Grade II* listed cottage at the gate of Mote Park

Architecture & history
Approached along a private no-through road, the Grade II* listed cottage is believed to date from the 15th century and originally formed part of a traditional Wealden hall house. Its timber frame, exposed beams and gently irregular proportions carry the unmistakable texture of a building that has evolved over several centuries. It feels authentic and deeply rooted in its setting, rather than overly restored or polished of its history.

Behind the gates, there is ample off-street parking for several vehicles, immediately creating a sense of space and privacy that is unusual for a historic cottage positioned so close to central Maidstone. The house sits comfortably within its garden, screened from the outside world and surrounded by mature greenery.

Inside, the principal living and dining space forms the heart of the home. Generous in scale yet warm in atmosphere, it is defined by heavy exposed timbers and an impressive inglenook fireplace, complete with a log-burning stove and original bread oven. These features give the room a strong sense of permanence, while providing a natural focal point during the colder months.

There is enough space to create separate sitting and dining areas without disturbing the flow of the room. It is equally suited to quiet evenings, informal family life and larger gatherings, with the historic fabric of the building providing character without making the accommodation feel precious or impractical.

The kitchen sits separately, offering a practical working space that complements the more atmospheric reception room. While the interiors retain the expected charm of a Grade II listed cottage, modern improvements have been handled sensitively, allowing the house to function comfortably as an everyday home.

A cellar beneath the principal living area introduces further useful space. Its historic character and position within the house make it well suited to storage, wine, provisions or simply as another fascinating reminder of the building’s past.

Upstairs, there are three bedrooms. The two principal rooms are well-proportioned doubles, both carrying the character of the cottage through exposed beams, period-style doors and softly shaped ceilings.

The third bedroom is more compact and particularly versatile. It could work as a child’s room, occasional guest bedroom, dressing room or private home study, providing an important degree of flexibility for those working remotely or seeking a room away from the main living areas.

The bathroom has been refurbished in a restrained, period-sensitive style. Its modern finish provides comfort and practicality while remaining sympathetic to the age of the property, allowing old and new elements to sit naturally alongside one another.

Outside, the rear garden is a significant part of the experience. Substantial and established, it provides space for outdoor dining, entertaining, gardening and children to play, while its mature boundaries reinforce the secluded atmosphere.

There is room to create several distinct outdoor areas, whether that means a formal seating terrace, a kitchen garden, a more relaxed lawn or a private corner positioned to enjoy the evening light. Combined with the gated entrance and extensive parking, the garden gives The Buttery a lifestyle that feels closer to a rural retreat than a home within easy reach of Maidstone town centre.

This is ultimately a house defined by contrast: ancient yet comfortable, private yet connected, and full of historic texture without sacrificing the practical requirements of modern life.
On a separate freehold title, the vendors own the lane itself ‘Old School Lane’ and will be sold separately, if this is of interest to any incoming purchaser.

Local Area & Transport
The Buttery occupies an especially interesting position on Old School Lane, Maidstone, within the ME15 postcode. Tucked away from passing traffic, the setting provides an immediate sense of privacy, yet places one of Maidstone’s most important green spaces virtually on the doorstep.

Mote Park extends across more than 450 acres, with mature parkland, woodland, rivers, open grassland and a 30-acre lake. The park provides an exceptional landscape for walking, running, cycling, dog walking and relaxed weekends outdoors, creating the feeling of countryside living without requiring a move away from the town.

The lake is home to a well-established water sports centre offering activities including paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, sailing and boat hire. Elsewhere within the park are children’s play areas, a café and numerous footpaths leading through open parkland and beneath mature trees.

For everyday life, Maidstone town centre is within practical reach, providing a broad range of shops, restaurants, cafés, leisure facilities and professional services. The town combines the convenience expected of Kent’s county town with attractive riverside walks, historic buildings and an increasingly varied independent food and drink scene.

The ME15 setting also places the property conveniently for several established residential neighbourhoods, including Bearsted and the wider south-east Maidstone area. Local supermarkets, schools, healthcare facilities and everyday amenities can all be reached without compromising the tucked-away nature of the cottage.

Maidstone is served by three railway stations: Bearsted, Maidstone East and Maidstone West . Both Bearsted and Maidstone West is approximately three-ish kilometres from the property, while Maidstone East provides further rail connections towards London and across Kent.

Road connections are equally practical. The A20 provides an important route through and beyond the town, while the M20 connects Maidstone with the M25, London, Ashford and the Kent coast. This makes the property well placed for those travelling throughout Kent or commuting towards the capital while seeking a home with privacy, history and immediate access to open green space.

The Buttery offers an unusually balanced Maidstone lifestyle. Mote Park is close enough to become part of everyday life, the town centre and railway stations remain easily accessible, and the private gated position creates a genuine sense of escape.

For buyers searching for a Grade II listed cottage in Maidstone, a historic home beside Mote Park or a secluded three-bedroom property in the ME15 area, this represents an opportunity to secure a home with history, garden space and connectivity.