Kent


<p>Charming market town, top dining destination with stunning countryside on the doorstep AND boasting new luxury family homes? Say hello, to one of Kent&#8217;s Best Places To Live.</p>



<p>This beautiful and historical town is bursting with personality &#8211; here&#8217;s our TOP 5 REASONS it&#8217;s a stand out place to set down roots.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-best-dining-destination">1. BEST DINING DESTINATION</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/bowleys-at-the-plough.jpeg" alt="Bowleys restaurant at The Plough in Trottiscliffe West Malling Kent exterior pub" class="wp-image-102888" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/bowleys-at-the-plough.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/bowleys-at-the-plough-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/bowleys-at-the-plough-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/bowleys-at-the-plough-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/bowleys-at-the-plough-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Just outside West Malling, in Trottiscliffe,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theploughkent.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bowley’s at The Plough</a>&nbsp;continues to be one of our firm foodie favourites in Kent. Boasting a young chef from the well-established Thackeray&#8217;s stable, the food is top notch so watch out, Michelin star incoming, maybe?</p>



<p><a aria-label="St. Leonard (opens in a new tab)" href="https://stleonardskent.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St. Leonard</a>’s is an exceptional dining destination, with beautiful boutique rooms to boot. Head to <a href="https://mereworth.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mereworth Wines</a>, producing award-winning world-class English Sparkling Wine from the fruit grown in their vineyard. Sip on a glass in their Winery Bar &amp; Café or sit outside on the terrace and enjoy the scenic views of the grapevines nearby. Bring your appetite as there’s nibbles, salads, quiches and pizzas to enjoy.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.theswanwestmalling.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Swan</a>, is a must – and it’s also home to a sleek cocktail bar too. There&#8217;s <a href="https://deshrestaurants.co.uk">De</a><a href="https://deshrestaurants.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sh</a>, an exciting and innovative Indian restaurant that fuses the authentic flavours of delicious Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine, with local British produce. </p>



<p>For a down-to-earth, cosy option there’s&nbsp;<a href="https://elitepubs.com/the-farm-house/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Farm House</a>&nbsp;with its origins as an Elizabethan coaching inn. You’ll love <a href="http://www.franksrestaurantandmusselbar.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frank’s Restaurant &amp; Mussel Bar</a>– housed in a 16th Century bakers, with cosy vibe and speciality of mussels cooked 21 ways! Then there’s&nbsp;<a href="https://thehungryguest.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hungry Guest</a>&nbsp;– a busy, bustling café and&nbsp;upmarket artisanal bakery and food store.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-exciting-new-housing-opportunity">2. EXCITING NEW HOUSING OPPORTUNITY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1122" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Fernham-Homes-West-Malling-Kent-show-home-and-garage.jpg" alt="Fernham Homes West Malling Kent show home and garage" class="wp-image-106821" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Fernham-Homes-West-Malling-Kent-show-home-and-garage.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Fernham-Homes-West-Malling-Kent-show-home-and-garage-800x598.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Fernham-Homes-West-Malling-Kent-show-home-and-garage-1000x748.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Fernham-Homes-West-Malling-Kent-show-home-and-garage-400x299.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Fernham-Homes-West-Malling-Kent-show-home-and-garage-768x574.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>We recently discovered this exclusive collection of luxurious four and five-bedroom properties from <a href="https://fernham-homes.co.uk/developments/west-malling">Fernham Homes</a>, all sitting in a gated community with a resident-only private woodland walk. Newly built, and unsurprisingly fast being snapped up, there are only 10 houses in this highly-sought after development (so if you are interested, <a href="https://fernham-homes.co.uk/developments/west-malling">you&#8217;d better get in touch, quic</a><a href="https://fernham-homes.co.uk/developments/west-malling" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">k</a>!)</p>



<p>These high-spec homes each feature a double or triple garage and visitor parking and are nestled in an idyllic setting, just a mile from West Malling high street. The exteriors are all designed in the traditional Kent architectural style, including the iconic Ragstone and red multi-brick combinations that reflect the local heritage.</p>



<p>Inside each home everything is meticulously designed with stylish touches, such as Amtico wood-effect parquet flooring, plus there&#8217;s underfloor heating throughout the ground floor, bathrooms and en-suites. Thoughtful features like ample smart storage, secure bicycle storage, and even outdoor hot and cold plumbing for dog wash stations make these homes as functional as they are beautiful.</p>



