Shurland HallHigh Street | Eastchurch | Sheerness | Kent | ME12 4BN

SHURLAND HALLShurland Hall is rurally located on the edge of Eastchurch, a small village on the north east side of The Isle of Sheppey. The island is steeped in history, with Eastchurch being the ‘home of British aviation’ as it saw the first controlled flight by a British pilot on British soil. Shurland Hall itself has a remarkable history involving royalty, the Royal Navy and a whole host of dignitaries spanning several centuries. In 1066 the land was given to Baron de Shurland by William the Conqueror, whereupon he built the first Shurland fortress, in the 1500s Sir Thomas Cheyne rebuilt it as a major walled manor house with courtyards to guard the entrances to the Thames and Swale from foreign Naval attempts to invade England.Henry VIII honeymooned with Anne Boleyn in October 1532 and in 1582 ownership passed to Anne’s daughter Queen Elizabeth 1 who increased the garrison. In the first and second World Wars it was commandeered by the then fledgling Royal Naval Air force, the Rifle Brigade, and later RAF gunnery staff.After 1946 it fell into disrepair and between 2006 and 2011 the gatehouse, now the main residence, was painstakingly restored by the Spitalfields Trust. In 2011 historic building enthusiasts Daniel and Suzanne bought the property and continued the project.

Seller Insight When we came across the property we were instantly captivated by the sense of history and beauty of

Shurland Hall. We first rented and later bought it – for the first few months whilst works were being completed we camped out in the house which was very ‘exciting’. There aren’t many places you can live which are so steeped in history with the sea and the capital so close,’ says Daniel.

‘The house, which is deceptively large, has high ceilings, lots of windows and is light and airy – considering the size it’s an easy house to run. The walled outdoor space offers wonderful privacy.’

‘The Great Hall for its wonderfully genuine and ancient feel. With a fire lit, we love to sink back into a chair and relax, especially when all the family and the grandchildren are here.’

‘We’ll miss the uniqueness and space of the place and the joy of living alongside such rich history. We are downsizing, handing our business over to our children and finally retiring!’*

* These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.

Fine & Country are delighted to present this exceedingly rare opportunity to acquire one of the regions, if not the United Kingdoms finest homes in the form of Shurland Hall. Commanding an elevated position this magnificent 16th-century gatehouse retains enormous character and striking evidence of its past, as well as enjoying far-reaching views over its own grounds, neighbouring farmlands, Thames estuary and Swale beyond.

This unique and imposing Grade II* Listed residence exudes an equal measure of historical charm and period elegance. Internally Shurland Hall affords versatile and generous levels of living accommodation of nearly 6000 sq/ft and sits resplendently within its own grounds of approximately seven acres.

The ApproachWrought iron entrance gates hung upon stone pillars give way to a sweeping tree lined driveway, passing a beautiful boating lake en-route to a parking area dressed in fine shingle, located at the foot of the formal entrance door.

North Wing - Ground Floor

A mullioned aged oak and iron studded entrance door opens to an impressive entrance hall with a double height ceiling and leaded light windows. This room bisects the north and south wings of the downstairs living accommodation and provides convenient access to a downstairs cloakroom housed within one of two octagonal turrets. Moving into the adjacent north wing, a grand formal double aspect dining room features superb wooden panelling to the walls, exposed timber floorboards and a focal point marble open fireplace, inset with metal basket set upon ball and claw feet. Progressing further into the north wing, a secondary entrance hall provides access to the drawing room, kitchen and utility room. The double aspect drawing room with a characterful bay window is bathed in light and affords a peaceful location in which to relax. Across the hall a triple aspect kitchen/breakfast room finished in oak, offers beautiful views of the surrounding gardens and access to a tranquil terrace to the rear. In addition the kitchen is served and complimented by a separate and sizeable utility room.

Step insideShurland Hall

North Wing - First Floor

A delightful wooden staircase rises from the secondary entrance hall of the north wing and provides access to three double bedrooms and a luxurious family bathroom. The larger of the three bedrooms within the north wing benefits from double aspect far reaching views and luxurious en-suite facilities to include a walk-in shower enclosure and freestanding roll-top bathtub. A door within this bedroom enables convenient access to the south wing which is possible via an interconnecting hallway.

South Wing - Ground Floor

From the entrance hall the adjacent room within the south wing is currently being utilised as a study. A quite dramatic stone Tudor fireplace provides a focal point and a door from the study leads on to the great hall. This sizeable room provides double aspect views, high ceilings, a quarry tile floor and a feature stone Tudor fireplace. Steps to the far end of the room lead up to delightful orangery with panoramic views of the gardens, orchard and boating lake. Cleverly, a trap door within the floor reveals steps that lead down to an ample wine cellar.

South Wing - First Floor

Two further bedrooms are located on the first floor, reached via an alluring spiral staircase housed within the second octagonal turret. The master bedroom enjoys double aspect far reaching views through the stone framed leaded light and timber framed sash windows as well as being complimented by an en-suite luxurious bathroom. The remaining bedroom shares equally impressive views, a feature stone fireplace as well as the convenience of its own cloakroom housed within one of the turrets. A door within this room provides access to an interconnecting hallway and a means of reaching the north wing bedrooms.

