From preserved, intricate beaming, to reclaimed brick fire- places, Charlton Court Place - a development from house builder, Fernham Homes - is being restored to its original Jacobean glory.

The Grade II Listed building overlooking the Kent Weald in East Sutton, Maidstone, is the subject of ambitious plans from the company's directors who are experienced restorers and great fans of classic architecture.

One of the directors, David Masters, has worked on a number of restoration projects including Sissinghurst Castle.

Expertise on adapting the property for modern living will come from another director, Michael Canham, who specialises in barn, oast and flat conversions.

He draws much of his inspiration from Tudor construction and particularly likes the oak and rendering styles of this period.

David Masters said: "It's great to bring my past experience of restoration projects to the fore at Charlton Court Place.

"Michael and myself share a love for a traditional style of property, which is even reflected in the style of our new homes and will ensure the mix of old and new at Charlton Court Place blend together seamlessly."

Along with the period property, Fernham Homes will also be restoring the Coach House and Field House and the historic landscaped gardens in the grounds.

There are also plans to build another four new homes - all in tune with the older properties.

Wherever possible, reclaimed materials will be used and the period barley twist chimney stacks, which were removed when the site was used as a school, will be purpose-made and put back.

The grounds are also lined up for the makeover. The current garden, according to the developer, is reminiscent of Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden - it is overgrown and untidy but has a lot of potential.

The walled Pleasure Garden, as it is known, is divided into a flower garden and a fruit garden, with a row of trees along the west edge and fruit trees along the east.

Fernham Homes says it will plant shrubs which were popular in Jacobean gardens. Specialist advice from landscape historians has been sought to determine which trees should be retained and where new planting should happen.

Fernham, Homes has made it company policy to preserve old properties such as this.

David said: "We share a deep commitment to rejuvenating properties such as Charlton Court Place to maintain the heritage which is bound up in them.

"By restoring properties which have such historic significance it means we become part of its legacy, a keystone in its future and leave an important testament for generations to come."