We live in a 4 bedroom detached house in a very small village 3 miles from Canterbury.

Photos can follow on request.I have plenty!

The house was built as a School House in the 1870's (the headteacher lived upstairs), and remained as such until the 1960's. It overlooks fields and the Archbishop's Palace where Thomas Cranmer once lived.

We have added additional bedroom space yet have worked hard to ensure that the original features of the house were maintained.

There is one bathroom (en suite) and two shower rooms; two reception/ sitting rooms. The large farmhouse kitchen has a gas fired Aga-style range cooker for heating, hot water & cooking, and gas hobs & oven as 'back-up'. One living room has an open fire which burns wood or coal.

We stress that ours is an OLD house part having been built I the 1800's! Please don't expect it to be draught free, unlike modern houses! There is nothing to be wary of and it has loads of character!

We have all mod cons, WiFi internet, washing and drying facilities,central heating, Freesat large screen TV, etc.

There is a large garden with well established flower beds as well as fruit trees and vegetables in season. This is maintained by a regular gardener.

There is use of a car with manual gearbox (stick shift) and we could possibly extend the insurance to include travel to France and the continent if required. We would prefer a car in exchange, which would be well cared for as Simon is a mechanic!

Bicycles would also be available.

We are a retired couple in their (very!) early 60's. Simon a social worker and Gillian in educational management. We are both non smokers and would only wish to exchange with other non smokers!There are no pets to manage other than the occasional field mouse!

Gillian speaks fluent French & German, Simon has British Sign Language skills, so enquiries in those languages would be welcomed.

Canterbury is situated in south- east Kent some 20 minutes from the coast at Dover where there is easy access to France by ferry ( 75 mins) or the Shuttle (train under the English Channel) from Folkestone (30 mins).Gatwick airport is one hour away and Heathrow 90 minutes.

There is a new fast direct train service to London (1hr) from Canterbury via our local station which is 500m from our house. Canterbury can be easily reached by bus, train or bicycle!

Ashford International Terminal is 35 minutes away with fast rail connections to Paris (1½ hours), Brussels & Lille, as well as the rest of France.

Canterbury was built in Roman times and still retains parts of its Roman wall around the town. It is noted for its beautiful Cathedral.

We are close to a number of seaside resorts famous in Victorian times such as Whitstable and Broadstairs.

Kent is known as 'The Garden of England' on account of its fruit and hops (now in decline) production, helped by its warm weather and agreeable soils.

There are a large number of Pubs within Kent, many of which sell local beers and serve good food at lunchtime as well as in the evening:an excellent way to 'fill up' after a cycle ride or walk along the many picturesque routes available!

There is a vibrant provincial life in the city of Canterbury with two theatres (one undergoing refurbishment) and two universities, as well as a wide range of musical activities.

There are very many places of interest within easy travel distance, too many to mention but which include Castles,Animal Parks,Vast Shopping Centres,Golf Courses,Roman Remains,etc!

We have a 'Skype' address which is available from the 'Skype' directory, if you fancy a chat!

Preferred length of exchange 1 to 3 months. We are now booked for 2010 and most of 2011, however we welcome enquiries regardless.

Countries we should like to visit include Canada, Europe, The Indian Sub Continent,United States of America,Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Asia, South America but these are NOT exclusive. We would consider anywhere!