Roof Top Views

Reached by means of a spiral staircase within one of the octagonal turrets, the roof of Shurland Hall affords breathtaking panoramic views and the ability to further admire the three paired stacks of decorative brick Tudor chimneys, rebuilt by Emma Simpson.

With 7 acres in total, our favourite view is from the orchard looking back at the house, although having the ramparts as part of the scenery is spectacular. The island has a kind of micro-climate, so sitting in the garden or within the confines of the sheltered courtyard feels much like being in the south of France.”

Outbuildings - With Lapsed Planning Consent

The hugely impressive, fully renovated barn totalling 3756 sq/ft boasts a kitchen, bar and W.C. facilities. With an alcohol licence in place, this versatile space can and has been used to host wedding receptions. The former granary is now used for storage/tool shed. An additional barn is used as a tractor store and for additional storage.

Lapsed Planning Consent - (for the conversion of barn and granary buildings into 5 dwellings) https://pa.midkent.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=ZZZVT8KJTA976

Step outsideShurland Hall

In July 2018 our daughter celebrated her marriage in the barn, although guests were able to enjoy the house and

grounds too. She arrived from the local church by Shire Horse and carriage, it was a wonderful sight’.

Grounds And GardensThe enchanting and predominantly walled formal gardens of Shurland Hall are beautifully arranged and well considered, complimenting the house perfectly. To the front of the house a long driveway bisects a lawn, itself flanked by a stone wall and the most beautiful boating lake. The latter benefits from a timber jetty, with the lake itself enclave by a range of mature specimen trees to include poplar, lime, horse chestnut, weeping ash and giant sequoia. Beyond the lake rests a meadow with a row of whitebeam. The partially walled garden to the north west is interspersed with a range of mature specimen trees, whilst a charming footpath dressed in fine shingle is bordered by prolifically stocked beds containing an array of shrubbery and beautiful flowers. A secondary driveway sweeps through the grounds to the north and terminates at an additional, (informal) parking area to the side of the house. This area is populated with a willow, rowan, apple and pear tree’s.

The rear gardens of Shurland Hall comprise of two interlinking courtyards, an orchard and the historical remains of a once important medieval house. The smaller of two courtyards is accessed via the kitchen and affords a tranquil position in which to relax and enjoy the ruins of a red brick wall with stone mullioned windows allowing you to peer into the larger of the two courtyards that sits adjacent. This courtyard can be accessed via an interconnecting doorway within the wall or by means of a door from the formal entrance hall of the house. Mainly laid to lawn with apricot, fig, olive and mimosa tree’s adding interest. But perhaps most noteworthy is the historical remains of the formal entrance to the once grand house that stood to the rear. The orchard is located within the most southerly corner of the rear gardens and contains apple, pear, quince, cobnut, almond, walnut and cherry.

Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg No. 06959315. Registered Office: Morgan Alexander Kent Ltd (formerly Fine & Country Kent Ltd.) 36 King Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1BS. copyright © 2018 Fine & Country Ltd.

Shurland Hall is a 16th-century gatehouse and former part of a service wing of a once important medieval house, the seat of the Cheyney family. Constructed by Sir Thomas Cheyney of fine red brick with stone dressings. A prominent courtier, landowner and Knight of the Garter, Sir Thomas played host at Shurland Hall to Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn in October 1532. Exhibiting octagonal towers and battlements, Shurland is reminiscent of the great Tudor Palace gatehouse at Hampton Court and St James’s. Altered in both the 18th and 19th century, it had stood empty since WW2 and had long since fallen into a serious state of disrepair. With no roof and certain of further collapse, Shurland Hall was acquired by the Spitalfields Trust in 2006 who with the aid of a generous grant from English Heritage and a loan from the Architectural Heritage Fund, undertook a five year long restoration project to include a new roof and complete renovation of both the exterior and interior. The site, which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, is largely enclosed by 16th-century stone and brick garden walls and the stone remains of the medieval great hall itself.

HistoryShurland Hall

Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Printed

6

FINE & COUNTRYFine & Country is a global network of estate agencies specialising in the marketing, sale and rental of luxury residential property. With offices in the UK, Australia, Egypt, France, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Namibia, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain, The Channel Islands, UAE, USA and West Africa we combine the widespread exposure of the international marketplace with the local expertise and knowledge of carefully selected independent property professionals.

Fine & Country appreciates the most exclusive properties require a more compelling, sophisticated and intelligent presentation - leading to a common, yet uniquely exercised and successful strategy emphasising the lifestyle qualities of the property.

This unique approach to luxury homes marketing delivers high quality, intelligent and creative concepts for property promotion combined with the latest technology and marketing techniques.

We understand moving home is one of the most important decisions you make; your home is both a financial and emotional investment. With Fine & Country you benefit from the local knowledge, experience, expertise and contacts of a well trained, educated and courteous team of professionals, working to make the sale or purchase of your property as stress free as possible.

The production of these particulars has generated a £10 donation to the Fine & Country Foundation, charity no. 1160989, striving to relieve homelessness.

Visit fineandcountry.com/uk/foundation

THE FINE & COUNTRYFOUNDATION

Fine & CountryTel: +44 (0)1732 222272westmalling@fineandcountry.com28 High Street, West Malling Kent ME19 6QR