A 1768 Georgian House Reimagined by Its Artist Owners, One Hour from London
Beds: 7 Interior: 697 m² (7,500 sq ft) Land: 0.61 hectares (1.5 acres)
Amenities: Grade II*-listed Georgian main house (1768), artist-designed interiors, multiple reception rooms including former music room, art studios and writing room, roof terrace, heated outdoor swimming pool, garden sauna, greenhouse, vegetable garden, outbuildings, mature landscaped grounds, former WWII officers’ base, later used as a school, featured on House & Garden (Nov 2024 cover), secluded setting
Set in the village of Barming near Maidstone, this Grade II*-listed Georgian house dates to 1768 and is on the market for £2.35 million with Inigo. The seven-bedroom home spans approximately 7,500 sq ft (697 m²) and sits within 1.5 acres (0.61 hectares) of gardens, combining scale, history, and access to London in under an hour by train. Set behind a quiet cul-de-sac and screened by trees, the house is largely hidden from view.
Known as Barming Place, the house has a symmetrical red brick front with stone detailing, while the rear is finished in traditional local stone. Over time, it has been adapted to suit different uses. A large reception room was added in 1820, with further changes made in the early 20th century. During the Second World War, the house was used as an officers’ base, and in the 1970s it operated as a school before returning to a private home.
The current owners, Robert Montgomery, an artist, and Greta Bellamacina, a poet and actress, have shaped the house to reflect both daily life and creative work. Several rooms are currently used as art studios and a writing space, and the interiors are defined by a strong use of colour, pattern, and personal objects. The result is a home that functions both as a private residence and a place for creative work. The house was featured on the cover of House & Garden in November 2024.
Many original features have been preserved, including fireplaces, decorative ceiling details, and large sash windows. The former music room now serves as the main living space, with high ceilings, a central fireplace, and doors that open directly onto the garden. In one of the sitting rooms, a hand-painted mural believed to date from the wartime period has been retained. The main bedroom is finished in a bold colour palette, while the hallway is lined with bookshelves that create informal reading areas.
The kitchen has terracotta flooring, vintage cabinetry, stone worktops, and a professional range cooker. A separate dining room looks out over the garden and is used for entertaining. Additional rooms on the ground floor are arranged within a separate wing and are currently used as studios and flexible workspaces.
Upstairs, four bedrooms are arranged on the first floor, each with original detailing. The main bedroom includes a dressing room and access to a roof terrace with views across the surrounding countryside. Three further bedrooms are located on the top floor, along with a guest bathroom and a secondary kitchen, allowing for more independent use of this level if needed.
The grounds extend to 1.5 acres (0.61 hectares) and include lawns, mature trees, and productive garden areas. Trees include Scots pine, ginkgo, gum, and cherry, some dating back to the early years of the house. A heated swimming pool, added in the 1970s, sits on the west-facing side of the property alongside a terrace and garden sauna. There are also outbuildings, a greenhouse, and vegetable plots.
Barming is a quiet village to the west of Maidstone, with local amenities and schools nearby. West Malling station provides regular trains to London Victoria and Charing Cross in under an hour, making the house a viable option for those balancing country living with access to the city. The surrounding area includes the Kent countryside, historic gardens, and coastal towns such as Whitstable, all within easy reach.
All photographs belong to the listing agency. See more on Inigo House.
