royal tunbridge wells

Transcription

royal tunbridge wells
THE MAGAZINE
FAMILY HOMES IN A WOODLAND SETTING
A new home in...
ROYAL
TUNBRIDGE
WELLS
LIVING LIFE TO THE FULL
PROPERTY
Eagerly awaited
development will fill
a gap in the market p5
NEW VILLAGE
SQUARE
A vibrant neighbourhood
hub with a variety of
commercial outlets p10
WOODLAND
LIVING
Homes designed to
embrace their wonderful
setting p14
EDUCATION
Brand new school to
open at Knights Wood
September 2015 p20
DESTINATION
Knights Wood
Set against a picturesque backdrop of tranquil Kentish woodland, with
glorious views across Royal Tunbridge Wells, Knights Wood has been
meticulously designed with all the key ingredients for an idyllic way of life
WELCOME TO KNIGHTS WOOD
It is my personal pleasure to welcome you, on behalf of Dandara, to a
brand new and exciting destination.
As a company we are thrilled to have the opportunity to create something
totally new and great care has been taken to purpose-design new homes that
make the most of the superb location. As an individual I am proud to be able
to showcase this new destination in my home town.
98% of our customers
would recommend us
At Dandara we’re committed to developing a better Britain.
Which is why we strive to deliver unrivalled levels of design, quality and customer service,
and why we’re dedicated to investing in the local economy, its people and its future.
2 THE MAGAZINE: KNIGHTS WOOD
Knights Wood has been crafted with quality of life at its very heart. You can
expect homes set in character areas that make the most of their beautiful
surroundings and attractive street scenes that blend into their woodland
setting. There will be a real community feel that is reinforced with a new
primary school and shared facilities such as a village square with amenities
and local shops. For enjoying the great outdoors from the doorstep there
are paths and walkways and a village green with its own safe play area for
younger residents.
As you will see from some of our articles in this magazine, Royal Tunbridge
Wells is a place both established residents and those new to the area take to
their hearts. It is a town with a history, heaps of leisure activities to choose from
and a community that clearly knows how to enjoy life. Who knows, perhaps
there is something in the water!
Susie
Susie Bennett
Sales & Marketing Director, Dandara
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KNIGHTS WOOD
Eagerly Awaited
Development Will
Fill A Gap In The Market
Like many desirable areas of the south-east, one of the key factors in the housing market has been
a lack of new homes and, in particular, family homes on practical sites. Developer, Dandara, has
recognised this with its Knights Wood scheme which will provide 550 contemporary new homes
within a magnificent setting.
T
his eagerly awaited development is
surrounded by mature woodland in
the sought after area of the historic
town of Royal Tunbridge Wells. The
two, three, four and five bedroom homes are
in close proximity of local amenities, links to
the motorway and rail network to London,
Gatwick and the South Coast.
Ashley Mason – Head of Sales,
Residential Development South East
According to local Knight Frank research,
the majority of housing transactions in the area
have been in the upper market (of £750,000+)
highlighting the need for accommodation under the
half a million pound bracket. The research has also
identified a total lack of new houses in Tunbridge
Wells and Knights Wood will go some way towards
addressing this, providing much needed family homes.
Knights Wood is an eagerly awaited
prestigious development that has generated
a huge amount of excitement in the area.
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Dandara has already made a significant
contribution, just under £3m, to the road traffic
improvement scheme for the area which commenced
in April 2014. The Company has also launched a
10-year programme to maintain the local woodland
to ensure that this key part of the local environment
is retained in perpetuity. Similarly, the company
has begun the process of working with local
environmental groups to promote the long term
sustainability of the scheme.
Over the past 25 years, Dandara Group has
become known as one of the UK’s most diverse
property developers. They have positioned
themselves at the forefront of property design and
development, creating award-winning, landmark
buildings across the high-end residential, mixed use
and commercial sectors. Their success is founded on
vast technical expertise combined with an intuitive
understanding of the market that has seen them
foster an enviable reputation for versatility
and vision.
Knight Frank is delighted to be working
with Dandara to sell ‘best in class’ homes in
such a desirable location.
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KNIGHTS WOOD
To discover Knights Wood is to experience a truly
stunning destination, nestled in tranquil Kentish
woodland on the edge of Royal Tunbridge Wells
A breath of
FRESH AIR
S
et within circa 200 acres of ancient, mature and protected woodland,
Knights Wood’s location is key to its serenity. Unlocking the beauty
of the setting was paramount – and the result is a destination that
not only maintains the grace of its surroundings but, with a guarantee
that there will be no further development, ensures the woodland will be
actively preserved and enhanced for future generations.
Contemporary family homes
Look down ‘The Lanes’, along ‘The Avenue’ and up to ‘The Green’ and you’ll find a
wonderful selection of 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom contemporary homes. Designed to
follow the natural topography of the land and climbing towards a plateau, many
homes deliver glorious views across the Kent countryside towards Royal Tunbridge
Wells. Careful attention to detail means there is more than a passing nod to Kentish
architecture, with distinguishing architectural features to showcase their designs.
Stylish interiors
Whilst every home at Knights Wood has been carefully designed for stress-free living,
we all use our homes differently, so it is important that a new home facilitates the
way we like to live. Within the collection of new homes on offer are variations on
internal layout for buyers to choose from, ensuring each individual or family can
be confident of finding something that suits their lifestyle. This is supported by an
impressive internal specification that provides a perfect balance of style and comfort.
Many features included as standard at Knights Wood would be regarded as ‘extras’
elsewhere. Subject to build stage, early purchasers also have the opportunity to
influence the internal specification of their home through a selection of choices.
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Computer Generated Image indicative only
Ideally located for travel near and far
Knights Wood is a great base from which to enjoy Royal
Tunbridge Wells, with a Virgin Active Health Club with pool, spa
and state-of-the-art gym, a multi screen cinema and successful
retail park all located just a short walk away. The centre of the
town boasts a fine selection of restaurants, theatres and shops,
from high street stores to specialist independent retailers, many
of which can be found in The Pantiles, with its attractive Georgian
architecture and colonnaded walkway.
Knights Wood’s proximity to the A21 and M25 ensures easy
access to the area’s major road network - it also means London
Gatwick and London Heathrow are easily accessible. Transport
links are being further enhanced by a road improvement
scheme, partially funded by Dandara, that addresses the road
system in the immediate vicinity of Knights Wood. It will
improve the flow of traffic and deal with traffic growth
over the next ten years.
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Bringing flexibility to the daily commute
A wonderful selection of 2, 3, 4 and
5 bedroom contemporary homes
designed to follow the topography
of the glorious Kent countryside in
which they sit
For commuters, a choice of two stations close-by – High Brooms
(less than a mile) and Tunbridge Wells (4 miles) – brings a degree of
flexibility, with services to four mainline London stations. There are
up to six trains per hour to London from High Brooms and Royal
Tunbridge Wells.
