A delightful extended Grade II listed detached house complete with a labyrinth of subterranean tunnels and caves is up for sale in Eastry.

The five-bedroom property, named Beckets after Thomas Becket, who was said to have hidden there while fleeing from Henry II, is on the market for a cool £1 million.

Located in a conservation area Gore Road, Eastry, it boasts unique access to extensive tunnels and caves, some of which descend 50 to 60 feet below ground, as well as large reception rooms and wonderful period features, including exposed beams, original floorboards, doors and sash windows, as well as stunning fireplaces.

Granted the red diamond Historic Buildings of Kent plaque, which is on the outer wall, the original part of the house was built in the 12th century and it still includes the medieval roof structure, wall framework and wattle and daub sections.

Subsequent additions were made in the 18th century, when a Georgian façade was created at the front of the building and the roof was raised, while an additional wing was built at one end in the 1970s.

The property is approached through wood gates that lead to a gated gravel parking area, which has space for four cars, in addition to a garage and an oak framed porch with Kent peg tile roof that is used as the main access. This leads to a cloakroom and utility area, and through to the traditional kitchen with terracotta floor tiles, a lantern skylight, an Aga and bespoke wood units with polished concrete worktops and stand-alone appliances.

There is a step up to a large breakfast area with an exposed beam and a door to the dining room with original wood floors, access to a small cellar and a vast inglenook fireplace with a large bressumer beam.

There is a door that leads to the front lobby and the Georgian front door as well as to the elegant dual aspect drawing room with an impressive marble fireplace, a brick insert and a log burner.

On the other side of the property is the 1970s extension that includes a vast dual aspect sitting room, originally built as a music room, that is great for parties and has doors to the front and rear gardens.

It also includes a stunning ornate Adams style marble fireplace, with the open fire creating an impressive focal point.

Eastry is a delightful and friendly place to live, with everything you could possibly need. It has a convenience store, hairdressers and a beauty therapy centre, as well as a butchers, bakers, pharmacy and post office.

The village hall is regularly used by local organisations, including the local theatre company, the Horticultural Society and health and fitness classes. The old Five Bells country pub also offers a fine selection of drinks and meals.

There is a local primary school and the excellent Northbourne prep school nearby. For older children, the St Roger Manwood Grammar School in Sandwich is well respected, and there are several good private and state secondary schools in Canterbury, Dover and Thanet.

It is only a five-minute drive to the historic Cinque Port town of Sandwich with its vast array of fascinating medieval properties, individual shops, restaurants and bars, as well as a mainline station with the high-speed trains to London taking under an hour and a half.

Sandwich is also a Mecca for golfing enthusiasts with the championship courses at Royal St Georges and Princes Golf Club, while water sport aficionados can join the Sandwich Bay Sailing and Motor Boat Club or the Sandwich Bay Sailing and Water Ski club.

In addition, there are several off-road bridle paths, a livery stables and a riding shop in the village. There are also plenty of places for dog walking, while there’s a dog grooming parlour on Hammill Road and White Mill Veterinary Centre is less than three miles away.

For more information or to book a viewing, call 01227 479317, email canterbury@fineandcountry.com or click here.