Cranbrook

[Lilly2014]

Hi all. My husband and I (both in our late 30s) are planning to move out of London and have been looking at new builds for a while. Cranbrook was recently recommended to us.

We're mainly wondering:

• Is Cranbrook a nice place to live?
• How manageable is the commute to London?
• Is there a humming noise at night?

My husband would need to drive to Staplehurst and take the train to London Bridge three times a week. His working hours are 10am - 6pm, so he'd be travelling outside peak rush hour.

Would really appreciate any insight into the area, commute or any local issues. Thanks in advance!

I used to live in Staplehurst and commute to London daily. It was OK, but I was able to walk to the station which helped ( no paying for the car park)

Cranbrook is very nice though. Beautiful Kentish houses, nice atmosphere, gorgeous countryside and a Co op. Sissinghurst is nice too.

Oh, rush hour is longer than you think!

We live a little further west but know Cranbrook quite well.

1. It is nice - town is small and a little dull, but the bright lights of Tunbridge Wells are not that far away! Loads of lovely properties. Some of the locals are a little rustic.
2. Staplehurst is a bit of a slog, but lots of people do it. A later start will definitely help, but I’m not sure how full the car park gets - some of the smaller stations are full by before 9 so that’s worth checking on.
3. I’m not sure what might cause a humming noise at night, unless it is some of the hill folk preparing for one of their regular ritual sacrifices.

It might be worth checking some of the nearby villages, e.g. Goudhurst, which is lovely, and you could then go to one of the slightly busier stations, such as Paddock Wood or Frant.

Goudhurst is ( according to someone I know who lives there) entirely populated by snobs!
It's very pretty though, good church, pub and duck pond.
Nearest station Marden.