If small and rural are at the top of your list of criteria then it might be worth looking for a suitable property to purchase or rent in the little Kent village of Brook. Named for its location by a small stream in the shelter of the North Downs, Brook offers residents a taste of quiet country living in an area of outstanding natural beauty, whilst also being completely accessible.
The bustling town of Ashford is only 4 miles away, offering numerous leisure and shopping opportunities, as well as the Ashford International Station – which gives the residents of Brook all the joys of country life with the added bonus of easy access to the surrounding kent towns, the cities of Canterbury and London, and the European continent. All of this makes Brook the perfect choice for those who want to live in a rural location, but who need to commute to the wider community for work or study.
With a population of just over 300, Brook is the ideal location for homeowners who want to get away from it all. This beautifully kept village is known for its charming scenery that includes fields and woodland, and traditional features such as the small parish museum and the church of St. Mary, which was erected in 1075 and built in the Early Norman style.
One of the biggest assets to the community of Brook is the village hall, which is a popular venue for both private and village events, including quiz nights, jumble sales, the village Halloween night, the Brook summer barbecue and the Brook Drama Group’s annual pantomime. The hall is also used as a polling station and as a location for council meetings, as well as being the venue for a variety of locally run clubs and classes. For a small village, it’s clear to see that the sense of community is strong! The village hall is managed by the Village Hall Trust, which holds charitable status and relies on hiring income and fund-raising to meet day-to-day running costs. If you’re planning a move to Brook, and want to immerse yourself into village life (which we highly recommend!), it’s worth knowing that the trust is always on the lookout for volunteers, on both an occasional and regular basis.
One of the main requirements for families with children when looking to relocate to a new area, is local schools, so you might be interested to know that the highly reputable Brook Community Primary School offers an intimate learning community of less than 100 pupils. Children here are encouraged to develop new skills and to use their talents and abilities to the fullest, all within a happy, safe and stimulating learning environment.
Thanks to Brooks’ close proximity to Ashford and its surrounding villages, there are a number of other very good primary and secondary schools (both independent and public) within very easy reach – including Wye’s free school – one of the first in Kent.
If you’re considering a move to a rural location in order to enjoy more of the great outdoors, then Brook is a fantastic choice. The village is the perfect location for walking, cycling and hiking, and there’s a local cricket club which is sure to appeal to fans of the game.
The village of Brook is surrounded by a number of other beautiful villages and attractions that make it an ideal place to live for those who want to explore and enjoy days out with the family. These include the Why Crown Millenium Stone, carved into the hillside in 1902 to celebrate the coronation of King Edward VII. From here you can enjoy incredible views across the Romney Marshes all the way to the English Channel. Chilham village is also right on your doorstep, and is home to two fabulous pubs; the Woolpack and the White Horse, as well as a post office, tennis club and sports centre, and a children’s playground.
You can find properties for sale or rent in Brook and if you think you’ve spotted your dream home, get in touch and we can arrange a viewing Contact Us
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