| The house stands between 2 old footpaths, which were used less and less when the new road between Petham and Waltham was built in the mid-18th century. These roads are now only public footpaths leading to the church in Waltham and the village itself.
Upper Ansdore was probably a first floor hall house. In rural areas, this form of house was favoured for defence purposes. Generally, they are not large. The ground floor was probably used as storerooms or as subsidiary living accommodation. Above the first floor is a hall of 2 bays, originally open to the roof, with a single bay solar adjoining, which was always sealed, providing an attic.
200 years later, in the 16th century, a chimney was built in what was called the screen''s passage. This chimney, built of Tudor bricks, is large by today''s standards but it allowed 2 fireplaces on the first floor and 2 on the ground floor, so that all rooms could be heated. Also, note the bread oven to the side of the fireplace. One fireplace has stone supporting pillars with an oak lintel, which is moulded in the Tudor Arch or the Four Centred Arch.
A newel stair was built at the side of the chimney in place of the early ladder type. The roof is constructed in oak in a style common in the South-East. The walls, originally, constructed of oak timber framing with wattle and daub infilling, have been bricked round in the early 18th century, when bricks were more readily available and in fashion. Brickwork is laid in the Flemish bond style, and extends only to the first floor, with the original timber framing covered with hanging tiles.
On the quayside, overlooking the river, in the historic port of Sandwich, this recently refurbished traditional hotel offers free Wi-Fi, an impressive restaurant and elegant, modern rooms.
Stylish and comfortable, the Bell Hotel now has a chic, modern feel, while retaining its reputation for excellence. All of the en suite rooms have TVs, digital radios, telephones, tea/coffee making facilities and bespoke toiletries. Some rooms have balconies and river views.
The restaurant and bar feature honey-coloured oak flooring and attractive natural colours. The menu changes regularly to reflect the finest, freshest seasonal produce available locally. Local fish and seafood, salt-marsh lamb and locally sourced meat are simply cooked to bring out their full, natural flavours.
Sandwich is one of Kent’s best-kept secrets. One of the region’s Cinque Ports, it is reputed to be the most complete medieval town in England, with more historic listed buildings per acre than anywhere else in the country.
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Star Rating: 3