For those wishing to prolong the Obama euphoria that has hit the USA and the rest of the world, it might be worth checking out a Kent house that temporarily accommodated one of American’s founding fathers.
* More Country houses for sale in Kent
Political figure and polymath Benjamin Franklin, who not only helped make independence possible during the American Revolution but also invented bifocals and the lightning rod, stopped off for tea at The Manse in the market town of Tenterden, Kent.
The Manse, formerly known as Parsonage House, briefly put up the American statesman, inventor and diplomat, after he preached at the nearby Unitarian church and was invited by the house’s owner to come back to his house for a cuppa.
Now, the late 18th century Grade-II listed building with its fitting mathematical tiling handsome red brick façade is for sale for £575,000 through Calcutt Maclean Wood (01233 812060, www.cmwea.co.uk).
As well as two reception rooms ideal for entertaining passing American political leaders, the house has five bedrooms, a well-stocked garden and off-street parking for three cars, a valuable asset in the centre of Tenterden, a former Cinque port.
The nearest rail station is Headcorn, about a 15-minute drive, where trains run into LondonBridge and Charing Cross stations in just over an hour.
It is rare to find a house of this size with off-street parking in the centre of the town, says Nigel Maclean from Calcutt Maclean Wood.
‘Inside, you have this feeling of space and airiness combined with appreciable character. Within easy walking distance of all the facilities offered by Tenterden, it really is the ideal townhouse.’
For Franklin aficionados, who recall how he created the first public lending library in America and the first fire department in Pennsylvania, a Waitrose and Tesco is close too hand, along with other small shops on the main wide avenue in the town.
* More Country houses for sale in Kent
