5 bed detached house to rent

Dane Road, Birchington CT7

Description

Quite possibly one of the most distinctive homes in South East Kent, Villa Vicenza is a remarkable modern interpretation of Italian Renaissance architecture, bringing a sense of continental elegance to the Kent coast.

Approached via its private driveway, the property immediately makes an impression. From its authentic pan-tiled roof and stone corbels to its bell tower-style chimney and elegant proportions, this is a home that feels as though it belongs in Tuscany, yet sits moments from Minnis Bay and the coastline of Birchington-on-Sea.

Built with exceptional attention to detail, Villa Vicenza is a true one-off. The craftsmanship, materials and design choices throughout would be incredibly difficult, and costly, to replicate today. Every element has been carefully considered, from the bespoke mahogany doors and windows to the curved walls, grand staircase, stonework, underfloor heating and beautifully arranged entertaining spaces.

##Inside

The sense of arrival is immediate. Handmade bespoke mahogany doors and curved windows set the tone before you step into the impressive entrance hall, which feels more akin to a boutique hotel than a conventional family home.

Off the hallway is an elegant cloakroom, finished with a freestanding granite bowl vanity basin, alongside useful coat and storage space. Custom drapery and silk blinds continue the refined feel, adding softness and texture to the architectural detailing.

Double mahogany glazed doors lead through to the principal living space, a superb open-plan arrangement designed for both family life and entertaining. The room is cleverly divided into different zones, giving a wonderful feeling of space without losing warmth or purpose. Three hand-painted faux marble pillars create a striking feature while also forming part of the property's structure, working with the reinforced steel and solid concrete beam floors beneath.

The lounge area centres around a marble fireplace with a remote-controlled log-effect gas fire, creating a comfortable place to unwind. Tray ceiling lighting adds further drama and helps define the space from the circular dining area. To one side, a charming twin-seating area, affectionately known by the owners as "The Coffee Corner", sits beside a curved window and French doors, offering beautiful views over the park and towards the sea. It is the perfect spot to enjoy an evening glass of wine while watching the Minnis Bay sunsets.

Set just off the living and dining area is a truly impressive kitchen and breakfast room. This is a kitchen designed for people who enjoy cooking, hosting and spending time together. There is a breakfast bar, space for an eight-seater dining table and a generous granite island that breaks up the space beautifully.

The kitchen is fitted with a wide range of high-quality integrated appliances, including a Siemens fresh coffee machine, microwave, warming drawer, induction hob, dishwasher and large Fisher & Paykel stainless steel fan-assisted double ovens. There is also an American-style fridge freezer, wine cooler, extensive cabinetry, display cupboards, large cutlery drawers and excellent worktop space.

Further details include stainless steel skirting boards with LED lighting, an in-wall central vacuum kick plate and wide dual-aspect windows that fill the room with natural light. From here, the outlook stretches across the park and towards the sea, making the kitchen as enjoyable to spend time in as it is practical to use.

Just off the kitchen is a well-appointed fitted study, ideal for working from home while enjoying a peaceful outlook across the park.

## Lower Ground Floor

The lower ground floor provides a superb additional level of accommodation and flexibility. Currently arranged partly as a spacious office, this area enjoys a pleasant outlook over the front courtyard and feature stone water fountain. A modern WC adds further convenience, making this an excellent space for focused work, guest use or independent hobbies.

A boot and coat storage area leads through to the integral garage, which is a major feature in itself. The garage provides space for up to four cars, with additional storage, and is accessed externally via a double electric remote-control sectional door. This area also houses the Beam central vacuum collection system, additional vacuum hose for car and garage cleaning, and the water softening system.

Also on this level is a generous snooker room, currently home to a full-size vintage billiards table. This is a wonderfully versatile space and could equally lend itself to a cinema room, gym, games room, studio or leisure suite, depending on lifestyle needs.

There are two further practical rooms on this floor. One is a well-equipped utility room with washing machine, tumble dryer, sink, clothes hanging rails, two large Megaflo hot water storage tanks and the gas-fired boiler. The second room supports the entertaining space, with fitted cupboards, fridge freezer and a large wine storage rack.

## First Floor

Returning to the entrance hall, the elegant curved granite staircase rises to a beautiful circular landing lobby. This area is a feature in its own right, with a large curved window overlooking the front courtyard and driveway, a linen cupboard and a crystal chandelier that enhances the sense of grandeur.

