The Story
Enjoying the views across the North Downs from her garden, Gloria Barnett remembers the work she has put into her home over the past five years. She has transformed Windy Bottom into a fabulous family home that is also fantastic for entertaining.
With its former stables, as well as plans for further development, the house still holds great potential. And its proximity to Maidstone and major road links makes it perfect for anyone who needs to travel.
"I love the size of the house and the setting is absolutely beautiful. The views across the gardens towards the North Downs are just stunning. I can see over to Bluebell Hill," she said.
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A Spacious Home
Windy Bottom, which dates back to the 1930s, has been completely transformed by Gloria. With careful planning, she redesigned its layout in order to create the perfect home.
"This was originally two bungalows that had been brought together into one," she said. "It still had two kitchens when I took it on. I wanted a spacious home with up to five bedrooms, depending on how I chose to use it.
"I am very pleased with the way it has worked out so far, and I believe there is still a great deal someone else could do with it. I even had plans drawn up for a function hall for weddings in the grounds."
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Character and Style
The interior of the home has been carefully designed so that spaces are light and airy. Rooms on different levels bring character, while carefully chosen fittings add style.
"I just love the kitchen," said the owner. "It's large with marble work surfaces and has plenty of space for entertaining and eating as a family. On the ground floor, the house has lots of French windows leading out on to the back garden, which keeps it bright and is nice in summer."
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Elegant and Atmospheric
Boxed in cornices in the drawing room and dining room lend an air of elegance to the property. The sitting room, now on the first floor, enjoys beautiful views all year round and has a feature fireplace, which brings atmosphere during the winter months.
"The master bedroom was originally the other main sitting room but this now makes a fantastic bedroom. It is just wonderful when I wake up there in the morning and look out towards the woodland. I see every kind of bird and have even seen badgers," she said.
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Leisure Opportunities
Set in such an attractive location, Windy Bottom holds huge potential for anyone keen to enjoy leisure opportunities. With stables still on the grounds, the property could be developed for equestrian pursuits. The outdoor swimming pool is also still present and there would be space for a spa bath and other amenities.
"This garden is a real sun trap. It is wonderful sitting out there and just soaking up the surroundings," she said.
Gloria relishes the seclusion and admitted she will miss it when she leaves. "I do feel very sad about going," she said. "But I have enjoyed watching it all come together here. I am sure someone else will enjoy taking it that little bit further."
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Putting On a Show
At nearby Detling is the Kent Showground, where a number of events are held every year. As well as the Kent County Show, these include the Detling Steam Rally and the Detling International Antique and Collectors' Fair.
"I did have an idea at one time of creating a bed and breakfast guest house here. There are lots of visitors to the area because of all the events at the showground," said Gloria.
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Pilgrims' Progress
Detling, an area known for its natural beauty, also has a lot of history. The village is on the Pilgrim's Way. This was the historic route supposed to have been taken by pilgrims from Winchester in Hampshire to the shrine of Thomas Becket at Canterbury in Kent.
The village is also home to a Tudor gateway that has stood since the time of Henry VIII.
Its pub, the Cock Horse Inn, was used to stable horses in the past when they were required to take heavily-laden coaches and wagons up the steep hill.
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BEAUTIFUL
"I love the size of the house and the setting is absolutely beautiful."
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VIEWS
"The views across the gardens towards the North Downs are just stunning. I can see over to Bluebell Hill."
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SUNSHINE
"This garden is a real sun trap. It is wonderful sitting out there and just soaking up the surroundings."
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