England's garden remains attractive to property buyers
The Royal Mail recently revealed that Kent was the UK's most desirable destination to move to with 5,068 moves into the area during 2007. Residents were also most likely to stay put with 12,646 choosing to relocate within the county, moving an average of 5.39 miles. So what makes the county so special? Kent is famously regarded as England's Garden thanks to its scenic countryside, picturesque villages and strong rural communities. Distinctive features and views dot the countryside such as Kent's famous oasthouses, with their unique conical roofs, and sweeping lavender fields which thrive in the county's warmer climate alongside orchards and hop farms. Recently Kent has been the focus of significant investment in its transport infrastructure, including high-speed train links into London and direct connections to the continent thanks to the Channel Tunnel terminals at Ebbsfleet and Ashford.
As shown by the Royal Mail's research, the combination of scenic beauty and a well-connected modern transport network means that in an uneasy market Kent remains a strong prospect for property buyers. At Ashleigh Gardens in Blue Bell Hill, purchasers are able to enjoy the best of both worlds thanks to the development's delightful village setting with direct access to the M2 into London, plus hi-speed rail links within easy reach.
Ashleigh Gardens is a new project by developer Asprey Homes. The gated development offers a range of properties including a detached four bedroom home and a collection of three bedroom, three storey homes offering families flexible living on every level. Each property is designed in a traditional architectural style which perfectly compliments the pleasant countryside setting. Blue Bell Hill itself is the highest point in Kent and enjoys beautiful views across the Medway Valley as well as access to picturesque open countryside - the classic English Garden village.
Within close reach are some of Kent's finest attractions including Rochester, former home of Charles Dickens, which features a fine Norman Castle, cathedral and many museums. Mote Park is a 450 acre parkland featuring horse riding, cycle paths and miniature railway, meanwhile Maidstone provides more modern amenities with a wide selection of high-street shops, bars and restaurants.
All of Ashleigh Garden's local amenities are within easy reach thanks to Blue Bell Hill's great transport links. By road the M2 and M20 run just outside the village providing quick access to nearby towns and beyond, plus a daily commuter coach service into London has a stop close to the development. Rail links from Maidstone allow a direct service to London Victoria in under an hour, while Ashford International Station is under a half hour drive along the M20.
As a result of such strong transport connections and Blue Bell Hill's picturesque environs, purchasers at Ashleigh Gardens can be confident of purchasing a new property with the features and location required to maintain strong value. England's Garden is well placed to resist current property market fears thanks to its desirable natural setting and continued infrastructure investments, such as the Thames Gateway expansion and Channel Tunnel developments at Ebbsfleet.
Purchaser's can also expect an internal specification of the highest quality at Ashleigh Gardens. Designer kitchens include gas hob, extractor, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave and washing machine. Floors to the kitchen, as well as to all cloakrooms, bathrooms and en-suites are tiled. Maple wardrobes are fitted to master bedrooms with chrome taps and fittings and heated towel rails in each bathroom. Additionally, the unique 4 bedroom property at the centre of the development benefits from a stunning conservatory and superior granite kitchen worktops.
Prices for homes at Ashleigh Gardens start from £249,950. For further information visit Aspreyhomes.co.uk.
