Hartley Bottom, Hartley | £1.1m-£1.2m
Originally dating to circa 1932 and set within a plot of exceptional scale on the rural fringes of Hartley, The Cottage has been transformed by its current owners into something that bears almost no resemblance to its origins. A three bedroom residence, a self-contained annexe and a substantial detached office complex, all within a single landholding with open valley views.
Details
Bedrooms: 4Bathrooms: 3
Receptions: 4
Square Feet: 3808
-
The main house has been meticulously renovated and doubled in size, and the result is a home that balances period character with a level of finish and comfort that feels entirely contemporary. The sitting room is anchored by an exposed brick chimney breast housing a wood burning stove, with leaded windows and a calm, generous quality of space that rewards the kind of evening where the outside world can wait. The drawing room provides a further reception space, equally well proportioned, and together the two rooms give the ground floor a flexibility that larger families quickly come to appreciate. The kitchen and dining room is the social heart of the house, fitted with cream shaker cabinetry beneath exposed oak beams, a black granite worktop and a substantial range cooker set into an exposed brick alcove. It is a kitchen with genuine warmth and character, the kind that feels as good on a winter morning as it does when the doors are open in July. A WC and utility room complete the ground floor.
Upstairs, the principal bedroom is a well-proportioned and calm room with fitted wardrobes running the full length of one wall. Two further bedrooms and a family bathroom complete the first floor, and a loft room above provides flexible additional space suited to a playroom, studio or overflow guest accommodation.
What truly sets this property apart is the range of additional structures that sit alongside the main house. The annexe, at just under 500 square feet, provides a self-contained bedroom, kitchen and sitting room with its own shower room, well suited as a guest suite, home office or multi-generational living space depending on requirements. The detached office complex is a more significant proposition still, running to over 700 square feet across two rooms, with its own kitchen and two WCs. With the necessary consents, it offers genuine potential for conversion to a secondary residential dwelling. Pending planning permission to extend the main dwelling further adds a further layer of flexibility for buyers with longer term ambitions.
Externally, an electric in and out gated entrance opens onto a generous gravel forecourt with parking for multiple vehicles alongside a double carriage barn and store. The wrap-around lawns are well maintained and offer a real sense of space and greenery from every aspect of the house. The elevated rear decking is where the property reaches its finest point, with a sunken jacuzzi set into the deck and open valley views extending across the surrounding countryside. It is the kind of outlook that is very easy to underestimate in a photograph and very difficult to forget once you have stood there.
For buyers seeking genuine versatility, a rare combination of residential quality and commercial potential, and a setting that feels properly removed from the everyday, The Cottage represents an opportunity that would be difficult to assemble from scratch at any price.
Location Guide
Hartley, nestled within the borough of Dartford in Kent, is a well-established and sought-after village that offers a harmonious balance of rural tranquility and everyday convenience. The property is situated just away from the heart of the village, benefitting from a quieter setting while remaining close to local amenities. Hartley is known for its thriving community atmosphere, with a strong village identity and a variety of services catering to residents’ daily needs. These include a post office, convenience stores, a local pub, a respected primary school, and the historic All Saints Church. The nearby centre of Longfield, just 1.4 miles away, broadens the range of available amenities with a selection of independent shops and services, including a Waitrose supermarket and doctors surgery. This area also serves as the main transport hub for the village, offering mainline rail services to London Victoria in approximately 30 minutes, making Hartley a viable option for those commuting into the capital. With its combination of accessibility, green surroundings, and well-supported infrastructure, Hartley appeals to a broad range of residents, from families and professionals to retirees seeking a more peaceful pace of life.
