Frances Sweetman clearly remembers the day that she and husband Kane moved into their spacious Herne Bay villa, because she was 8 months pregnant with their eldest son Harry, who is now 8 years old, and has a 5-year-old brother, George.
“Suffice to say, we were looking for a family home, in good school zones and this one at 5 Sentinel Road immediately struck us as being perfect for our needs,” she says.
“It had been totally renovated so we’ve never needed to do more than change paint colours, and a couple of other smallish things, such as installing some shutters.”
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Set on the northern slopes of Herne Bay, the property is an absolute suntrap and because it’s fully insulated – with heat pumps, it maintains a comfortable temperature all year round.
The very contemporary kitchen is truly enormous, and semi-separate, with casual family living beyond, which in turn leads to the extensive covered decking outside, which is used all-year-round. It’s a configuration which Frances really likes.
“Friends and family gravitate here to the kitchen, because it really is the heart of the home and it’s very well equipped.”
Elsewhere in the single level home are a formal lounge and dining space and four large bedrooms. The master suite has a bathroom and dressing room and doors to the deck, while the family bathroom is sleek and stylish. The colours throughout are soft and restful.
The property is fully-fenced, with a security system, and the back lawn is a very private play space, while the garden is easy-care.
“Although the hedge needs trimming occasionally!” says Frances, who works in the corporate world, as does Kane.
The family enjoys getting out and about in the neighbourhood, with parks and playgrounds all within a short distance.
“We like to wander up to Jervois Road on a Saturday morning for coffee or window shopping and the local schools. Ponsonby Primary and Ponsonby Intermediate are easily accessible,
“To be honest, you barely need a car living here - I cycle to work each day,” says Frances. “And we’re only minutes from the motorway on and off ramps.
As the boys are getting older, Frances and Kane have decided it’s time for a change, so they’re on the move.
“But it’s not without regrets,” she says. “This is a really great house and we’ve enjoyed living here.”
Stewart Morgan at Sotheby’s, who is marketing the property along with listing agent Pene Milne, says that the house has an unusual layout, with the entire living area on the north-facing side for maximum sun.
“People always get a pleasant surprise because it isn’t your typical villa floor plan, but it really works.”
He says that the owners are very realistic in their price expectations, making this potentially one of the best buys in desirable Herne Bay right now.