Knights Wood is also well-placed for travel to mainland Europe.
High-speed trains from Ebbsfleet International Station run
directly to Brussels and Paris, Eurotunnel services to Calais leave
from Folkestone and ferry services to Calais and Dunkirk embark
from the Port of Dover.
Outstanding local schools
The arrival of the new Knights Wood Primary School in 2015
underpins the importance placed on education in the area. For
decades the prospect of good educational facilities has been an
important deciding factor in choosing a new home and, for many,
this has led to Royal Tunbridge Wells being the location of choice.
Knights Wood is set in an area renowned for its outstanding
selection of schools across a spectrum of individual needs. The
Skinners Kent Academy is one of a number of high standard all
ability schools, there are state grammar schools that admit children
on the basis of academic ability via the tried and tested ‘Kent Test’
exam and there are also a wide number of prestigious independent
schools that have been around for centuries. n
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Computer Generated Image indicative only
THE VILLAGE SQUARE
On your doorstep
K
nights Wood was designed to be much more than just
a collection of beautiful homes and nowhere will this be
more readily apparent than the Village Square which is
located close to the entrance of the development.
In keeping with the rest of Knights Wood, the philosophy was
simple. Take the best from the past and redesign it to make it
relevant and important to everyday needs. The result is a traditional
shared space, a welcome throwback to times past that will provide
a familiar focal point to help the new community to thrive.
10 THE MAGAZINE: KNIGHTS WOOD
Near to the site of the new primary school, the Village Square is
framed by commercial premises and it is envisaged that these will
be occupied by a mix of businesses that support the community;
possibly a café, convenience store and chemist. There will
also be further residential accommodation.
As the gateway to the development, the Village Square is designed
to be a vibrant neighbourhood hub, setting the tone of convenient
and relaxed family living that you will find at Knights Wood.
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Knights Wood is a glorious location set within circa 200 acres
of countryside. Many family homes benefit from far-reaching
views across Royal Tunbridge Wells and beyond.
FURNITURE VILLAGE
LO
NG
FIE
NEXT
SUPERMARKET
COSTA
WOODLAND LIVING
AT ITS BEST
JOHN LEWIS
CURRYS
D OW D I N G WAY
LD R
D
M&S
COOPER BMW
HALFORDS
ROAD IMPROVEMENT
Transport links will be
dramatically enhanced
by a road improvement
scheme, designed to help
the flow of traffic in the
immediate vicinity.
RAM WOOD
SCHOOL DROP-OFF
AREA
LAMBERTS WOOD
K
KW
SCHOOL
H
NIG
AY
TS W
ODEON
RESTAURANTS
PLAY
AREA
M
BOWLPLEX
A 21
VIRGIN ACTIVE
THE LANES
A NEW SCHOOL
Located on the north side
of the ‘Village Square’
with a separate drop-off
car park, the new primary
school will benefit
the local community,
providing facilities for
pupils and residents.
THE AVENUE
GREEN
KNIGHTS WOOD BOUNDARY
VILLAGE SQUARE
The Village Square is a
vibrant neighbourhood
hub with a selection of
commercial outlets, that
will become the focal
point of the community.
ROBINGATE WOOD
TRAIN
STATION
WOODLAND WALKS
Set in 205 acres of
woodland, Knights Wood
is surrounded by walking
paths so residents can
take full advantage of the
beautiful countryside on
their doorstep.
A 21
THE CENTRAL GREEN
Carefully preserved oak
trees are an important
feature of this beautifully
landscaped green which
provides a tranquil space
to enjoy at your leisure.
GREGGS WOOD
WALKING PATH
BUS STOP
M
MARKETING SUITE
KW ENTRANCE
The site plan is indicative only and subject to change and subject to planning. In line with our policy of continuous
improvement
12 THE MAGAZINE: KNIGHTS
WOODwe reserve the right to alter the layout, building style, landscaping and specification at anytime without notice.
The position of the red boundary line is indicative only.
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Computer Generated Image indicative only
STYLISH NEW HOMES
THAT LOOK JUST AS
GOOD ON THE OUTSIDE...
At Knights Wood, you will discover a collection of beautiful, stylish homes designed to
meet the rigours of everyday living. From 2 bedroom apartments to 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom
houses, Knights Wood offers a fusion of style and substance that is hard to beat.
14 THE MAGAZINE: KNIGHTS WOOD
T
he attention to detail and commitment to
excellence that underpins every Dandara
development will be immediately apparent at
Knights Wood, making it easy to see why the company has
received more than 60 industry awards for architecture,
design and quality since 1988.
A unique destination
to mirror the beauty of its surroundings
Knights Wood presented Dandara with the opportunity to create
a unique destination in Royal Tunbridge Wells that mirrors the
natural beauty of its surroundings, from the overall layout to the
design of the homes themselves.
Designed to be sympathetic to the natural woodland that
covers a large area to the south and east of the site, there will be
significant additional planting at Knights Wood, creating green
corridors throughout. These are complemented by beautiful
amenity space that includes a village square, central green and
children’s play area, helping to provide a true sense of place.
The gently rising landscape influences the design of some of
the homes at Knights Wood and provides some properties with
stunning views of the local woodland and Royal Tunbridge
Wells beyond.
Contemporary take on traditional styles
Knights Wood provides a contemporary take on traditional Kentish
and Wealden house styles and will be constructed using a local
palette of materials. Their attractive appearance will be created
using a combination of weatherboarding, brick, render and stone.
Generous parking allocation
Parking is allocated for every property, including off-road
parking and garages for many properties. In addition to
dedicated parking for the occupiers of the dwellings,
additional numbers of visitor parking spaces will be provided.
10-year structural warranty
All 550 homes at Knights Wood come with an independent
10-year structural warranty plus a customer service guarantee
from Dandara. n
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KNIGHTS WOOD
Energy efficient central heating
Energy efficient, gas-fired central heating systems
ensure warmth and hot water for the homes at
Knights Wood. The building design has been
enhanced to ensure optimum energy efficiency.
Quality flooring throughout
Bedrooms, stairways, landings and living rooms
in every Dandara home are carpeted before
being handed over to a new owner. Kitchens,
cloakrooms and hallways feature stylish Amtico
flooring and there are porcelain floor tiles in
bathrooms and en-suites. n
Images are previous Dandara developments
…AS THEY DO
ON THE INSIDE
To set foot inside a brand new home at Knights Wood is to
enter a stylish retreat from the stresses of the outside world.
The perfect marriage of style and comfort
Interiors at Knights Wood are designed for comfort,
free-flowing living and convenience, with multiple
layout options to choose from. Spacious kitchens,
separate lounges and master bedrooms with en-suite
all contribute to a stylish home that is perfect for both
family life and entertaining friends.
