John Callcott Horsley, born in 1817 and a member of the artist’s colony in Cranbrook, designed the first ever Christmas card, which caused some controversy because it included a small child drinking wine.

Shaw House, a substantial part of his fine Grade II* listed Cranbrook residence is now
up for sale.

It comes complete with a grand oak-panelled ballroom with four-metre high ceiling, which is nowadays suggested for more practical use as a drawing room with wood-burning stove.

The four-bedroom home has a cellar, a courtyard and a garden, as well as block-paved parking for three cars. The kitchen/breakfast room has maple units and there is an oak staircase to a galleried landing.

An en-suite master bedroom has a shower room and there are three further bathrooms.

Interesting features of the property include tall chimneys and a peacock mural of green bottle glass, which is on the gable with the biblical reference “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.”

There is a mainline railway station at neighbouring Staplehurst, which is just over four miles away.

Shaw House, Angley Road, Cranbrook
Guide price: £575,000
Agent: Lambert & Foster

For more information ring the agent on 01580 712888.