Local area
Nestled deep in the heart of Kent, Ashford boasts many amenities that are well known, such as its great transport links and shopping facilities. But what about those picturesque villages that surround it and their average property values?
On Ashford's doorstep, sits an array of inviting places to live or visit enriched in local history over the gorgeous Weald of Kent and North Downs. There is much to love about getting lost in the woodlands and stumbling across a tearoom to take your worries away.
Let us guide you through some of Ashford's finest surrounding villages.
Boughton Lees
Situated just 3.5 miles away from Ashford, Boughton Aluph is the larger village of the parish of Boughton Lees and was used by the Pilgrims on their way to Canterbury.
The picturesque 3,000 acre park hosts the Eastwell Estate, which is open to visitors and includes Eastwell Lake and Eastwell Manor, which is famously known for the Champneys Spa, food served in its restaurant and as a wedding venue.
For over 100 years, cricket has been played on the green and every year on the second Saturday in June, it holds an annual fete. The houses surrounding the green are left with a constant reminder that they live in a beautiful village, rich in history and set in an area of outstanding beauty.
Over the last year, properties in Boughton Aluph had an overall average price of £429,375.
Image source: Sandersons UK
Charing
Charing is a deeply fascinating village with the remains of an 11th century palace, which was once used by the Archbishop of Canterbury along its main high street. Adorned with a selection of pretty cottages, there is also a variety of shops and amenities on offer including a general store, a butchers, a gastro pub and a selection of tea rooms.
Once used as a stopover place on the major pilgrim trail to the shrine of Thomas A Becket at Canterbury, Charing includes the Bishop's Palace, which was once used by the various Archbishops of Canterbury as their overnight accommodation on pilgrimages between London and Canterbury. You can find the Bishop's Palace behind the 13thcentury St Peter and St Paul parish church.
In the last year, properties in Charing had an overall average price of £549,442.
Image source: Sandersons UK
Pluckley
The village of Pluckley hosts a small yet blossoming community. So blossoming in fact, it was famously the location for the filming of the 'Darling Buds of May,' a popular 90s TV show. With views overlooking the Weald of Kent, oast houses and apple orchards, it could be the perfect backdrop for any country-based programme!
Also renowned for being the most haunted village in England, it is thought Pluckley is visited by a number of ghosts, with some belonging to the local Dering family. You'll frequently find that many of the older houses together with the village hall have the distinctive arched 'Dering' windows. These are unique designs and mainly only found within the quaint village or neighbouring hamlets like Little Chart.
Pluckley has three great pubs, a post office within its village hall and there are regular annual events, including a Halloween night with a BBQ, Murder Mystery evenings and Jazz Sundays. It also has a mainline station with direct services to London in under 1hr 15mins or to St Pancras via Ashford International.
Properties in and around Pluckley had an overall average price of £659,714 in the last year.
Image source: Sandersons UK
Bethersden
Don't be fooled by Bethersden's small size, for it encapsulates everything about the British countryside you could imagine. This thriving village boasts two popular pubs and has a wide range of leisure facilities and amenities including a post office with a shop and a beautiful iron craft centre. It is also the home of the Her Majesty the Queen's favourite Rocking Horse maker, Stevenson Brothers who have a beautiful workshop and show room in the village. Our Wells office recently partnered with Stevenson Brothers rocking horses with a stand at the Mid-Somerset show in Shepton Mallet.
Standing tall to the west side of the village is the 15th century church of St Margaret's, where many services are still held. For residents or visitors who like to spend time outdoors, you can head to the village recreation ground for a number of sports, or to the playing field. There are some fabulous countryside walks to also enjoy in the area.
In Bethersden, house prices on average came in at £497,785 in the last year.
Image source: Sandersons UK
Challock
Famous for its 588 hectare Kings Wood, Challock is a leafy and mainly wooded area that sits on a hill, allowing it to be one of the highest points on the North Downs. Its ancient church of St Cosmas and St Damien was built in the 13thcentury, and holds one of only two remaining original candle beams in the entire country.
Challock curves around the village green known as, 'Challock Lees,' with two friendly pubs on offer and a general store with a post office. It also has a delightful farm shop selling fresh, local produce. It has fantastic transport benefits with easy access to Canterbury, Ashford, Faversham and Maidstone.
Properties in Challock had an overall average price of £604,778 in the last year.
Image source: Sandersons UK
Shadoxhurst
Sitting to the south west of Ashford, is the civil parish village of Shadoxhurst. Known as 'the woodland gateway to the countryside,' it is located between the North Downs and Romney Marsh. Shadoxhurst boasts an interesting 13th century church, a popular country pub and some delightful period buildings.
Locals can enjoy a variety of woodland walks, followed by a well earned break at the Kings Head pub, dating back to 1580.
Shadoxhurst is a charming and friendly village, with so much tranquillity and green space to offer its residents, including a village post office and a village hall. The nearby Rare Breeds Centre is also a popular destination for families with animals, play areas and activities on offer.
Properties in Shadoxhurst last year had an overall average price of £479,442.
Image source: Sandersons UK
Take a visit
If you have never ventured to this part of Kent that holds so much history and beauty, we hope you feel somewhat inspired to take a day trip to one of these villages. You never know, one of them might end up being your next home.
