MAIDSTONE
ASHFORD ROAD
Price: £100,000
Get your foot on the housing ladder in style with this elegant one bedroom apartment, which is part of a Grade II listed building. High ceilings generate a luxurious sense of spaciousness. The Maidstone East railway station is within walking distance, making this an ideal starter property for commuters. Contact: Geering and Colyer on 01622 759891 or go to www.geeringandcolyer.co.uk.
HOLLAND ROAD
Price: £525,000
A magnificent family home, right in the centre of Maidstone. The four floors of living space include five bedrooms, a large farmhouse-style kitchen, a games room for the kids, and a wine cellar for mum and dad. The outside of the property is equally impressive, with enough parking space for eight cars and a beautifully designed garden. Contact: Woodside on 01634 365111 or go to www.woodside.ws.
STONEHOUSE
Price: £1,500,000
Nestled in the chocolate-box pretty village of Boxley at the foot of the North Downs, yet just a short drive from the amenities of Maidstone, Stonehouse has it all. This listed property has been renovated to a seriously high standard, and with five reception rooms, a huge conservatory and several roomy outbuildings, it has great potential for entertaining. Stonehouse’s 81 acres of land include extensive woodland, apple trees and a pond. Contact: Strutt & Parker on 01227 451 123 or go to www.struttandparker.com.
NEED TO KNOW | AREA INSIGHT
Commuting: Jump aboard a train at Maidstone East station and you can arrive at Victoria in under an hour.
Education: Maidstone Grammar School is the best state-run school in the area. It provides “an outstanding education” according to OFSTED and can boast William Golding as a former teacher. There is a good supply of well-regarded primaries as well.
Crime: Crime rates are significantly lower than national averages.
Restaurants and pubs: Dine while floating on the River Medway at The Barge Riverside Restaurant which combines panoramic views of Maidstone with scrumptious, locally produced fare. Kent pub of the year, The Flower Pot, has regular live music, a book swapping library and an annual beer festival.
Leisure: Maidstone is home to Leeds Castle, reputedly “the loveliest castle in the world”. Occupying three islands and home to an array of peacocks and black swans, this is an idyllic place to spend an afternoon. Youngsters will be entranced by Whatman Park, a new recreational area which includes treetop walks, nature trails, an adventure playground and a skateboard park.