Thinking about moving to FOREST ROW

[interstella71]

Currently living in Brighton with 3 (8,5,1) and looking for more green and space. We have been looking all over Sussex and Forest Row has been favorite place so far. However, I am wondering whether the Steiner school/college bioynamic philosophy dominate the village (we will continue with state education).
I have also read about the close proximity of the Scientologists headquarters and school, is their presence obvious?
Basically my concern is that although i would say we are slightly alternative - we're not extreme!

[Drusilla]

I grew up about 10 miles down the road from FR and they all seemed quite normal (as normal as anyone else round there, anyway) And the Forest is beautiful, I miss it so much since I left the area a few years ago. The only downside to FR that would occur to me is the A22 going thriugh it.

[barking]

Interstella71

We have just recently escaped a town dominated by Steiner/Landmark forum/NVC etc. and all I can say is run for the hills. They were the most unspiritual, mentally unhinged, selfish people I have ever met. (They are lovely when they are trying to friendly fish you though!)

We were initially attracted to the creative and green credentials but quickly found ourselves surrounded by the cult of anthroposophy which lies behind the steiner school system.

There are similarities between steiner and scientology both use mind control and the idea of an exclusive 'community'.

Our every word, action, was watched - what we ate, the clothes we wore, tv/no tv, the car we drove, the fuel we used, the toys our children played with - every movement was judged. The world of spiritual and eco-fascism!

Absolute hell, I love normal now and having lived through such an intense experience have concluded that all hippies are pure evil

[mrspink27]

Peter King is the estate agents in FR, also Wood Evatt and Gardner.

[ShrinkingViolet]

Don't think the Scientologists have a particular presence, certainly not that I've heard of. Similarly there's a big Mormon temple nearby, which is used mainly for everyone to navigate by .

[ShrinkingViolet]

I know some people who Home Ed in Forest Row (and surrounds) and the impression I get is that the Steiner influence is quite strong - a couple of friends have said they feel quite isolated becasue their parenting style doesn't "fit in". I agree that a lot of the Michael Hall pupils are local - if it's your thing, it's the kind of area you'd move to.
Depending on how many bedrooms you wanted to go with the garden, I'd say you'd probably find something in your price range.

[critterjitter]

I'd say you probably could. Its kind of expensive down there, but not too bad. There is a big estate agents in the village covered in ivy with lights set on top (to check prices in).

I've been in the park a few times when school was finishing, and got the impression that most of the children coming out of school were locals (lots of children and parents walking home, not too many 4x4s!).

The school comes under East Sussex County Council, if I remember rightly.

[interstella71]

Thank you both for your comments. It is difficult to know much about a place if you dont spend time there and if you dont know anyone. I know that the steiner school is a boarding school so i guess a number of pupils come from out of the area, but do you think that most kids in the village go to the local primary school?
Another question, do you know if can you get a decent size garden (over 80 foot) in a mid priced property (under 400K).
Many thanks!

[critterjitter]

I know Forest Row. Its a nice place. No similarities with East Grinstead (not that EG isn't nice!). Nice little primary school with a park opposite. Everyone seems very friendly.

[mrspink27]

Happy to answer any questions you might have!

[mrspink27]

My PIL live in FR and it is a lovely village. It is great for Ashdown forest, T Wells etc and still near enough to get to coast and downs and not a bad commute if you want to get to London. There are non Steiners who live there, although there are a few obviously bio dynamic fruit and veg, homeopath, arty etc shops also. Great coffee shop Java and Jazz, 2 v good pubs, the Chequers and Mountain Range, a fantastic olde worlde toy and sweet shop Bramble Corner and a wonderful selection of independent other shops. FAb play area and near to Forest Way for walks into East Grinstead or towards Hartfield and Tunbridge Wells. I would say that Steiner type presence is more noticeable - but not in your face - than Scientologists. Lots of 'slightly alternatives' in FR... you will fit in well!