Whether its rolling fields full of grazing sheep, clusters of charming woodland or the impressive sight of the North Downs, the views from the village of Brabourne are spectacular in every direction. Combine that with the mixture of pretty English cottages and farmhouses, rich history and a thriving village community, and it’s no surprise that Brabourne is considered an enviable place to live…
…And perhaps you’re considering a move here yourself!
Nestled among the equally picturesque villages of Smeeth, Brook and Hastingleigh, Brabourne is conveniently placed for amenities such as schools, shops and travel links and is made up of three smaller parishes: Brabourne Lees, West Brabourne and East Brabourne.
Brabourne’s location, set back from the A20 between Ashford and Hythe, and not far from Folkestone and Stone Street – leading to Canterbury – makes it the ideal village retreat for anyone who wants to live in a beautiful rural setting, but needs to be able to regularly access local towns for work or pleasure. Brabourne really does offer lucky residents the best of both worlds.
Brabourne is fortunate enough to have a good local village school, with just over 100 pupils split across four classes. Standards here are high, and the school promotes a secure and happy environment, which is sure to be music to the ears of any parent who is considering a move to the village with primary school-age children. Children who attend the school benefit from a body of dedicated staff and a supportive parent community, as well as stimulating and challenging learning experiences provided in a nurturing setting.
The village of Brabourne is one of the Saxon-Shore Parishes intercepted by the Saxon Shore Way, which is over 1500 years old. The village is home to the St. Mary the Virgin church, which was built in 1140 and is one of the oldest church buildings still used for worship in England today. Built in the Norman and Early English styles, the church’s bell tower was restored in 1923 and originally contained 6 bells – however it has held 8 since 2002. The church features many monuments to the local Scott family, as well as brasses and stained glass windows, and can hold up to 200 worshippers. Brabourne Lees is also home to a Zion Strict Baptist Chapel, which promises a warm Sunday morning welcome, and often runs groups and events geared up to support the local community.
Many of the buildings in the village of Brabourne are steeped in rich history, including the Five Bells Inn, a 16th century inn that overlooks the rolling hills of the North Downs. Originally a place for weary travellers and pilgrims to rest their heads on their journey from Canterbury or from the continent to London, today residents of the village will tell you that the Five Bells is a quintessential English country pub, which has twice been voted Kent Life Pub of the Year at the National Pub Awards.
Featuring four gorgeous guest suites, and with a variety of private spaces available for function and event hire, the Five Bells is an important part of village life. The pub serves a selection of locally sourced food and drink, with a menu brimming with offerings from local farms and fishermen, as well as brewers, bakers and craft cider-makers.
Another hub of the community here in the delightful village of Brabourne is the village hall, which holds a range of regular activities including a Stage Academy, Pilates, Yoga, Tai Chi, Circuit training and Karate. With a capacity of up to 150 and a well-equipped kitchen that includes a range oven and industrial dishwasher, residents of the village often hire the hall for society meetings and parties, making it an integral part of the community in Brabourne village.
Central to the village of Brabourne is the village green; a beautiful communal space that is popular with dog walkers and as a place for children to play. Families who move to Brabourne are sure to relish the wide open spaces, friendly residents and warm community spirit.
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