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There are few places in the world that make a better hometown than Tunbridge Wells - or Royal Tunbridge Wells to use its preferred name. Tucked away in the garden of England, there are plentiful green spaces, with nearby woodland and excellent rock climbing as well as well-kept parks, such as Calverley or Donorlan.
It’s fast becoming a ‘yummy mummy’ haven as young couples flock here from London in order to take advantage of the beautiful Georgian architecture, straightforward commute into the city and enviable coffee culture lifestyle. In fact, lots of new developments have gone up to appeal to this commuter market but there also many gorgeous townhouses on the market for a snip compared to similar builds in Notting Hill.
Or if you’d prefer to be a little out the way, the surrounding villages are renown for their beauty and are steeped in history, offering some fantastic property options. Look to Langton Green, Rusthall, Wadhurst and even Pembury for some bargains.
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Expect lots of traditional pubs with roaring fires and real ales, plus sophisticated wine bars and a wealth of first-rate restaurants. To the bottom of town are the historic Pantiles with their notoriously cobbled streets, sweet independent shops and more cafes than you can shake a croissant at.
With an average house price of £464,588, this Kentish spa town is an affluent area. But you get what you pay for – with some of the best education options in the county for your children. In fact, Tunbridge Wells was even named the fifth happiest place to live in Britain in a Rightmove survey last year.
Two-bedroom apartment, Bidborough Court, Penshurst Road
This is a really exciting opportunity to own part of a particularly fine Grade II-listed mansion. The imposing building has been converted into quality apartments and this first-floor one is ideal to make your mark on. Accommodation is versatile and spacious and provides a blank canvas for buyers to get creative with.
The impressive entrance hall features an elegant wide staircase and a beautiful window, so you’ll feel oh-so-grand at this address. As well as the two main bedrooms, there’s also a little study that could be used as a nursery or small third bedroom. Look out for the ornate coving, sash windows and gorgeous fireplace with marble surround. Outside the communal gardens extend to about three acres and comprise paved terraces, sweeping lawns, banks of rhododendrons and fine mature trees all providing a wonderful setting with views to the south.
On the market at £385,000 with Hamptons International.
Three-bedroom cottage, Holden Corner, Southborough
A cute and cosy home with bags of space, this wonderfully charming cottage is the full package. An abundance of original features can be found throughout the property, such as leaded light windows, wooden floorboards, ceiling beams, original latch doors and a brick-built fireplace that’s now fitted with a log burner.
On the ground floor is a good-sized living room, a dining room and a kitchen which overlooks the large garden. Upstairs are three double bedrooms and a modern bathroom. We love how the home has a real feeling of seclusion, whilst still being in close proximity to the shops and local schools.
On Rightmove with a guide price of £550,000.
Regency Mews house, Tunbridge Wells
In a quiet yet central town location, this impeccably presented family home begs to be viewed. A Regency-style mews on the south side of town, the regal residence is surprisingly spacious and features a large entrance hall with a cloakroom, an elegant kitchen and a fabulous sitting room with a travertine marble fireplace and two sets of double doors leading to the garden room.
Here you can curl up with a good book – and probably a gin and tonic – and enjoy the fine views of the delightful courtyard garden. Upstairs the galleried landing is light and airy and grants access to three roomy bedrooms and a generous bathroom. Another highlight is the sweet window seat in one of the bedrooms, which also overlooks the pretty garden.
On the market with Jackson-Stops and accepting offers from £620,000.
Four-bed townhouse with roof terrace, Warwick Road, Tunbridge Wells
This pretty pink townhouse has been tastefully renovated and decked out in a chic, contemporary style. Benefitting from parking and a garage, the home is located on a no-through cobbled street just a stone’s throw from the lower high street, the historic Pantiles and the train station.
Arranged over four floors, accommodation includes a large utility room with storage and access to the garage, an impressive kitchen/breakfast room with under-floor heating and a spacious living room. On the upper levels you’ll find four large bedrooms and two bathrooms and our favourite spot – the south-facing roof terrace with beautiful views across the village area to the countryside beyond.
On the market with Green Lizard Homes with a guide price of £775,000.
Five-bedroom country house, Langton Road, Langton Green
Here’s an outstanding 1920s residence that’s been superbly extended to provide spacious family accommodation arranged over three floors, with many notable features throughout. Set in the centre of Langton Green (a pretty village a couple of miles west of town) the house is approached through double gates, where a long drive flanked with mature hedging meets the double garage.
Inside the rooms are light and spacious and comprise a kitchen/breakfast room (fitted with an AGA, naturally), an outstanding Peter Edmundson conservatory and a useful study. As you ascend to the first floor a spacious landing affords a welcoming window seat, and gives access to five bedrooms. A typical English garden to the rear is filled with a good selection of roses and peonies, as well as picturesque pathways and a wide paved terrace that leads up to the heated swimming pool with decked surround.
On Rightmove £1,850,000 with Hamptons International.
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