Mayor of Bromley opens Kingswood Manor

The Mayor of Bromley, Councillor Douglas Auld, joined members of the Teichman family to officially open Kingswood Manor, the Grade II Listed manor house at Kingswood Chase, the striking, award-winning development of 39 new and refurbished apartments and houses by St James Developments in Chislehurst.

The site was formerly the country estate of wealthy Victorian importer Emil Teichman whose impressive 1883 manor house was designed by the architect Ernest Newton, who went on to become president of the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Claire Teichman Derville, Emil Teichman’s great-great granddaughter, said of the restoration: “After my great-great grandfather died, the house was sold and converted into offices and, sadly, became very run down. When I first learned the property was to be converted I wasn’t sure how it could be done without losing the character and integrity of the building but my whole family and I are absolutely delighted by the transformation – it really is very impressive. I think my great-great grandfather would be very pleased indeed.”

The Mayor joined Councillor Kate Boughey, Councillor Peter Dean, Councillor Peter Fooks, Councillor Anne Manning and Sean Ellis, Managing Director for St James Developments, at the opening and paid homage to the site’s history and restoration: “The renovation of the magnificent manor house into seven apartments has been carried out carefully and thoughtfully. The conversion and the development as a whole are superb and I offer my congratulations to St James Developments.”

This was not the only recognition for St James: Kingswood Chase also triumphed at the recent Bromley Environmental Awards, where it won the ‘Built Heritage’ award.

Sean Ellis said: “We are thrilled to have won this award. Repairing and restoring Kingswood Manor to return it to its former glory has been tremendously challenging and to have our work recognised at the Bromley Environmental Awards is extremely rewarding. I am very proud of this development – the combination of classic, period architecture combined with contemporary, sustainable homes results in a very attractive development with a great deal of character.

“In spite of the economic downturn, homes here have sold extremely well. With such a variety of homes available in this superb location, Kingswood Chase is appealing to a wide range of buyers.”

Kingswood Chase, an exclusive gated development set within three acres of woodland, is home to a range of properties, including two and three bedroom new and refurbished apartments, two bedroom cottages, four bedroom townhouses and three, four, five and six bedroom detached houses.

Kingswood Manor, the development’s centrepiece, has splendid period features including a grand galleried oak staircase which climbs around the triple height atrium hall up to the large skylight which floods the entire reception area with light.

The individually designed apartments follow many of the original room partitions, resulting in spacious rooms with high ceilings which exude luxury. The homes are a wonderful blend of period features and intricate detailing, such as oak fires, deep bay windows and ceiling cornicing, combined with all the comforts for contemporary living.

The new two and three-bedroom apartments, and the last remaining penthouse, are situated in Longacre Hall.

With a choice of open-plan living or with a separate kitchen, all homes have a separate laundry/utility room. All master bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms and most have dressing rooms. Several also open out onto balconies with countryside views. Generously proportioned rooms with high ceilings, deep windows and French doors that flood the rooms with light, further enhance the sense of space.

Residents have access to a large communal garden and each apartment has two allocated underground parking spaces.

For those looking for a detached family home, the last two remaining, The Ashburn and The Hawthorne, capture the essence of executive living. The houses combine dramatic proportions and a state-of-the-art specification, with character and charm resulting in exclusive and highly desirable homes.

With formal sitting rooms, family rooms, separate dining rooms and exceptionally large open-plan kitchens with breakfast and sitting areas, these five bedroom detached houses are ideal for entertaining. Floor-to-ceiling windows and French doors open onto back gardens and terraces and let the ‘outside in’. The Ashburn and The Hawthorne also have ‘bonus rooms’ which provide the ideal getaway.

Designed to maximise views, living areas either open onto the expansive gardens with woodland beyond or are located on the first floor and open onto terraces with stunning views of the countryside. Homes also boast extensive gardens of manicured, rolling lawns.

Kingswood Chase is swiftly becoming one of the most highly sought after addresses in Chislehurst village. Located just minutes from the village high street, Kingswood Chase is a five-minute walk from the popular commuter stations of Elmstead Woods Station and a short drive from Chislehurst Station, both on the mainline into Central London. From Elmstead Woods, it is a 25 minute commute into Charing Cross. There are also convenient road links with the A222, A20, M20 and M25.

Eight, two bedroom newly built apartments remain for sale in Longacre Hall, priced from £635,000. Two, two bedroom apartments remain for sale in the restored Kingswood Manor, priced from £695,000. Only two, five bedroom new detached houses remain for sale: The Ashburn is priced at £1,700,000 and The Hawthorne is priced at £1,750,000.

For further information on Kingswood Chase, visit kingswood-chase.co.uk. Information on all St James developments can be found on stjameshomes.co.uk.