For those looking to buy or rent a property in a peaceful and pretty village not too far from the bustling town of Ashford, Mersham is the ideal choice. Situated just 3 miles east and set back from the A20, the surrounding areas of Sellindge, Hythe and Folkestone are all easily accessible, making it the ideal location for those who want to travel to the coast or commute to London – with the International Station at Ashford just a short drive away.
Mersham village was owned by the Archbishops of Canterbury for more than 500 years and is rich in history; apparent in the historical period buildings, including the former Royal Oak pub – but more on such essential village amenities later!
If it’s a rural retreat you’re searching for, you can’t go far wrong with a move to Mersham. The village is situated on a hill that descends into a valley, separating it from nearby Aldington. The views are spectacular, with expanses of fields, farmland and woodland areas surrounding the village in every direction. A huge attraction of the village is Hatch Park, an area of Special Scientific Interest and home to a free grazing herd of around 100 fallow deer. The area is of special interest thanks to its unimproved acidic grassland and pollard woodlands, which is a scarce habitat in Kent. Not all areas of the park are accessible, but there are plenty of public footpaths to explore on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
People looking to move to the charming village of Mersham are impressed by the warm community feel, the safe, family-friendly atmosphere, and the good mix of property styles. The village is popular with families who have children, in part due to the primary school which features extensive grounds and a unique outdoor learning space. The school prides itself on its broad and varied curriculum and its collaborative links with parents and the wider village community. For families with older children, Mersham provides easy access to the secondary schools in Ashford, including the Norton Knatchbull and Highworth grammar schools.
It won’t come as a surprise to learn that in a village with such beautiful surroundings, the outdoors is a huge part of life for residents of Mersham – and if you really want to embrace village life, you’ll definitely want to get involved! The sports club here offers cricket, football, golf and social events, and bat and trap; so it’s easy to find something to get involved with either as a participant or a spectator. If organised activities aren’t quite your thing, the village of Mersham is a great place for those who enjoy walking and rambling, horse riding and cycling. The Mersham Shoot takes advantage of the 3500 acres of stunning countryside, offering game hunting and pheasant shooting – either the real thing, or simulated. Indoor activities are also available in the village, with Mersham Village Hall hosting a variety of groups and clubs including fitness classes and craft clubs, as well as live music and the biennial pantomime.
Now, back to the pub! Mersham village is home to the historic Royal Oak, which sadly ceased trading in 2021 and whose future as a public house still hangs in the balance. However, if for you, one of the draws of village life is the traditional country pub, all is not lost! The Mersham community-owned Farriers Arms offers freshly-prepared food, hand-crafted ales, and a large riverside garden and meadow. The 400 year old establishment closed its doors to the public back in 2019, but a determined group of villagers decided to bring this traditional country pub back to the epicentre of village life – and if you move here, you’ll be very glad they did!
The pub is a vibrant and popular hub of activity that welcomes locals and visitors with open arms, whether you’re popping in for a refreshing beverage or enjoying a delicious meal in the The Anvil restaurant. Of course, when it comes to amenities it has to be about more than the pub (apparently!), and luckily the village of Mersham has a lot more to offer residents, including a post office, and convenience store, as well playgrounds, playing fields and the village green – perfect for walking the dog!
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