Stretching across Kent, Sussex and parts of Surrey, the High Weald is one of 46 National Landscapes in the UK. In November 2023, All Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty were renamed as National Landscapes and this year, the High Weald celebrates the 40th anniversary of its original AONB designation.

For those who live there, the High Weald is a much treasured piece of the English countryside that they get to call home. And for anyone who visits, this is an area that will capture the heart and soul with over 1400 sq km of rural landscapes, picturesque villages, ancient woodlands, diverse wildlife and some incredibly special historic houses and castles to enjoy.

House prices in the High Weald

Compared to some of its Home Counties cousins, the High Weald offers relative good value when it comes to house prices. Historically, those heading out of London would migrate west or south-west but the High Weald has increasingly become a popular option for those in search of more space, a sense of community and similar period housing stock. Here, a two bedroom period cottage in a pretty village such as Lamberhurst costs around £300,000 while a four bedroom family home in a picturesque town like Cranbrook is closer to £1m. Those looking for a historic country house in a rural setting can expect to pay upwards of £3m.

Schools galore

For families, the extensive range of both state and private schooling is a major factor in their decision to move to the area. Kent in particular is renowned for its grammars, including co-educational Cranbrook School which is extremely popular. 

The great outdoors

For a lifestyle lived in the great outdoors, High Weald really does tick all the boxes delivering a splendid combination of country and coast. Walking and cycling routes in abundance, there’s also a vast number of woods, meadows, country parks, reservoirs and nature reserves stretching as far south as Rye Harbour. For some, the jewel in the crown is Bewl Water – the largest area of inland water in the south-east – but Bedgebury Forest and Ashdown Forest, the landscape that inspired Winnie the Pooh, are just as celebrated.

Commutability

While not necessarily a five day a week requirement, commutability remains an important consideration for people who live or are looking to move here. Connectivity to a variety of mainline London terminals means the capital can be reached in as little as 40 minutes via high speed services. Haywards Heath, East Grinstead and Tunbridge Wells are all popular stations to commute from and there are also plenty of stopping services from smaller towns and villages in the High Weald. 

In particular demand are family properties within the centre of a village or town such as Tenterden, where walking to school, the local pub or coffee shop, convenience stores and independent boutiques is all very do-able. Meanwhile for those in search of a destination town, Tunbridge Wells – which sits just outside  the High Weald – is an attractive spa town with fantastic shopping, a lively café culture, incredible fine dining and a historic landscaped park at its centre.  

Other pull factors

The sense of neighbourly spirit that many seek in a place to live is well and truly alive across the region, with thriving community groups for all ages welcoming in new arrivals. 

Young couples making their first move out of the capital tend to settle close to one of the main towns, still seeking the thrill of a cosmopolitan lifestyle but now with access to the countryside too. So too do downsizers after the convenience of town life on their doorstep. For families, where they settle is often determined by their choice of school or they may simply head for glorious rural surroundings.

Further information

Contact Will Peppitt