miles.

Average Deal property price: £321,313, up 0.73% in past 12 months.

See more of the property on Zoopla or call estate agents Colebrook Sturrock on 01304 357992.

Dartford

Four-bed detached house in Church Walk: £900,000

This property, which went on the market on June 7 and has no forward chain, includes a modern fitted kitchen and a large secluded rear garden.

It also boasts a detached double garage, while the master bedroom has an en-suite.

Nearest railway station: Dartford 1.2 miles.

Average Dartford property price: £359,490, up 2.14% in past 12 months.

See more of the house on Zoopla or call estate agents Park Estates on 01322 584393.

Faversham

Five-bed detached house in Newton Road: £925,000

This property, which is currently run as a successful B&B, was put on the market last month - and could be turned into a family home.

The Victorian residence with elegant period features is located close to the town centre and right next to the railway station.

Nearest railway station: Faversham 0 miles.

Average Faversham property price: £358,426, up 6.8% in past 12 months.

See more of the house on Zoopla or call Foundation Estate Agents on 01227 319638.

Sittingbourne

Four-bed detached house in Woodstock Road, Sittingbourne: £700,000

This detached property, which went on the market on June 9, hails from the Edwadian period and is said to have been built for a prominent local farming family on their marriage.

The lounge and dining rooms are described as the "jewels in the crown" of the house, with large bay windows looking out over the gardens.

There is also an outbuilding which is currently used as two offices.

The current owner, who has lived there for almost 40 years, says: "We will be sad to leave but hope it will lead to a new chapter for this magnificent house, which we can only wish will give as much joy to the next owners as it has to ourselves."

Nearest railway station: Sittingbourne 1.1 miles.

Average Sittingbourne property price: £317,677, up1.83% in the past 12 months.

See more of the house on Zoopla or call estates agents Wards on 01795 883132.

Folkestone

Five-bed detached house in Cherry Garden Avenue: £800,000

Located right next to both a railway station with high-speed link to London and a local grammar school, this property is likely to attract attention.

The house - "beautifully refurbished" with 3,000 sq ft of living space - has a large garden and a garage.

Each room is "steeped in period features" and the main bedroom has an en-suite shower room.

It was put up for sale on May 30.

Nearest railway station: Folkestone West 0.2 miles.

Average Folkestone property price: £283,456, up 5.91% in past 12 months.

See more of the house on Zoopla or call estate agents Miles & Barr on 01227 319149.

Sandwich

Five-bed house for sale in Strand Street: £925,000

There is a rare opportunity to own a piece of history as well as an impressive period home in the heart of Sandwich.

Originally a wealthy merchant's house and now a Grade II-listed dwelling boasting an array of period features, Harfleet House dates back to circa 1250.

In the past few years the current owners have run the property as a bed & breakfast.

It went on the market at the end of April.

Nearest railway station: Sandwich 0.5 miles

Average Sandwich property price: £371,415, up 8.62% in the past 12 months.

See more of the house on Zoopla or call Regal Estates on 01304 267893.

Ashford

Three-bed detached bungalow in Kennington: £675,000

This property, which came on the market on Monday, was originally a barn on a local fruit farm which was converted in the 1960s into a farm manager's dwelling.

In recent years it has been completely renovated - and includes a Miele double oven in the kitchen.

It has three double bedrooms, including one with a super king-size bed and garden view.

Nearest railway station: Ashford International 1.6 miles.

Average Ashford property price: £356,345, up 3.39% in past three months.

See more of the house on Zoopla or call estate agents Winkworth - Canterbury on 01227 319880.

Chatham

Five-bed detached house in Lords Wood Lane: £800,000

This property, which came on the market on May 28, boasts a double garage, a large rear garden and an en-suite to the master bedroom.

The family home is described as "perfect for commuters" and having a "feeling of grandeur".

Nearest railway station: Chatham 2 miles.

Average Chatham property price: £270,622, up 5.24%.

See more of the property on Zoopla or call estate agents Your Move on 01634 215643.

New Romney

Six-bed detached house in Coast Road, Littlestone: £1,185,000

Thought to date to 1905 and set in a conservation area, Dutch House is located right next to the beach.

It is arranged over four floors - with period features including beamed ceilings and timber windows - and includes a games room.

The property came onto the market in late April.

Nearest railway station: Appledore 7.4 miles.

Average New Romney property price: £337,342, up 8.23%.

See more of the house on Zoopla or call estate agents Strutt & Parker on 01227 238887.

Gillingham

Five-bed terraced house in Lord Clyde View: £550,000

Set in the heart of Kitchener Barracks, this "spectacular" new-build comes with a private garden, balcony and off-street parking.

The property, which came onto the market in late-April, is also fitted with solar panels and has Bosch appliances in the kitchen.

Nearest railway station: 0.6 miles.

Average Gillingham property price: £286,346, up 3.52% in the past 12 months.

See more of the property on Zoopla or call Kitchener Barracks on 01634 215189.

Gravesend

Four-bed detached house in Lennox Road: £850,000

This detached period home, which went up for sale last month, has a modern kitchen with integrated appliances.

It has four double bedrooms, two bathrooms, a good-sized rear garden and an outbuilding which could be converted into a gym or office space.

Nearest railway station: Gravesend 0.4 miles.

Average Gravesend property price: £352,622, up 7.28% in the past 12 months.

See more of the property on Zoopla or call estate agents Balgores Gravesend on 01474 527856.

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