From here, a solid wood fire door leads into the main bedroom hallway, where four double bedrooms are arranged.

To the front of the house is a generous bedroom with a large dual-aspect window overlooking the courtyard and driveway, together with a further window looking towards the park. This room is large enough to accommodate both a double and single bed, making it an excellent children's room, guest room or flexible family space. It also benefits from a walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom with jacuzzi bath.

Next is a smaller double bedroom, continuing the same elegant theme with coving, custom silk blind and drapery. This room has access to a spacious Jack and Jill bathroom with corner shower cubicle.

On the opposite side of the Jack and Jill bathroom is a striking circular bedroom, with wide curved windows framing fabulous views across the park and out towards the sea. This beautiful room also benefits from a walk-in closet with shelving, custom silk curtains and a matching silk buttoned headboard.

The principal bedroom is the largest and most impressive of the bedrooms. Mirroring the curved walls and windows seen elsewhere in the home, this suite enjoys a wonderful sense of space and elegance. There are two large walk-in closets, one of which includes a full wall of shelving, ideal for shoes, accessories and clothing. A feature tray ceiling with rope lighting adds a further touch of luxury, while the suite also benefits from its own powder room with modern mounted basin and bidet.

## The Tower Bathroom

One of the most memorable features of Villa Vicenza is the curved staircase rising from the principal suite to the tower level.

Here, you discover a spectacular private bathroom, a true retreat. This beautifully designed space includes twin Villeroy & Boch basins, a wall-hung WC, elegant freestanding bath and walk-in shower with tumbled marble feature tiling, oversized rain shower head and faceted glass screen.

A carved alabaster privacy screen adds a further sense of individuality, while the use of granite and carefully chosen finishes creates a calm, luxurious and highly distinctive space.

## Garden and Outside Space

French doors open from the main living area onto an attractive, manageable garden designed for enjoyment rather than heavy maintenance.

The rear garden combines faux grass, sandstone, a bespoke marble dining table and a secluded bench-seating barbecue area. It is a genuine sun trap, perfect for al fresco dining, relaxing with guests or simply taking in the views towards the sea and the evening sunsets over Minnis Bay.

To the front, the courtyard offers another elegant outside setting, where the sound of the water fountain adds to the atmosphere. To the side of the kitchen is a charming "secret garden" area, with olive trees and stone balustrades enhancing the property's Italian character.

## Background

Villa Vicenza was created by owners with a genuine love of Italian lifestyle, architecture and entertaining. The build itself was a considerable undertaking, requiring excavation into the land to create the lower ground level and allow the home to sit naturally within its setting while retaining its own architectural identity.

Having lived here since they built the property over 15 years ago, the owners have created a home that is both dramatic and deeply personal. The scale, detail and craftsmanship throughout are a testament to the time, care and vision that went into its creation.

## The Area

Villa Vicenza is positioned close to the heart of Minnis Bay and Birchington-on-Sea, offering a wonderful balance of coastal lifestyle, local convenience and transport connections.

A nearby parade of shops is within walking distance and includes everyday amenities such as a corner shop with Post Office, cafés, hairdressers, an ale house, a popular fish and chip shop and the Minnis seafront restaurant.

Birchington itself offers a wider range of local shops, supermarkets, cafés, pubs, restaurants, medical facilities, dentists, vets and other day-to-day services. Birchington-on-Sea railway station provides rail connections, including services towards London Victoria, while Thanet Parkway now offers high-speed services towards London St Pancras, making the area increasingly practical for those who need to travel to London.

For leisure, the coastline is one of the area's greatest attractions. Minnis Bay is known for its sandy beach, seafront walks, beach huts, restaurants and water sports, including windsurfing and kiteboarding. The Viking Coastal Trail also provides a superb route for walking and cycling around Thanet, with links towards Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate and Reculver.

Families are well served by a choice of local schools, together with nearby open spaces, a public football pitch and a gated children's play park within walking distance. The wider area also offers golf clubs, tennis courts, bowling clubs, a local cinema, Quex Park, farm shops, leisure activities and easy access to the A299 Thanet Way and wider road network.

Villa Vicenza is not simply a large coastal home. It is an architectural statement, a lifestyle property and a rare opportunity to own one of the most individual homes in this part of Kent.

Council Tax Band: G (Thanet)
Deposit: £4,038.46
Holding Deposit: £807.69