Dandara homes are valued for their impressive
internal specification which include features that
would be regarded as an ‘extra’ by many other
developers.
There is an opportunity for early purchasers to
make their own choices on certain elements of the
interior, although this is subject to build-stage.
Beautiful kitchens,
designed to be enjoyed
Under-cabinet, low energy downlighting helps to
create a relaxed ambience, ensuring the kitchen
is a place to be enjoyed. All homes are beautifully
equipped with fitted kitchens by renowned German
manufacturer, Leicht, and complemented by
stainless steel appliances by Neff.
Family bathrooms offer style and
comfort in equal measure
Ceramic wall tiles and porcelain tiled floors are key
components contributing to the overall contemporary
feel of bathrooms that also feature thermostatic mixer
taps, heated towel radiators and low-energy lighting.
16 THE MAGAZINE: KNIGHTS WOOD
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Images are previous Dandara developments
A21
WAVE GOODBYE
TO YEARS OF
CONGESTION
Shared footway
and cycleway
M25
KNIGHTS PARK JUNCTION
Roundabout to replace existing
uncontrolled junction and
accommodate additional
approach lanes
GREGGS
WOOD
Dual carriageway
with raised central
reservation
Footway and
cycleway crossing
ODEON
VIRGIN ACTIVE
KNIGHTS PARK
Segregated lane
for continuous
traffic flow to A21
KNIGHTS WAY
GREAT LODGE JUNCTION
Shared footway
and cycleway
Free-flow one way gyratory
to replace existing signal
controlled junction
NEXT
Signal controlled
pedestrian and
cycle crossing
COOPER
BMW
KINGS STANDING WAY
JUNCTION
JOHN
LEWIS
Dual carriageway
with raised central
reservation
Roundabout to replace existing
signal controlled junction
and accommodate additional
approach lanes
Landscaped area
CURRYS
Shared footway
and cycleway
Royal Tunbridge Wells residents set to benefit from
enhanced transport connections.
A
ccess to the area’s countless attractions and the
proximity of the M25 and Gatwick are a major
benefit to those living in Royal Tunbridge Wells but
there have been historical issues with traffic problems in
and around the A21.
Dandara has worked closely with Kent County Council’s
Highways Department to address this which, in turn, has
helped to inform the Council’s North Farm Masterplan,
of which the £6.3 million improvement of Longfield
Road is a part.
18 THE MAGAZINE: KNIGHTS WOOD
The Longfield Road improvement scheme is designed
to finally bring congestion problems to an end and,
importantly, to deal with expected traffic growth over
the next 10 years. The implementation of the road
improvement was only possible with a developer
contribution from Dandara of over £3 million towards
the total cost. The scheme also required the gifting of
land in Dandara’s ownership, along with land owned
by a number of other landowners and retail tenants
in the area.
PC
WORLD
Left in/Left out
only junction
SUPERMARKET
DOWDING WAY
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EDUCATION
Secondary schools
An asset to the new community
More than just a collection of beautiful
homes, Knights Wood has been designed to
benefit the local community and the creation
of the new primary school is a great example
of this approach, right down to the design of
parking facilities for parents.
‘Drop-off’ car park
KNIGHTS WOOD
PRIMARY SCHOOL
Coming soon
Families with young children will be delighted to learn
that a new primary school is to be built at Knights Wood
and is expected to accept pupils from September 2015.
A new primary school at Knights Wood
Dandara has contributed £3.95 million towards the cost
of building a new primary school at Knights Wood and
it is anticipated that about 75% of students will be from
Knights Wood residents.
Initially it will be a ‘one-form entry’ school, i.e. a school
with one class in each of the seven year groups which will
be from Reception through to Year Six, growing later to a
two form entry school.
20 THE MAGAZINE: KNIGHTS WOOD
First pupils in
September 2015
Work on the new school
is planned to start in
October 2014, with
completion scheduled for
August 2015, ready for the
first intake of pupils from
September 2015.
It is expected to be an Academy or a Free
School for boys and girls aged between 4
and 11 years. Although there is no specified
catchment area, it is expected that most
children will live within walking distance.
It is hoped that most residents will choose to
walk to the new school with their children.
However, for those parents who choose to
travel by car, a new ‘drop-off’ car park on the
east side of Knights Wood will be available.
With around 50 spaces, parents will be
able to park here and walk their children to
school, which in turn will help to generate an
inclusive, community spirit.
The new school will be located on the
north side of a beautifully landscaped ‘village
square’ and the drop-off car park will help to
keep this area as car-free as possible.
Staff and disabled parking will be provided
next to the school building, however bus
stops will also be situated close to the school,
encouraging staff and parents alike to use
public transport as an alternative mode of
transport.
Facilities for
the local community
In addition to the obvious advantage of
providing much-needed primary school
places, the new school will benefit the wider
community by also providing dual-use
facilities for enjoyment by pupils and local
residents alike. These will include a Multi-Use
Games Area and an Astroturf football pitch,
which will not be floodlit, to avoid disrupting
local residents at night.
The quality of secondary school education in Royal Tunbridge Wells and the immediate
area is incredibly high. With some of the finest schools in the country nearby, it is
understandable that families have been known to move to the area to secure a place at
a local secondary school for their children.
LOCAL GRAMMAR SCHOOLS
SKINNERS’ KENT ACADEMY
Of the 14 secondary schools in Royal
Tunbridge Wells, 10 offer sixth form
education and three are selective schools
– Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School,
The Skinners’ School and Tunbridge Wells
Grammar School for Boys. These schools
admit pupils on the basis of their ability and
require children to take and pass the elevenplus (also known as the Kent Test) in their last
year at primary school.
There are also 16 secondary schools in
nearby Tonbridge, with 12 offering a sixth
form and three being selective – The Judd
School, Tonbridge Grammar School and
Weald of Kent Grammar School. As is the case
with an increasing number of Kent grammar
schools, The Judd School will introduce a
separate entrance exam for pupils wishing to
study there from 2016 onwards.
The ‘non-selective’ schools in the local area are
also of a high standard, including the Skinners’
Kent Academy, which opened in 2009 and is
just a short walk away from Knights Wood.
The Academy is supported by its lead
sponsor, the nearby The Skinners’ School,
plus co-sponsors K College and Kent County
Council. Students and staff moved into a
brand new £21 million building, inspired by
the Guggenheim Museum in New York, in
Spring 2013. State-of-the-art facilities include
seven science labs, a lecture theatre with 3D
capabilities, a radio studio, multi-media editing
suite and drama studio, plus an all-weather
sports pitch and a multi-use games area with
three netball courts and five tennis courts.
Independent schools
There are a number of private, fee-paying
schools in the area, including Beechwood
Sacred Heart School, Rose Hill School,
Holmewood House School, Tonbridge School,
founded in 1553 and Sevenoaks School,
founded in 1432.
