If you’re looking for a property in Kent and fancy yourself somewhere hidden away in the countryside the village of Aldington might just tick all the right boxes. Vibrant, pretty, and located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, even celebrities have had to sit up and take notice – and this stunning Kent village, situated just five miles from Ashford and 6 miles off the coast of Hythe, is simply crawling with them (but more on that later!)
With the picturesque North Downs to the…well…North, and Romney Marsh and the English coast to the South, Aldington is ideally located for those who want to be able to commute to London or pop across the Channel one day, and then head to the beach or take a bracing rural walk the next. Surrounded by the equally picturesque villages of Mersham, Lympne and Bilsington, Aldington is in an enviable position and is considered one of the best-equipped villages in Kent.
By that, of course, I mean amenities, and Aldington has plenty of useful resources to keep its 1,200 residents perfectly happy within its own peaceful boundaries. The village has its own local shops, including a butchers, a popular village hall, post office, a beautiful church, and, most importantly, good pubs – most notably The Walnut Tree, a communal hub that holds plenty of activities all year round and serves good food in a family-friendly atmosphere.
To be honest, if that’s not already convincing you to buy a property and put down roots here, I don’t know what will!
Families are drawn to the village of Aldington thanks to its community values, playing fields and parks, as well as its close proximity to the famous Port Lympne Wildlife Park. After all, there aren’t many homeowners who can say that they’ve taken the kids for a countryside walk, a picnic at the park, and to see the elephants – all before tea time!
If you buy a property here, you’re not just buying bricks and mortar – you’re purchasing a lifestyle, and it’s fair to say that residents here – old and new – love throwing themselves into village life. Aldington’s annual Soap Box Derby and Fete (held in aid of a local charity of course!) is an event that will be enjoyed by family members of all ages, as are all of the outdoor and sporting activities that this location has to offer. The village of Aldington has its own football team and pitch, tennis courts, outdoor adult gym, floodlit MUGA and children’s play area, as well as plenty of areas that are perfect for rambling, hiking, horse-riding and cycling – all activities that run through the very veins of the village. In fact, Aldington has hosted point-to-point racing and cycling events, with both the Tour de France and Tour of Britain both having passed through the village in the past.
For a small village, Aldington is a hive of activity, and if you buy a property here you’re sure to find a local club or group that piques your interest. The Aldington Bridge Club is always welcoming new members, as are the Aldington Corner Quilters who embrace both experienced crafters, and those who simply want to give it a go. They run regular ‘taster evenings’ for newbies, and often socialise together outside of quilting, taking regular trips to shows throughout the year. The village also has a tennis club that encourages all ages and abilities to join, and the green-fingered among you might be interested to know that the village of Aldington is also home to a gardening society.
So, you know you can get a pint and a good feed, find a new hobby, pop to the zoo, and easily find somewhere to grab some bread and milk if you buy a property in Aldington.
But what else?
Well, for one thing, there’s an OFSTED rated ‘good’ primary school in the village, with ‘areas of outstanding practice’. The school is recognised by residents (adults and pupils alike) as having an attitude of healthy and active learning – which comes with ease given the schools beautiful rural location. Another attractive quality is the village of Aldington’s rich history, with more than 50 buildings of historical or architectural interest found within the parish, including Noel Coward and Joseph Conrad’s former homes. Today Aldington has an incredibly low crime rate, so it might surprise you to learn that the village has a strong association with smuggling folklore in the shape of The Aldington Gang – infamous smugglers who roamed the shores of Kent plying their trade, before making The Walnut Tree in Aldington their headquarters and drop for their contraband.
If you’ve been scanning this blog waiting for me to mention celebrities – this is the bit you’ve been looking for. It’s really no wonder that the beauty and tranquility of Aldington, and its fabulous rural location on a hilltop overlooking the Royal Military Canal, has attracted some of the country’s much-loved celebs. Comedians and presenters Vic Reeves, Paul O’Grady and Julian Clary have all made this chocolate-box village their home, with Julian actually residing in playwright Noel Coward’s former property – which is rumoured to be haunted! Property in Aldington certainly seems to be a hit with TV funny men…Comedian Alan Carr is rumoured to live in the village. Although never publicly confirmed, he has mentioned his ‘neighbour’ Paul O’Grady, so you might just see the ‘Chatty Man’ when you’re out and about.
You can find properties for sale or rent in Aldington Here 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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