A character country home close to a pretty Wealden town is the holy grail of many a property search. Find it all at lovely Bench Hill House, near Tenterden.

When Richard and Karen Overton moved to Bench Hill House they began a programme of works which, several years on, has created one of the most impressive homes in the area.

As well as 16 acres, paddocks and a swimming pool, the five-bedroom house now has new touches, from a stunning oak kitchen to beautifully refurbished bathrooms. A new heating system has made the house cosy all year round and electricians have rewired throughout.

Bench Hill House is believed to date back to the 16th century.

It retains many original features, including wood panelling, original oak doors and inglenook fireplaces. It also has a sweet detached three-bedroom annex, ideal for family and friends.

Step into the main house through a grand oak-panelled entrance hall, to find the impressive handmade kitchen with granite worktops. There is an Aga, an American-style fridge/freezer, integrated coffee machine and drinks chiller.

The kitchen opens up into a generous breakfast room, with doors leading to a terrace. A dual aspect study has bespoke furniture and there is a lovely double aspect dining room with inglenook fireplace, herringbone parquet flooring and a window seat.

A triple aspect drawing room has doors leading to a terrace, a wealth of exposed beams, herringbone parquet flooring and a large inglenook fireplace with wood burner. Finally, on the ground floor there is a large cloakroom.

There are separate staircases leading to the first floor forming two wings. The first staircase, accessed from the entrance hall, takes you to the main wing, where there is a master bedroom suite with walk-in dressing room, leading through to a luxurious en suite bathroom.

There are also two further double bedroom suites, both with walk-in dressing rooms and contemporary en suite bathrooms.

The second staircase leads up from the breakfast room to the guest wing and has two double bedrooms and contemporary shower room.

Woodchurch is a thriving community and lies around three miles to the east of the pretty Wealden town of Tenterden, with its bustling tree-lined High Street.

Address: Bench Hill House, Woodchurch, near Tenterden

Price: £1.5 million

Agent: Fine & Country

For information ring the agent on 01580 766388.