This stunning £2.25 million property in Smarden, Kent, has earned a spot among England’s most extraordinary homes currently on the market. Golf coach Paul Foston and his wife Angela have painstakingly crafted a golfer’s haven within their 19th-century five-bedroom residence, blending historic charm with exceptional sporting amenities.
Since the late 1990s, the couple has enhanced the estate with golf features rarely seen in a private home. The grounds now include two putting greens, a splash bunker, a towering 6ft high St Andrew’s-style revetted bunker, a rolling short game area, and a cutting-edge indoor golf simulator housed in a converted Normandy barn. This indoor facility, designed by Paul to provide uninterrupted practice away from unpredictable British weather, has revolutionized his coaching approach, creating an intimate space free from the distractions of public courses.
Although the home has been on the market since last summer, it remains unsold despite its acclaim, including a feature in The Sunday Times’ prestigious list of remarkable homes for sale in the UK and France. Angela attributes this to the sluggish housing market but emphasizes the property’s versatility, offering myriad opportunities to potential buyers.
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Paul’s distinguished career as a golf coach includes mentoring several professionals who have achieved 11 Open Tour victories, notably Kent’s Paul Way, a member of Europe’s 1985 Ryder Cup winning team. His vision for Appletrees was to create an unparalleled learning environment for golfing enthusiasts, a vision realized through continuous upgrades and the establishment of a 1,800 sq ft green offering challenging shot practice from multiple angles.
Angela, a Tourism Development Consultant, recalls how quickly they fell for the property—making an offer after just one viewing and without Paul seeing it first. Nestled in the idyllic countryside, yet close to village amenities, the home offers a rare blend of tranquility and community spirit.
Over nearly 25 years, the Fostons have not only nurtured a flourishing golf academy, delivering around 1,000 lessons annually, but have also expanded their reach globally through a bespoke app created during the pandemic. This app delivers 65 concise video lessons, coaching golfers on every conceivable shot, strategy, and mental aspect of the game, attracting clients from as far as Singapore, India, and the US.
As Paul plans to scale back his coaching to enjoy more leisure and travel, the couple intends to relocate closer to family in Berkshire. Reflecting on their time at Appletrees, Angela celebrates the home’s history and limitless potential, whether as a private training retreat, a multi-generational residence, or a unique business venture.
With excellent transport links to London, proximity to Camber Sands beach, and a vibrant local community, Appletrees offers a captivating lifestyle as well as an exceptional sporting facility. The Fostons are hopeful that the next owner will embrace its charm and transform it into a new chapter of happiness.