Camden Park, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 4TW

The House. Tall chimneys, broad bay windows and an arched entrance give this Victorian home a distinctive presence in Camden Park. It forms the larger of two homes created from the former St Peter’s Vicarage, built around 1885 to a design by Ewan Christian, architect of the National Portrait Gallery.

High ceilings, generous proportions and period fireplaces give the interiors their Victorian character. The drawing room, sitting room and family room connect through wide openings, making them particularly well suited to entertaining. To the rear, windows look across the gardens to a beautiful backdrop of mature trees.

The orangery is a particular highlight, with an impressive glazed roof and tall windows on three sides bringing in natural light. Double doors on either side open onto the gardens.

The kitchen opens through arches into the breakfast room, where doors lead onto the terrace. An Aga, exposed oak beams, painted cabinetry and granite worktops give the kitchen a warm, traditional feel. A separate office, utility/laundry room and cloakroom complete the ground floor.

Six bedrooms and four bath/shower rooms are arranged over the upper two floors. The principal suite has a dressing room and en suite shower room, with French doors opening to a Juliet balcony overlooking the gardens. On the top floor, there is also a separate study and a large games room with a vaulted ceiling.

Outside. The gardens are a major part of the appeal. The grounds extend to around 0.6 acres, with a substantial, level lawn stretching away from the house. The rear gardens face south, and mature trees and established planting give a sense of privacy and peace that is remarkable so close to the centre of Tunbridge Wells.

Terraces connect directly with several of the ground-floor rooms, including the orangery, and provide space for outdoor dining. The swimming pool and adjoining summerhouse sit to one side of the gardens, leaving the main lawn open.

At the front, electric gates open onto a driveway with ample parking and turning space, a garage and charging points for electric cars.

Camden Park. Camden Park was conceived in the 1840s by the Marquess of Camden as an estate of substantial houses in generous grounds, inspired by nearby Calverley Park. The first five villas were built from the 1850s onwards, with later houses adding to the architectural variety seen today.

At its heart lies a meadow of around seven and a half acres, retained from the original layout. This open land, together with the mature trees and surrounding gardens, gives the park its unusually spacious, green character.

The entrance gates and quiet private roads give Camden Park an identity of its own. Its appeal today owes much to the original vision: individual houses with room around them, in a peaceful setting closely connected to town.

Situation. The High Street, The Pantiles and Tunbridge Wells station are within walking distance, providing independent shops, cafés, restaurants and direct rail services to London. Dunorlan Park is nearby, with its boating lake, landscaped gardens and open parkland. Calverley Grounds and Tunbridge Wells Common offer further opportunities for walking, while cricket, tennis and golf are available locally.

The town has a wide choice of state and independent schools, including grammar schools. The surrounding Kent and Sussex countryside is within easy reach, and the A21 provides connections towards the M25, London and the coast.

Tenure: Freehold Council Band Tax: F Local Authority: Tunbridge Wells