Kent

Move to Kent

Kent is a large county occupying the South East corner of the country. The views are of undulating hills, woodland, farmland and village church spires. Part of Kent is in the ‘High Weald’ and part in the ‘Kent Downs’. Both are designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ where measures exist to preserve the ancient woodlands, farmland and traditional character which is the root of its beauty. 

The area surrounding Sevenoaks is often the first port of call for those looking to get out of London, leap-frog suburbia and find some proper countryside. Close to London with excellent rail links you will find charming villages, beautiful countryside and outstanding schools plus restaurants, shopping and social facilities that you might not have expected to find outside the metropolis. This is, of course, reflected in the house prices and type of retail and leisure that is available; and to some extent in the feel and pace of the communities. 

In the centre of Kent and bordering East Sussex is ‘The Weald’. This area really has the best of both worlds. There is a proper country feel, friendly people, loads of local produce, farmland and woodland areas and small towns and villages with their own distinct character. Yet with good rail routes, it attracts families with a London salary to spend and good quality retailers and restaurants are well supported.

The Kent downs are a beautiful area stretching from just south of the Medway estuary down to the coast at Folkestone and Dover where the famous White Cliffs mark their abrupt ending. The area is mostly one of small villages and hamlets, linked by quiet country roads. In the east of the county, villages within strike of the Cathedral City of Canterbury, steeped in medieval history and ecclesiastical importance, are particularly favoured.

Coastal areas are different again with proper sea-side towns, wind-swept cliff tops, sailing marinas, long stretches of golden sand and shingle bays so the choice is yours.

Kent has some excellent road and rail links with only the very furthest coastal and most remote areas being ‘no-go’ for a daily commuter. Its location, and the high speed rail link HS1, make it ideal for those who need to ping-pong between London and continental Europe. Nipping over (or under) the water for a bit of lunch and some wine and cheese shopping is very popular and easy. Aside from the HS1 running into London St Pancras, mainline services give very good times into London Bridge, Cannon Street, Waterloo East and/or Charing Cross.

Lovely primary schools are found in the villages and in most (but not all) of Kent, state secondary education is selective. There are excellent and popular grammar schools as well as a good spread of independents. Top schools in both sectors add to the attraction for families so it is well worth some intensive research if this will be relevant to you.

Best places to live in Kent include these villages and towns:

Langton Green, Leigh, Chiddingstone, Cranbrook, Sissinghurst, Benenden, Biddenden, Goudhurst, Aldington, Lympne, Penshurst, Chiddingstone, Westerham, Groombridge, Otford, Horsmonden, Yalding, Sutton Valence, Headcorn, Smarden, Appledore, Eynesford, Charing, Chilham, Chartham, Wye, Faversham, Bridge, Sandgate, Wickambraux, and rural areas around Canterbury, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks.

Kent Homes. Kent is a county rich in period homes. The wealth of the medieval wool trade gave us heavily beamed Wealden ‘Hall Houses’ in town, village and rural areas. Also peppering the landscape are white weather boarded cottages and farmhouses.  The feather edged cladding boards give excellent insulation and a very ‘Kentish’ look to both period and recent builds in both village and countryside.  Blackened timber barn conversions make lovely spaces and lend themselves to contemporary styling but perhaps the most distinctive Kent building is the Oast House.  Built as kilns to dry the hops to make beer, most are now converted to charming homes with pointed roof topped with white rotating cowl.

Something for the weekend ...

• With woodland, downland and all sorts of coast line, Kentish folk are never short of places to explore.
• Add to that a choice of castles from the famous and magnificent at Leeds, Hever or Dover, to magical little ruins such as the coastal fortifications at Walmer. There are well over 30 castles to discover.
• Kent is a county rich in nature reserves, over 60 in all. These can be places for a pleasant walk or an opportunity to get involved in local conservation projects and get to know Kent’s diverse wildlife.
• Kent is know as ‘The Garden of England’ so visit the National Fruit Collection at ‘Brogdale’ for advice on how to get your own mini orchard started.
• The sea offers sailing and windsurfing or a day making sandcastles. 
• If you want to harness the breeze without getting wet, fly a kite up on the downs or try land yachting at Greatstone Sands.
• A great county for foodies, either grow your own, buy local produce from the farm or seek out anything from top fish and chips, gasto pubs and fine ‘Michelin Stared’ dining.