Following a routine inspection of
Tonbridge School by the Independent
Schools Inspectorate in 2010, all areas of
school life, including teaching and learning,
curricular and co-curricular achievements,
pastoral care and governance, leadership
and management were judged ‘excellent’ –
the highest category awarded. In 2013 the
Independent Schools Inspectorate described
Sevenoaks School’s pupils’ achievement
and learning as ‘exceptional’ and in 2012
the Department for Education placed
Sevenoaks School at the top of its GCSE
performance tables. n
Further education
In terms of Further Education, Hadlow
College near Tonbridge specialises in
agriculture and horticulture for pupils
aged 16 and over.
K College is also based in Tonbridge but
has a campus on North Farm Industrial
Estate, a stone’s throw from Knights
Wood. This campus offers purpose
built motor vehicle engineering and
construction workshops, as well as a
learning resource centre. The campus
is kitted out with the latest technology,
including webcams to transmit and
record on-screen demonstrations.
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TRANSPORT
W
ith such beautiful surroundings, you might expect Knights Wood to
be hard to reach, yet the opposite is true. Excellent road and rail links
ensure this exciting new destination is a fantastic location from which
to explore the local area – and beyond. In fact, the bright lights of London, the
peaceful South Coast and even the Continent are all easily accessible.
BY CAR
THE CITY, THE
AIRPORT, THE COAST
the choice is yours
Knights Wood is well positioned for access to the
area’s major road network, including the M25 in less
than 15 minutes. A significant road improvement
scheme, partially funded by Dandara, is already
underway on Longfield Road, which will dramatically
enhance the road system in the immediate vicinity
of Knights Wood. This includes the provision of dual
carriageway to the east of Royal Tunbridge Wells and
through the nearby North Farm area, to improve the
flow of traffic and deal with expected traffic growth
over the next ten years.
These improvements have been designed to tie-in
with the dualling of the A21 between Tonbridge and
Pembury, which has now received approval.
BY FOOT
Knights Wood to High Brooms Station around 15 minutes.
BY TRAIN
There are two railway stations near to Knights Wood – High Brooms
and Tunbridge Wells. From these, Southeastern operates services to
four mainline London stations – London Bridge, London Waterloo East,
London Charing Cross and Canon Street.
BY BUS
It is expected that a public bus service will serve
Knights Wood, with bus stops situated at key points
throughout the development. Dandara is contributing
approximately £350,000 to increase the frequency
of the existing 277 bus to Knights Park and Pembury
Hospital and extend its hours of operation into the
evening and weekends.
HIGH BROOMS
Situated on the same line as Tunbridge Wells but slightly closer to the
capital, with journey times of around 45 minutes to London Bridge,
around 50 minutes to London Waterloo East and around 55 minutes
to London Charing Cross.
COMMUTE WITH EASE
BY PLANE
There are up to six trains per hour to London from both of these
stations during the morning. To make the commute easier, a shuttle
bus service exclusive to Knights Wood residents is planned to operate
at scheduled times during the day, running from Knights Wood to
High Brooms station.
Close proximity to the M25 means that London
Gatwick (45 mins) and London Heathrow (80 mins) can
be easily reached by car.
BY EUROSTAR, EUROTUNNEL OR FERRY
HASTINGS
BATTLE
TUNBRIDGE WELLS
50 mins
40 mins
3 mins
HASTINGS
BATTLE
TUNBRIDGE WELLS
45 mins
35 mins
HIGH BROOMS
TONBRIDGE
LONDON BRIDGE
WATERLOO EAST
CHARING CROSS
7 mins
45 mins
50 mins
55 mins
HIGH BROOMS
TONBRIDGE
LONDON BRIDGE
WATERLOO EAST
CHARING CROSS
3 mins
10 mins
50 mins
55 mins
60 mins
BY FOOT
For those happy to walk, High Brooms station is less than a mile
away from Knights Wood. Tunbridge Wells station is four miles
further. Heading away from London, trains run directly from High
Brooms and Tunbridge Wells to the South Coast, making a beautiful
collection of quintessential seaside towns within easy reach.
Ebbsfleet International Station is around 35 minutes
away by car. Direct from Ebbsfleet, high-speed trains
can reach Brussels in less than two hours, with Paris a
little over two hours away.
For those keen to travel with their car, Folkestone
Eurotunnel Terminal is just over an hour’s drive from
Knights Wood, with Calais a further 35 minutes away.
In addition, the Port of Dover is approximately one
hour 15 minutes by car from Knights Wood, with
regular ferry services to Calais and Dunkirk.
Royal Tunbridge Wells to Ebbsfleet: 35 minutes (by car)
Ebbsfleet to Brussels: 1 hour 55 minutes (direct by Eurostar)
Ebbsfleet to Paris: 2 hours 15 minutes (direct by Eurostar)
Please note: Journey times and distances given are approximate and are intended only as a guide. They may vary
depending on route taken. Journey times do not include any possible ‘check-in’ times. Various sources have been used to
compile the journey times and distance information featured in this article, including the following websites:
www.arrivabus.co.uk, www.dfdsseaways.co.uk, www.doverport.co.uk, www.eurostar.com, www.eurotunnel.com,
www.google.co.uk/maps, www.myferrylink.com, www.nationalrail.co.uk, www.poferries.com
22 THE MAGAZINE: KNIGHTS WOOD
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WHY THOSE
IN THE KNOW
PROPERTY
buy new...
Each year thousands of people choose to buy a brand new home for the first time. They might be
first time buyers or already established on the property market but, either way, moving into a brand
new home is an experience unlike any other and that’s reflected in the numbers of people who,
having bought new once, choose to do so again and again. So, what’s so special about buying new?
IT’S EXCITING
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
A new home is always an exciting time – often the
beginning of a new era. But, if you’ve ever had a new
kitchen fitted in an older house, or even been delighted
with a stylish new oven, then just imagine opening the
door on a home where everything is new in every room
of the house.
The difference in energy efficiency between new
homes and older ones is enormous. Today’s new build
homes are built to the latest environmental standards
so, they are not only better for the planet, thicker
insulation keeps unwanted noise out and the heat
in. New homes are six times more energy efficient
and generate upwards of 60% less carbon dioxide
emissions when compared with older homes and that
can reduce utility bills by around £500 a year.
IT’S EASY
Compared to buying second hand and getting caught
up in a chain, buying new is an absolute doddle.
You don’t have to wait for an existing owner to find
somewhere that they want to move to before moving in
and you won’t have to worry about their chain collapsing.
You simply reserve your property and the developer
gives you a completion date so that you can plan your
move with absolute peace of mind.
FRESH START
Buying new gives you a completely blank canvas upon
which to imprint your own style and personality. No
covering up someone else’s ‘perfect’ home, you can start
your own from scratch, and make it exactly how you
want it.
