An English Cottage with Historic Character and a Charming Garden

Nestled in the storybook village of Loose, near Maidstone in Kent, this Grade II-listed home is a rare blend of history, character, and modern comfort.

With origins dating back to the 15th century, the house spans 2,339 sq ft across three storeys, offering four bedrooms and a wealth of period features that make it as captivating today as it must have been centuries ago.

From its cobbled driveway, the façade is instantly charming: a stone-built ground floor supports rendered upper levels in a soft yellow hue, punctuated by exposed timber studs that hint at the building’s long and storied past.

Around it, gardens bloom with wisteria, peonies, fruit trees, and roses, creating a living frame of color and fragrance.

In the first sitting room, hefty flagstones spread underfoot, timber beams cross overhead, and a magnificent inglenook fireplace (no longer in use, but still commanding attention with its exposed stone, brick, and timber detailing) stretches across almost an entire wall.

The second sitting and dining room carries the same sense of warmth, anchored by another inglenook fireplace, this time fitted with a wood-burning stove and retaining its original stone seat.

Reclaimed wooden floorboards, underfloor heating, and atmospheric detailing make this an actual heart-of-the-home space.

The farmhouse-style kitchen is very charming. Exposed stone walls, terracotta tiles, and a cream double Aga set the tone, complemented by a second double oven with gas hob, handmade oak-topped units, and a butler sink.

A timber-framed window overlooks the front garden, adding light and charm to the space.

The first floor features three spacious double bedrooms, each with its own distinct character. Oak, elm, and pine floorboards lend warmth, while oak-framed windows look out to the gardens.

Exposed timber studs mark two of the rooms, while the third, currently a study, is fitted with green-painted built-in bookshelves, adding a vibrant pop of color with a hue from Francescas Paints.

The family bathroom features a stunning copper bath.

At the top of the house, the principal suite is a serene retreat. The pitched roof and exposed beams frame both the bedroom and the large en suite bathroom, where a freestanding tub and a tadelakt walk-in shower promise indulgence.

Underfloor heating ensures modern comfort, while the windows offer leafy views across the garden.

The gardens have been designed as a sequence of enchanting “rooms.” At the front, roses and geraniums soften the approach, while wisteria climbs the house. Behind, borders overflow with irises, peonies, foxgloves, and ferns.

Copper beech trees and hedging frame the property, adding privacy and a sense of gentle seclusion.

The house is listed for £875.000 at Inigo.