<p>The fully turfed rear gardens feature large Indian Sandstone patio paved areas and beyond there&#8217;s access to a woodland trail meandering through mature trees. <a href="https://fernham-homes.co.uk/developments/west-malling">This developmen</a><a href="https://fernham-homes.co.uk/developments/west-malling" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">t</a> combines upscale living with easy accessibility, as West Malling offers superb connectivity, with direct trains into London (see below) meaning you get to truly enjoy the best of both worlds. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-top-travel-amp-transport-links">3. TOP TRAVEL &amp; TRANSPORT LINKS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="599" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Kids-in-car-transport.jpg" alt="Happy kids looking out the car window" class="wp-image-106403" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Kids-in-car-transport.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Kids-in-car-transport-800x479.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Kids-in-car-transport-400x240.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Kids-in-car-transport-768x460.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>With Sevenoaks just to your west, Maidstone just to your east and London about&nbsp;an hour by train this property hot spot is in the perfect location. West Malling has its own train station which is 43 mins to London Bridge or 51 mins to London Waterloo to the north and 40 mins to Ashford International to the south. Just beyond that the trainline can take you to the Kent coast, with Folkestone being 1 hour and 14 mins away.</p>



<p>Despite the exceptional Location, Location, Location when it comes to transport links, you are also wonderfully rural. West Malling is home to Manor Park, a beautiful 52-acre country park with a pretty lake and fantastic walks &#8211; with a café too and a play area it&#8217;s perfect for young families.</p>



<p>For those travelling by road, the A20 and nearby M20 provide easy access to Maidstone, Bexley, Dartford, and coastal ports, ensuring smooth journeys across the region. The nearby A228 connects to Kings Hill and other picturesque local towns, while the M25 offers further routes to London, and Gatwick Airport.</p>



<p>For a wider range of shopping, dining and entertainment options lies Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, and the renowned Bluewater Shopping Centre all within 20 miles.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-exceptional-education-opportunities">4. EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="757" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Co-ed-school-.jpg" alt="Schoolchildren with backpacks stand in the park ready to go to" class="wp-image-105701" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Co-ed-school-.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Co-ed-school--800x404.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Co-ed-school--1000x505.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Co-ed-school--400x202.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Co-ed-school--768x388.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>In this area of Kent, when it comes to good schools, you&#8217;re spoilt for choice. There&#8217;s a number of Outstanding rated local Primary Schools and many exceptional Prep Schools too. For secondary there&#8217;s brilliant local independents as well as the Grammar Schools of Tonbridge and Maidstone nearby.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Excellent Prep Schools include&nbsp;<a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/sevenoaks-prep-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sevenoaks Prep Sch</a><a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/sevenoaks-prep-school/">ool</a>, <a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/new-beacon-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The New Beacon</a>, <a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/solefield-school-sevenoaks/">S</a><a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/solefield-school-sevenoaks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">olefield School</a>, <a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/schools/granville-school/">The Granville Schoo</a><a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/schools/granville-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">l</a>, <a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/wally-hall-junior-school/">Walthamstow Hall Junior Schoo</a><a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/wally-hall-junior-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">l</a> and <a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/st-michaels-prep-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Michael&#8217;s Prep</a>. Some do travel over towards <a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/sutton-valence-prep/">Sutton Valence Pre</a><a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/sutton-valence-prep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">p</a> or Ashford to enjoy schooling at <a aria-label="Spring Grove (opens in a new tab)" href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/spring-grove/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spring Grove</a>.</p>



<p>There’s&nbsp;excellent independent Senior Schools, such as&nbsp;<a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/tonbridge-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ton</a><a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/tonbridge-school/">bridge School</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/sevenoaks-school-sevenoaks/">Sevenoaks Schoo</a><a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/sevenoaks-school-sevenoaks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">l</a>, <a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/review-walthamstow-hall/">Walthamstow Hal</a><a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/review-walthamstow-hall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">l</a> and&nbsp;<a aria-label="Sutton Valence Senior School (opens in a new tab)" href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/sutton-valence-senior-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sutton Valence Senior School</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-community-and-character">5. COMMUNITY AND CHARACTER</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1010" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/West-Malling-Farmers-Market.jpg" alt="West Malling Farmers Market" class="wp-image-106405" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/West-Malling-Farmers-Market.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/West-Malling-Farmers-Market-800x539.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/West-Malling-Farmers-Market-1000x673.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/West-Malling-Farmers-Market-400x269.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/West-Malling-Farmers-Market-768x517.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Here, you&#8217;ll find rich pickings for all the things we most admire on Muddy – indie shops, cafés and restaurants &#8211; all dotted along the pretty Georgian High Street. Alongside an abundance of local businesses is a strong community spirit.</p>



<p>If you love character this town definitely punches above its weight. There are several blue plaques around the town commemorating West Malling’s rich heritage, the Abbey at the heart of the town dates back more than 900&nbsp;years and many of the properties are full of period features. The weekly <a href="https://www.westmallingfarmersmarket.co.uk">W</a><a href="https://www.westmallingfarmersmarket.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">est Malling Farmers Market</a> &#8211; which has won several awards &#8211; takes place on the last Sunday of every month.</p>


SPOTLIGHT ON: West Malling

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