IT’S A GREAT WAY TO GET
ONTO THE PROPERTY LADDER
In recent years there have been many new schemes
and incentives devised to help first time buyers get
onto the property market.
THE CHOICE IS YOURS
When you buy new there will often be a good selection
of houses and apartments to choose from so, once you
know where you want to live, you just have to find the
home that reflects your lifestyle. And if you reserve early
on, Dandara will let you personalise various elements of
your home such as the colour choice of carpets
and worktops.
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DESIGNED FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
Forget trailing wires and lack of power points, Dandara
homes are more than able to meet the needs of 21st
Century technology.
THE HEALTHY OPTION
Improved technologies and regulations mean less
toxins used in construction and this, together with
improved natural ventilation in and around new homes
as a result of improvements to building practices
and regulations is good news – especially for those
suffering from allergies or asthma as they may find their
condition improves.
SAFE AND SECURE
Secure double glazing, multi-locking doors, mains
electric, fire and smoke alarms are all included as
standard with Dandara.
SAY GOODBYE TO ‘DIY SUNDAYS’
What’s more, you’ll be able to wave goodbye to ‘DIY
Sundays’ as your new home will require far fewer repairs
than an older property inevitably would.
TEN YEAR WARRANTY
Every new build home comes complete with a ten year
warranty – that’s ten years’ peace of mind. n
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Ten great reasons to live at
KNIGHTS WOOD
A stylish new home for 21st century living
1
A contemporary new home purpose designed with
all the ingredients for an enviable lifestyle.
Superb selection of new homes in a
woodland setting
2
Choose from 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes
beautifully woven into the fabric of the
countryside with each one individually and carefully
designed to make the most of its geographic location
and some benefiting from superb views.
Country living at its best
3
Enjoy all the benefits of country living, right from
the doorstep, without having to sacrifice the
convenience of city living.
A New School
Great for families
The new Knights Wood primary school, planned
for 2015, will cater for children from reception age
right through to year six and be an important asset
for the community. Older children can choose from a
range of excellent schools in the area.
4
7
Capital for access to London
Unrivalled shopping
and choice of restaurants
5
There’s no denying that easy access to London,
whether for work or play, is likely to be a real
plus for many. There are up to six trains an hour and a
choice of mainline stations, taking you into the heart
of the city in around 45 minutes.
A vibrant Village Square
6
Set to become the heart of Knights Wood, the
village square lies close to the site of the new
primary school and will feature neighbourhood shops
such as a convenience store and café, making it the
perfect place for residents to come together.
There is an enormous choice of indoor and
outdoor activities for families in and around Royal
Tunbridge Wells. Choose from a wide range of sports to
leisurely relaxation, cinema to theatre and a wealth of
events that run throughout the year.
8
With shopping and eating two of our favourite
pastimes as a nation, it’s good to know that Royal
Tunbridge Wells is blessed with an abundance of both.
Easy access to the South Coast
9
Choose from the picturesque town of Hastings,
the Lanes and pier of Brighton, the stunning
scenery in and around Eastbourne, or visit the antique
shops and farmers market of Lewes. All within an
hour drive.
A life without compromise
10
If you were to create a blueprint for a beautiful
new home, that came with the very best of town
and country living, and everything you need for 21st
Century living, the end result would be Knights Wood.n
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INTERIORS
HOW DOES YOUR
GARDEN GROW ?
A DEVELOPMENT
WITH A DIFFERENCE
When buying a new home at Knights Wood, starting
your garden from scratch can be a daunting process.
Here are some top tips from Colin Dale, senior plant
buyer at Notcutts to help you on your way...
Show homes by internationally acclaimed
Interior Design Company: Honky
T
Chris Dezille, Honky
he launch of a show home or two at a
new development always brings with it a
frisson of excitement and, at Knights Wood,
this is no exception. But the show homes
here are something a little bit out of the ordinary.
Rather than having to wait for the first homes to be
complete, the sales & marketing suite will be laid
out like a studio set. Replica rooms from one of the
3-bedroom house types will be created exactly to
size and then decorated and furnished in the same
way as if they were in a traditional building.
Dandara chose award-winning designer and
owner of interiors design company ‘Honky’, to help
them deliver this exciting project. Chris explains how
they got started.
‘The scheme is centred around rural life but the fact
that it is a ‘Royal’ town is also important as it evokes
imagery of Englishness and patriotism. This is reflected
to some extent in elements of the design without being
too ‘grammar school’. We wanted the interiors to have
an edge so we’ve ended up very rural with a twist.
‘The whole sales and marketing concept is to give
a sense of place’, Chris continues. ‘The logo, with the
horse, is identifiable with the Kent county flag. For the
tonal scheme we’ve picked out some accent colours; so
traditional colours but we’ve turned the temperature
up on them.
‘Because it’s a new development we wanted to preage the concept so we’ve used silvered timber that looks
as though it has been faded in the sun over a number of
years. There’s an awful lot of silver and we’ve mixed that
in with vibrant colours and used a traditional colour
palette, so we’ve not just gone for really hot tones, we’ve
taken tones from tweed. It also needed to be English –
so tweed and dogtooth rather than large check.
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Top five tips
1
Before you start, it’s important to consider what type
of garden you have and what plants will thrive in
that environment. Consider how much light you have,
the natural drainage and whether there is scope for a
border. You can then start to research products in store
or online that will suit your personal gardening needs.
2
Pots, planters and interesting containers are a
great option for gardens with no border space.
But remember, they rely on you to feed and water
them regularly to stay healthy! Be sure to use a
multipurpose liquid feed in the summer months.
3
4
When it comes to moving home
it seems that some of us take to it
better than others.
Rotate planters from discrete areas of the
garden when in bloom for instant impact.
For example, don’t watch your bare pots while
your spring bulbs grow, have a winter pot full of
evergreens that you can swap for the blooming
planter when it comes to fruition.
Here are Chris’ top tips and hints
to help you on your way
Your Home
1
Your new home is a blank canvas so let the
space speak for itself.
2
Turn up with an open mind – DON’T have a
file of colours and fabrics all ready for your next
new home before you’ve even seen it!
3
Check out each room at different times of the
day to see what happens to the light when the
sun moves.
4
Include every part of your room so that there
are no ‘dead zones’.
Your Furnishings
1
The resurgence of British brands means that
tweed and dogtooth are back but people are
delving in their fabric archives and recolouring
fabrics to make them more current.
2
Window finishes need to be a perfect
combination of sharp tailored formality finished
with a relaxed sophistication and softness.
3
If you have a window with a view then keep
treatments away from it by stacking wider
either side. Not only does it frame your view,
it creates an optical illusion that makes the
window seem wider.
For all year round interest try topiary, its hardy,
easy to maintain and stays green all year round.