Transport Links
Hartley enjoys strong transport connectivity despite its semi-rural feel. Longfield station, just over a mile away, provides fast and frequent train services to central London, with typical journey times to London Victoria of around 30 minutes. For those commuting into other parts of the city, Greenhithe station, located 5.1 miles from the property, offers direct services to London Bridge (41 mins) and London Charing Cross (51 mins). For international and high-speed domestic rail travel, Ebbsfleet International Station lies 4.6 miles from Hartley. From here, HS1 services connect to Stratford International (12 minutes) and London St Pancras (19 minutes). The area is also exceptionally well positioned for road travel. The M25, M26, M20, and A2/M2 are all accessible within a radius of approximately 4 to 5 miles, offering efficient links to London, the Channel Tunnel, the Kent coast, and the wider national motorway network.
Education
Education is a key strength of the Hartley and Longfield area, offering a diverse mix of both state and independent schools. The local Hartley Primary Academy is within walking distance of the property and is part of the Leigh Academies Trust, recognised for its strong performance and supportive learning environment. Nearby Longfield Academy serves secondary students and is known for its modern campus and broad curriculum. For grammar school options, Hartley is within catchment of highly regarded schools such as Dartford Grammar School, as well as Gravesend Grammar School, Mayfield Grammar School and Wilmington Grammar School, all accessible via public or private transport. Families seeking private education will find several prestigious options close by. Steephill Independent School in Hartley, Russell House School and St Michael’s Prep School in Otford, Cobham Hall School and the internationally acclaimed Sevenoaks School are all within reasonable travel distance. These institutions offer a range of academic and extra curricula opportunities, making the area particularly attractive to families prioritising education.
Local Attractions
The local area is rich in natural beauty and offers a range of outdoor pursuits. Just minutes away, Hartley Country Club is a local institution, offering tennis, cricket, and social facilities. The nearby Hartley Wood and Manor Field provide easy access to green spaces ideal for walking and informal recreation. A short drive brings you to Trosley Country Park, set in the North Downs and offering extensive walking trails and panoramic views of the Kent countryside. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity of the London Golf Club, a world-renowned championship venue, as well as other nearby courses such as Redlibbets, Corinthians and Wrotham Heath Golf Club.
Entertainment and Amenities
Hartley and the surrounding villages enjoy a welcoming choice of local pubs and restaurants, each offering something a little different. At the heart of Longfield, Bistro Marie has become a favourite for its relaxed bistro atmosphere and excellent seasonal dishes, while Efsane brings a lively Mediterranean feel with its Turkish-inspired menu and warm hospitality. For something more traditional, The Green Man at Longfield Hill is a charming country pub known for its hearty food, open fires and generous garden, perfect for a Sunday lunch. And just a few minutes away, The Railway Tavern offers a more contemporary twist, with a stylish interior, cocktail lounge and live music creating a sociable spot to meet friends or unwind at the end of the week. Hartley supports a good range of everyday amenities within the village itself, with convenience stores and a post office. For more comprehensive shopping, Longfield provides further options, including cafés, takeaways, salons, and essential services. Larger retail and leisure needs are easily met at Bluewater Shopping Centre, approximately 20 minutes away by car. As one of the largest shopping destinations in the country, it offers a full suite of retail outlets, dining experiences, a multiplex cinema, and family-friendly events throughout the year. For those looking to maintain an active and well-balanced lifestyle, Hartley offers a premium selection of fitness and leisure options, led by two standout facilities in the area. Hartley Country Club is a long-established and highly regarded private members’ club at the heart of the local community. It offers an extensive range of sporting and social opportunities, including tennis, cricket, squash, and a modern fitness suite. The club is also known for its welcoming atmosphere and active calendar of events, making it a central hub for both recreational sport and social connection. Just a short drive away, Brands Hatch Place Hotel & Spa provides a more tranquil yet equally comprehensive wellness experience. Nestled in the Kent countryside, this elegant country house hotel features a full-service health club, heated indoor pool, spa treatment rooms, and a state-of-the-art gym. The spa’s serene surroundings and wide menu of treatments make it a popular destination for both regular wellness routines and indulgent escapes. Together, these two venues provide residents of Hartley with exceptional year-round options for fitness, relaxation, and social engagement, all within easy reach of home.