downsmail.co.uk
Family to turn derelict ruins into dream home
A FAMILY is seeking help in their search for the history of the ruined old farmhouse they are working to restore to its former glory. Andy and Audrey Ratcliffe and
their daughter Elyse are living in a caravan called Jenny while the derelict property on Elmstone Hole Road, near Grafty Green, is trans- formed into their dream home. The family became intrigued with
the abandoned house, known as Elmstone, after glimpsing it by chance last September and knew they just had to live there. The story beganwhenAudrey and
Elysewere on theirway from school to their home in Sandway, near Lenham, taking a different route “because it seemed right”. They stumbled across the former
farm and Elyse developed a tale for her school story writing project about why it had been abandoned. Andy, an architect, said: “The fol- lowingweekend itwas time to show daddy what they had been talking about, sowe headed off for awalk. “We were looking to move to somewhere in the same areawe had loved for 13 years. One look around
Elmstone, and right, Andy and Au- drey working on the house
the derelict remains and a search on- line resulted in our finding it for sale through an agricultural agency.” The family made an offer last De- cember, exchanged contracts in March, and moved into a caravan. Andy said: “We hope to be in by Easter. The house deserved to be loved rather than left to fall apart.” The couple will convert the much-
scavenged remains of the 1860s-built farmhouse into a three-bedroom home, which will be joined to an 18th-century stone bakehouse. There is also a derelict oasthouse which will become a separate dwelling.
www.directorshairandbeauty.co.uk 01622 738772 7 Yeoman Court, Ashford Road, Bearsted
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Pantowebsite LEEDS Amateur Dramatic Society (LADS) has moved a new website, Facebook page and online booking for its pantomime in February. Next year’s panto is Robin Hood
and the Babes in the Wood by Dave Jeanes. The shows take place in Leeds village hall on Friday, Febru- ary 3 at 7.30pm and Saturday Febru- ary 4 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets cost £8, or £5 for child/se-
niors and £25 for a family ticket (two adults and three children). Go to
www.leedskentamdram.org and
www.facebook.com/LADSamdram for links to the booking page,
www.ticketsource.co.uk/leeds-ama- teur-dramatic-society. They are also on sale during rehearsals in the vil- lage hall from 3-6pm on Sundays.
The buildings are believed to have
been owned by the Weeks family who abandoned the site in the mid- 60s, but exactly why is unclear. The Ratcliffes are keen to trace the history of Elmstone and have ap- pealed for information in the Boughton Malherbe newsletter. If you can help, contact
andy.ratcliffe667@gmail.com or Downs Mail andwe will pass on the information.
Honey profit BEEKEEPING students at Invicta Grammar School are selling the har- vest from their hives. The Invicta bees produced 40 jars of honey weighing about 30lb which have been on sale to staff and students.
Watch role A NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch co- ordinator is needed for Grafty Green to join the network which includes Liverton Hill and Platts Heath. For details, email Annie Allum at paal-
lum@googlemail.com.
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