Schools aren’t known as the elite in architectural or interior design in the property world. Memories of harsh fluorescent overhead lighting, 'temporary' classrooms in porta cabins and Lino flooring spring to mind.
So it's refreshing to consider how 'Lot 51'— a former -school house, now disregarded building, could be transformed, as it is available to purchase via auction with Clive Emson, with a guide price of £480,000 — £500,000. The property goes under the hammer on February 9.
The Grade II listed building is believed to have been built circa 1873, and ‘may offer potential for a wide variety of uses, subject to all necessary consents being attainable’ according to the auctioneers overseeing its sale.
It’s a lukewarm statement for what could be an intriguing renovation project if in the right hands.
There's ample of space on offer with the ground floor comprised of an entrance hall, rear hall, two classrooms; a library room, washrooms, art room, staff rooms and several store cupboards (no doubt full of crumpled bits of un-finished homework assignments).
The first floor houses an attic room, with no further clues given as to size or height.
The former playgrounds and outdoor space is include in the sale and offers excellent options — whether lovingly updated as gardens or as part of a lifestyle business restaurant venture with seating.
Lot 51 is for sale via auction with Clive Emson at a guide price of £480,000-£500,000 — see more pictures, or enquire with the agent for further details.
Benenden: What you need to know
Location: In the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Kent. Mainline rail services run from Staplehurst, Headcorn and Marden stations into central London.
Atmosphere: There is an excellent butchers within the village, plus a village shop, post office, primary school and pub. Nearby Cranbrook, Tenterden and Tunbridge Wells have more extensive facilities.
Things to do: Plenty of walking and cycling routes around the High Weald AONB and the nearby larger towns provide further leisure facilities.
Schools: Primaries include Benenden, Sissinghurst and Cranbrook and for secondary there is Malborough House, Cranbrook Grammar School, Sutton Valence School and Benenden School.
See more property for sale in the area.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
-
'To exist in this world relies on the hands of others': Roger Powell and modern British bookbindingAn exhibition on the legendary bookbinder Roger Powell reveals not only his great skill, but serves to reconnect us with the joy, power and importance of real craftsmanship.
-
Spam: The tinned meaty treat that brought a taste of the ‘hot-dog life of Hollywood’ to war-weary BritainCourtesy of our ‘special relationship’ with the US, Spam was a culinary phenomenon, says Mary Greene. So much so that in 1944, London’s Simpson’s, renowned for its roast beef, was offering creamed Spam casserole instead.
-
A mini estate in Kent that's so lovely it once featured in Simon Schama's 'History of Britain'The Paper Mill estate is a picture-postcard in the Garden of England.
-
Hidden excellence in a £7.5 million north London homeBehind the traditional façades of Provost Road, you will find something very special.
-
Sip tea and laugh at your neighbours in this seaside Norfolk home with a watchtowerOn Cliff Hill in Gorleston, one home is taller than all the others. It could be yours.
-
A Grecian masterpiece that might be one of the nation's finest homes comes up for sale in KentGrade I-listed Holwood House sits in 40 acres of private parkland just 15 miles from central London. It is spectacular.
-
Some of the finest landscapes in the North of England with a 12-bedroom home attachedUpper House in Derbyshire shows why the Kinder landscape was worth fighting for.
-
Could Gruber's Antiques from Paddington 2 be your new Notting Hill home?It was the home of Mr Gruber and his antiques in the film, but in the real world, Alice's Antiques could be yours.
-
What should 1.5 million new homes look like?The King's recent visit to Nansledan with the Prime Minister gives us a clue as to Labour's plans, but what are the benefits of traditional architecture? And can they solve a housing crisis?
-
Welcome to the modern party barn, where disco balls are 'non-negotiable'A party barn is the ultimate good-time utopia, devoid of the toil of a home gym or the practicalities of a home office. Modern efforts are a world away from the draughty, hay-bales-and-a-hi-fi set-up of yesteryear.