5
Hanging baskets and wall planters are a great way
of layering your garden and really maximising the
space, so certainly don’t rule them out.
Essential plant tips
1
Every classic British garden needs a Rose bush, a timeless and
traditional addition to your new landscape. Shrub roses cover
a wide range of plants. ‘Canarybird’ flowers in early summer. Other
groups such as New English varieties repeat flower through summer
and into autumn. Shrub roses often need a light prune only to tidy
them in spring or summer and can be pruned hard like bush roses to
rejuvenate older plants in autumn.
2
Potted bulbs and alpine plants are ideal to pop into gaps in
sunny borders or create an alpine sink garden, rockery or to
plant as a living roof on a garden shed or summerhouse. Brighten
your patio with a container of spring bedding plants. As well as a
range to make up your own combinations, there are also planted
pots that can be placed for an instant effect.
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INTERIORS
From creature comforts to interior design,
HELP IS AT HAND...
with some of the best names in retail on your doorstep
When you move into your brand new home, it’s the perfect opportunity
to imprint your personality onto a tantalisingly blank canvas.
T
wo names synonymous with home décor
will be right on the doorstep of new
homeowners at Knights Wood so whether
you are looking to update your existing furnishings
or start from scratch, you won’t have too far to go.
Designed For You, By Us, at John Lewis
at Home, Royal Tunbridge Wells
Here you will find everything you need to furnish
and accessorise your home, along with a relaxed and
inspiring environment in which to browse. In addition
shoppers can now benefit from the newly introduced
home adviser service which has two levels.
In Store - A dedicated Home Design Adviser
is on hand to put together a design tailored to
meet personal requirements. The Adviser offers
excellent advice and help, whether it is for one room
or the whole house, and can also coordinate any
orders placed, arrange delivery and, if appropriate,
installation.
At Home – The designer visits customers in
their own homes to discuss requirements in more
depth and look at the space and layout and then
presents their ideas. This service costs £200 but is fully
refundable against the final delivery and payment of
custom-made items from the furnishing scheme.
Marks & Spencer Home
At Fountains Retail Park in Royal Tunbridge Wells you’ll
find the largest Marks & Spencer Home store in England.
The 50,000 sq ft store offers the full M&S Home range,
showcasing the largest M&S homeware sections in
England. The store also features an impressive 11,500 sq ft
contemporary Food Hall and a 96-seater M&S Café.
The store has a chic and contemporary look with
bright, modern interior design features and inspiring
room sets and displays, giving you tips and ideas for
creating stylish looks in your home. The store also
showcases the full range of M&S furniture, along
with comprehensive kitchen, bathroom, bedding,
lighting, soft furnishing and accessories departments,
providing everything you may need for your home,
all under one roof. n
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LEISURE
Fun for all the family
W
hen you’re out and about in Royal
Tunbridge Wells it’s reassuring to know
that there is plenty to keep everyone
entertained, whatever the weather.
Amongst the many choices The Spa Valley Railway is
a popular way to travel through the glorious Wealden
countryside and you can hop on and off at High
Rocks, Groombridge and Eridge. There’s indoor play at
MinorMania or, for creative youngsters, a superb craft
studio, Glazy Daisy, where there’s jewellery making,
pottery, painting or making a teddy bear. There is a
healthy calendar of events that takes place throughout
the year including festivals, major shows and parades
that feature music, food and drink, and crafts. It’s also
good to know that if you’re too tired to cook, there is
a plethora of family friendly restaurants and cafés to
choose from.
Or taking time out…
OUT & ABOUT
IN ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS
Still attracting around four million visitors a
year, Knights Wood residents are well-placed to
enjoy everything the town has to offer
I
t all began when Beau Nash, celebrated dandy
and leader of fashion, set about transforming it
into ‘the’ place to be for the winter season. Today
it continues to recruit new admirers. So what
gives Royal Tunbridge Wells such a timeless appeal?
Retail therapy
It’s true to say that shopping is now recognised as a
leisure activity rather than a necessary evil, but, in order
to be deemed leisure, there has to be the right sort
of shops. Niche independent shops combined with
all the major players on the high street makes Royal
Tunbridge Wells a good choice for shopping, no matter
what you are looking for. And you won’t find them all
lumped together. We’ve identified our top three hot
spots to explore but there are plenty more.
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The Pantiles is probably the first place you would
think of if you wanted a spot of leisurely shopping.
Shops here have a superb reputation for originality
and style. Two tiers of small, individual shops and
art galleries under the protection of the distinctive
colonnaded walkway makes for an attractive setting
that’s all the better for the inclusion of numerous
cafés and restaurants and there’s the recent addition
of the Rosemary Shrager Cookery School.
Royal Victoria Place shopping mall came of age
in 2013 marking 21 years since it was officially opened
by HRH Diana, Princess of Wales. There are more than
100 stores in total to choose from, including all the
usual high street names, under one roof.
The Old High Street, Chapel Place & Vale Road
teem with Victorian charm and are indicative of days
gone by in Royal Tunbridge Wells. This area is renowned
for its superb range of small, independent shops selling
everything from designer clothes to exquisite jewellery
and beautiful home furnishings to gifts.
With a location in such a beautiful part of the country
there are plenty of parks and lakes to explore, including
two commons that span around 256 acres. Both feature
sandstone outcrops that stand testament to the area’s
earliest inhabitants – hunter gatherers in the Mesolithic
period.
Much of the story of Royal Tunbridge Wells
Common and its former residents is told by the many
properties that surround it. Thackeray’s House – so named
because William Thackeray lodged there in 1860 – was
originally called Rock Villa. The rock is something of a
theme as the eastern apex of the common is particularly
rocky and was known locally as Gibraltar and it is from
this that Gibraltar Cottage – an early lodging house from
1814 to 1824 – takes its name. The site of a cottage once
owned by Mrs Humphreys, who became the first server
of Chalybeate when she provided Lord North with a cup
so that he could quench his hangover-induced thirst,
was later replaced by a forge, coach builders’ workshop
and today is the venue for the Forum, a live music venue.
In fact Mark Morriss, front man of former indie band
The Bluetones, played the Forum in March 2003 and
the venue and town stuck in his mind so much that he
moved to Royal Tunbridge Wells five years’ later.
The choice is yours
There is always so much going on in and around Royal
Tunbridge Wells that you’ll never be stuck for something
to do. The hardest part will be making up your mind from
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Dunorlan Park
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Probably the finest of the many
parks in Royal Tunbridge Wells
is Dunorlan Park, just 7 minutes
away from Knights Wood.
O
nce a private landscaped garden, Dunorlan Park is
now a very popular and historically important public
park. A little way out of Royal Tunbridge Wells town
centre but just a short car journey from Knights Wood,
Dunorlan Park is around 78 acres in size.
