As UK homebuyers' hunt for green space shows no signs of slowing down, the Garden of England has become a magnet for those seeking open air and gorgeous rural retreats. Located in the heart of this lush Kentish countryside is Berkeley's newest address Foal Hurst Green, a collection of family homes and apartments in Paddock Wood designed to keep up with the rigors of daily life within a charming village setting.
Launching this spring, Foal Hurst Green is designed to complement the adjacent 29-acre Foal Hurst Wood next door, retaining much of the natural landscape including mature trees and hedgerows, alongside the creation of a new five-acre nature reserve that connects to the woodland and enhances residents' feeling of proximity to country life. A duck pond, bandstand, and play areas form the centerpiece of the site - a charming outlook and a focus for the inviting neighbourhood. The development places buyers in the centre of a strong local community within Paddock Wood and the wider Tunbridge Wells area.
Properties comprise three, four and five-bedroom houses, as well as a limited number of one and two-bedroom apartments and is designed to suit all types of buyers - from families to young professionals and retirees. High speed broadband allows easy working from home and modern living within a quintessentially rural setting.
All homes are meticulously constructed to Berkeley's exacting standards, carefully crafted in a range of architectural styles that are befitting of the idyllic Kentish location. Ecology is woven into the fabric of the homes' design, with an overall net biodiversity gain across the site of 42%. Properties are built using photovoltaic technology to reduce emissions during construction and are fitted with energy-efficient fixtures to continue this reduction long-term. Bat and bird boxes will also be installed on buildings and trees as part of an ongoing site-wide management programme that will actively manage and promote the rich ecological value of the site.
Internally all homes are designed to be contemporary and convenient, perfect for busy modern lives, featuring high specification kitchens complete with Silestone worktops and fridge/freezer and dishwasher. Open-plan living spaces are designed with freedom and flexibility in mind, with full height windows that allow the room to be flooded with natural daylight and provide access to private gardens (houses only). Bedrooms are a retreat to unwind, with generous fitted wardrobes and ample storage to help keep family life tidy and organised.
Less than a mile from home is Paddock Wood town centre, a thriving rural community with a range of quality local establishments such as a popular family-run butcher, independent florists, farm shops and a veterinary practice, as well as a Waitrose for daily essentials. Putlands Sports and Leisure Centre is located within walking distance for leisure facilities, with a fully equipped gym, fitness studios and sports hall. For more extensive options, Royal Tunbridge Wells is just 18 minutes' drive from home, and Bluewater shopping centre, one of the largest malls in the country, is 42 minutes away by car.
Education locally is first class, making Foal Hurst Green perfect for families. Within eight miles are four Ofsted-rated Good and Outstanding primary schools, including Paddock Wood Primary School just half a mile from home. In addition, there is a selection of well-regarded secondary, grammar and private schools, notably the world-famous Skinners School and Tonbridge School.
Commuters can find an ideal home at Foal Hurst Green, with frequent, direct rail services to London Bridge in 41 minutes. Trains also run to Ashford International for connections to the East Kent coast via Canterbury, as well as directly to Folkstone and Dover. By road, the A228 provides connections to the M20 and A21, both of which join with the M25. International travel is easily accessible from Gatwick Airport, just 50 minutes' drive away.
Prices at Foal Hurst Green start from £252,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, and £441,000 for a three-bedroom house, with Help to Buy available on selected properties where applicable. For more information, visit www.berkeleygroup.co.uk.