5 Reasons Why You Should Move To Kent

1. THE SWEET SPOT

To put it succinctly – Kent has it all. A Home County, bordering London that offers so much space, countryside and character. From vineyards and hop gardens to fruit orchards and fields of veggies, Kent’s luscious land is the gift that keeps on giving.

Fiona says: ‘Those moving from London to Kent, tend to be bowled over by the amount of space your hard-earned money can buy you. Both inside and outside – square footage and acreage, that space is what draws people to the county.’

‘Plus, it’s known as The Garden of England for good reason. And not only have you got all that wonderful countryside – you’ve also got a coastline jam-packed with character. And it is the space combined with the accessibility which is really key.’

‘Choose any Kent town or village and you will have easy and quick access to rolling countryside, gorgeous coastline and yet still, in general, within an hour’s train ride back to the city (if you are feeling a little nostalgic). But we promise you, you’ll be jumping back on that train and itching to get home to the countryside!’

2. EXCEPTIONAL SCHOOLING

Kent is well known, not just for its strong raft of independent preps and senior schools, (click here for more on Kent’s best independent schools), but also excellent options for both state and grammars, increasingly popular since the VAT addition to private school fees. In fact, while Ofsted is ditching its single word rating system, analysis from previous reports show Kent has been home to more Outstanding rated schools than any other English county.

Fiona says: ‘There is a huge range of really superb state, grammar and independent schools to choose from all over the county. Kent has 32 grammar schools, the most of any UK county, with several of the best located in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells.’

There are also unique options like Cranbrook School, a rare co-educational grammar, and one of only nine selective state boarding schools in the whole of the UK (two of which are in Northern Ireland). Cranbrook School is free for Day pupils as the teaching and education part of the school is free but they charge fees for boarding. Meaning fees for a full boarder are about the same cost of a normal day school place in the independent sector, making it a very competitive offering.

3. COMMUTER CATNIP

Need to head into London for work or play? Kent has some excellent rail routes into the main city stations (Charing Cross, Waterloo East and Victoria in particular).

Fiona says: ‘You have well-known commuting stations such as Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells should you seek the comfort of a town as the first step into the county.’

‘But don’t be afraid to venture further south – stations such as Marden, Staplehurst and Headcorn all offer regular services and direct trains and whilst they may take a little longer, at least you’ll be guaranteed a seat. And don’t forget Ashford International, with its high speed link to London St Pancras and to international destinations beyond.’

4. FOOD AND FESTIVALS

Culture vultures take heart – do not let the ‘Garden of England’ tag fool you into thinking it’s just a sleepy county of rolling hills, delicious farm shops and National Trust gardens – although Kent has more than its fair share of all those things. Kent these days is home to many vibrant and artistic venues, spaces and people. There’s music, food and drink, literary and family festivals galore. (For a list of 30 taking place this summer alone, click here)

Fiona says: ‘The local food scene has exploded and Kent now boasts loads of vibrant restaurants, none of which have that starchy or stuffy pretence you might find elsewhere but all with Kent’s characterful edgy vibe. Think rock-star street food, farm-to-fork hidden gems and low-key exceptional dining by the sea.’

‘Plus Kent has long gained a reputation as a destination for creatives. With seaside towns like Margate, Broadstairs, and Ramsgate drawing artists from all over and boasting some brilliant independent galleries. South East Open Studios celebrate over 175 local artists in June every year, where you can tour and explore workspaces from galleries to sheds, meet and chat to the artists and of course purchase unique pieces of art.’

‘And again, for the occasional big city night out, just jump on a train and you can be in the bright lights of the West End within an hour.’

5) CHARACTERFUL PROPERTIES

Kent is has both a long history of rural agriculture and urban industrialisation, resulting in beautiful houses of any style you could wish for – from farm cottages to Oast houses and contemporary to Georgian.

Fiona says: ‘Although period properties will always appeal, there is definitely a trend towards new builds and agricultural barn conversions that can combine modern architectural design with mindfulness of the environmental footprint and future proofing a home with lower costing, sustainable energy. Most of them give a nod to traditional Kentish property features too.’

‘And when it comes to period properties with character we really are spoilt for choice. From tile hung, beamed farmhouses, white weatherboard cottages and distinct Oast houses in the countryside to the splendour of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian town houses. Kent definitely offers something for every taste.’