Spacious and elegant, with wild grassy slopes and magnificent views
across the lake to the Weald, this is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy
some truly beautiful surroundings. Part of Dunorlan Park was laid out
in the 1860s by Robert Marnock, a leading landscape designer of the
Victorian era, for Henry Reed, a merchant and philanthropist who owned
the estate and the now-demolished house that once overlooked it.
Dunorlan Park is listed as Grade II on English Heritage’s Register of
Historic Parks and is well-known for a number of prominent features,
including the Victoria Cross Grove, which commemorates the recipients
of the Victoria Cross who had connections to the borough of Royal
Tunbridge Wells. Other popular features include The Grecian Temple,
which houses The Dancing Girl statue, as well as the stunning Pulhamite
and Terracotta Fountain.
Other facilities to be enjoyed within Dunorlan Park include a boating lake
(with boat hire available), Dunorlan café and a play area. Children can
also enjoy ‘pond dipping’ in Dunorlan’s smaller top pond, with specially
constructed pond dipping platforms, benches and tables creating a fun
resource for schools and local groups to enjoy. n
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LEISURE
NATIONAL TRUST
TREASURES
Towering turrets, bold gardens, flower-filled meadows, tangled woodland, picnic
paradises and ornate houses are just some of the things synonymous with the many
National Trust spaces in Kent. Imagine having all this on your doorstep…
Scotney Castle
WHITE CLIFFS OF DOVER
SISSINGHURST CASTLE
The high chalk cliffs are one of Kent’s most iconic landmarks. An exhilarating place to walk or picnic, in the
summer look out for the rare species of wild flowers and
butterflies, as well as grazing ponies who help to maintain the chalk grassland. Otherwise, just sit and watch
one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
Home to the great writer Vita Sackville-West and her
husband Harold Nicolson, Sissinghurst Castle is a
garden enthusiast’s heaven. Stuffed to the brim with
unusual flowers, garden rooms and the famous white
garden, it’s also home to 11,000 rare annotated books,
an atmospheric house and turreted tower.
IGHTHAM MOTE
SMALLHYTHE PLACE
A breathtaking medieval moated manor house set
within romantic grounds, Ightham Mote is home to
a picturesque courtyard, Tudor painted ceilings and
even a Grade I listed dog kennel, all surrounded by
peaceful gardens, an orchard, water features, lakes and
woodland walks.
Once the home of the renowned Victorian actress Ellen
Terry, Smallhythe Place holds many of her playbills,
personal belongings, and trinkets. The jewel for many
is the thatched roof theatre that sits in the cottage
garden. The only theatre owned and operated by the
National Trust, it’s a great place for backstage tours, to
see original 1930s props and costumes and to catch
one of the plays held throughout the summer months.
SCOTNEY CASTLE
Sat within 770 acres, Scotney Castle has both a country
house and a fourteenth-century moated castle ruin,
now a fairytale backdrop to the garden. The famous
Scotney bitter is made from hops grown on the estate
and children will love discovering the ice house, duck
house and walled garden.
EMMETTS GARDEN
An Edwardian estate that was a plantsman’s passion,
Emmetts Garden is packed full of exotic plants, rare
trees and plants gathered from across the globe. Most
famous for its showers of spring flowers and autumn
colour displays, it’s a great place for a picnic or simply to
while away the day.
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White Cliffs of Dover
Ightham Mote
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Knole is home to Kent’s last medieval deer
park, a magnificent house lived in by some of
the country’s most influential families and a
collection of rare furniture, art and textiles.
KNOLE
COBHAM WOOD AND MAUSOLEUM
Full of wonders, Knole is home to Kent’s last medieval
deer park, a magnificent house lived in by some of
the country’s most influential families and home to a
collection of rare furniture, art and textiles. Currently
undergoing a five year restoration programme, visitors
to Knole can expect the unexpected as the house
opens up new rooms and unveils its secrets for the first
time in its 600 year history.
The newest National Trust land in Kent, Cobham
Wood is 187 acres of delightful countryside, being
gradually restored to its heyday by a team of rangers
and some rather attractive cattle. Within the wood
pasture, and a landscape dotted with flowers, sits the
gothic Mausoleum.
SOUTH FORELAND LIGHTHOUSE
South Foreland Lighthouse juts out over the cliffs and
is the UK’s closest point to France (it’s just 21 miles
away). Kids can make the most of the location with
kite flying, a trail around the fully enclosed grounds or
by climbing the 76 stairs to the top of the lighthouse,
making sure not to miss the lighthouse keeper’s office
on the way. Spare time for Mrs Knott’s tea room –
freshly made cake, loose leaf tea in fine bone china and
music from a real gramophone, all in 1950s surrounds.
CHARTWELL
Most famous as the family home of Sir Winston
Churchill, Chartwell evokes the spirit of the great
statesman, painter and family man. Don’t miss
the woodlands with unusual children’s play areas
(including a Canadian Camp and a Second World War
bomb crater), the Marycot play house and vegetable
garden tended by Churchill himself. A changing
seasonal exhibition adds depth into some of the more
unusual aspects of the former Prime Minister and his
private life.
There’s something for all seasons with the National
Trust, as well as events for all ages. From flower
arranging and private behind the scenes tours, to
special exhibitions and the ever popular 50 things to
do before you’re 11 ¾ for the little ones. n
For more information on National Trust properties, visit
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london-and-south-east
Home to the great writer Vita
Sackville-West and her husband
Harold Nicolson, Sissinghurst Castle
is a garden enthusiast’s heaven.
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Kent’s glorious castles teem with histories of kings, fair maidens
and dungeons, treachery and nobility… a great day out
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL
CASTLES IN THE LAND
T
he county of Kent is home to some of
the most beautiful castles in the land, all
of which teem with history – narratives
packed with fair maidens and dungeons,
treachery and nobility.
Royal Tunbridge Wells, with its excellent road and rail
network, is a great base from which to explore them all.
Here are three of the best, just to get you started:
PENSHURST PLACE & GARDENS
Take a step back in time at Penshurst Place & Gardens,
a magnificent 14th Century country house with a
living, breathing history that covers more than six
centuries of turbulent English life. Once a place
where Kings came to play, politicians visited and
literary giants wrote in homage, today it is an elegant
attraction beloved of tourists and local people. It
has also formed the backdrop to popular TV and
films including The Other Boleyn Girl, Merlin and The
Hollow Crown.
The house occupies a commanding position
over the River Medway and has stood guard with its
battlements and chimneys casting a protective shadow
over the ancient Kent village of Penshurst since building
began in 1342. Yet remarkably, it has been in the hands
of the Sidney family since 1552.
King Henry VIII seized Penshurst Place in 1521 after
he had the Duke of Buckingham, its then owner, tried
for treason and beheaded. Henry used the house as a
hunting lodge and stayed at Penshurst while courting
Anne Boleyn, who lived nearby at Hever Castle.
It is said that Henry proposed to Anne under the
ancient Sidney oak tree still clinging to life at Penshurst
Place. The Tudor trail between the two properties
remains today and is a popular historical route for
walkers and cyclists.
Penshurst Place & Gardens is open February until November.
See website www.penshurstplace.com for opening hours
and admission prices or to see a list of events taking place
throughout the year.
HEVER CASTLE
Situated in the heart of idyllic countryside, the
romantic Hever Castle is famous for being the
childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry
VIII and mother of Queen Elizabeth I.
In 1903, the Estate was bought by the American
multi-millionaire, William Waldorf Astor, who invested
an immense amount of time, money and imagination
restoring the castle and grounds. He created the
award-winning formal and natural gardens between
1904–1908. Each area has its own style and character,
from the magnificent Pompeiian Wall and classical
statuary in the Italian Garden to the Tudor Garden
and walled Rose Garden containing over 4,000
fragrant roses.
A programme of special events runs throughout
the year, most of which are included in the normal
entrance price. This year’s events include Edwardian
Life at the Castle, Hever’s Home Front, Hever in
Bloom, Paws at the Castle Dog Show, Country Life
at the Castle and the popular Jousting Tournaments
during the summer holidays.
For further information and prices, visit the website:
www.hevercastle.co.uk or call: 01732 865224.
Hever Castle
LEEDS CASTLE
The Italian Garden at
Penshurst Place
Leeds Castle describes itself as ‘The Loveliest Castle
in the World’ and it’s really hard to argue with that
statement. Few castles soar regally from the depths of
a moat to create a vision that has inspired poets and
artists for centuries. But it’s not just a feast for the eyes.
The Great British Kitchen at Leeds Castle has been
awarded the ‘Toptable Diners’ Choice Award’, putting it
in the top 100 Best Restaurants for 2014.
They say: ‘Dine with the loveliest view in the world’ at
The Great British Kitchen where our aim is to cook the
best traditional ingredients as simply as possible, letting
the quality of the produce and the magnificent views
across the castle’s moat speak for themselves.’
Diners that want to make the most of the experience
can enjoy a three-course dinner and stay overnight
in the Stable Courtyard Bedrooms with a full English
breakfast in the morning.
For further information and prices, visit the website:
www.leeds-castle.com or call: 01622 765400. n
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LEISURE
When it comes to cultural entertainment, there is plenty to choose from.
As well as a multi-screen cinema, Knights Wood residents can enjoy a variety
of entertainment from two excellent theatres in Royal Tunbridge Wells.
ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS
STATE OF THE ARTS
T
rinity is a 279 seat theatre in the heart of Royal
Tunbridge Wells that, despite its outward
appearance, is only 30 years old.
As a converted Decimus Burton church,
Trinity combines the benefit of an architectural
landmark with modern interior facilities and is a key
contributor to the vitality of the region. The theatre’s
programme offers an imaginative and wide range of
entertainment including drama, dance, live music,
comedy, children’s theatre and visual arts, and runs
a regular digital cinema season of World, British and
Hollywood films. Live transmissions are screened
from across the world showing productions by
leading performance houses such as the National
Theatre, Royal Opera House, ENO, Glyndebourne,
Bolshoi Ballet and the Met.
Trinity also runs its own fully stocked bar and café,
serving hot drinks and homemade cakes during the
day, and fresh, locally-sourced pre-theatre meal deals
in the evenings. Trinity places a strong emphasis
on community development, playing host to local
mental health groups, art appreciation groups,
language classes and much more. Trinity is generously
supported by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Kent
County Council and seasonal corporate sponsors.
The Assembly Hall Theatre first opened its
doors, under Marchioness Camden, as part of the
celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the granting
of the town’s charter in 1889 and is an important and
cultural landmark. The Grade II listed building is part of
the Civic Centre complex designed by Percy Thomas
and Ernest Prestwich. The design, in brown brick
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Despite the enormous growth in
technology and digital television, and
people being able to watch what they want,
when and where they want to, we have
seen an increase across the last decade in
the numbers of people who
come to the theatre.
Brian McAteer, Assembly Hall Theatre
Trinity Theatre
with Portland stone dressings, has been commonly
described as ‘art deco’, but recent discussions with
English Heritage indicate that it is actually more
eclectic – classical with art deco and neo-Georgian
features. The Assembly Hall Theatre began life as
an entertainment hall and all sorts of events were
held there; throughout the war it held dances for
the troops and had a cinema where both newsreels
and films were broadcast. Unlike Trinity Theatre, the
Assembly Hall Theatre closed their cinema back in the
1960s and focused purely on theatre.
Twenty years ago, the Theatre’s Director, Brian
McAteer, was seconded to the theatre as a special
Project Manager to install a new booking system –
until that time there were only manual tickets. He
never left. Today the high quality of productions
staged are testament to his vision and expertise.
‘When I first arrived at the theatre it was in a Business
Manager role and the first thing I had to do was to
get focus on the financial situation. We were staging
productions and even achieving a full house but at
the end of the day the only people that were making
any money were the promoters. I think sometimes
people forget the word ‘business’ is twice as long as
the word ‘show’ in ‘show business’.
‘In 2001 we managed to secure funds for a
£2,500,000 refurbishment that included front of
house and new technology. This enabled us to
attract bigger and better shows.’
Highlights across the years have included
Heather Small, Dionne Warwick and Lesley Garrett
and Brian confirmed that musical acts are really
popular at the theatre, right up there with the
comics. ‘It’s also a fact’, he continued ‘that, despite
the enormous growth in technology and digital
television, and people being able to watch what
they want, when and where they want to, we have
seen an increase across the last decade in the
numbers of people who choose to come to the
theatre.’ And finally, what are Brian’s thoughts for
the future?
‘I like to think that people who enjoy going to the
theatre, will always enjoy it, regardless of technology
and I think that this has been shown by the increase
in visitor levels. Theatre is something that everyone
gets to share in, a collective experience, not
something you do by yourself and I think that is very
much what makes it so special.’ n
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LEISURE
A Health Club
for all the family
Or Escape
for a little me time
...
As a spa town that grew from the discovery of a ‘Chalybeate Spring’ in 1604, Royal
Tunbridge Wells is the perfect place to go when you need to take time out for yourself.
Right on your doorstep. . .
Peep through the trees on the very
edge of Knights Wood and you’ll find
the family-friendly Royal Tunbridge
Wells Virgin Active Health Club, quite
literally within walking distance.
T
his is a health club with a difference, it really
is for everyone whether young or old, fit or
unfit. The focus is all about helping members
to be active without getting too uptight or overly
serious about it. It’s an exercise environment where
everyone is encouraged, inspired, and made to feel
right at home.
The superb facilities on offer mean there is plenty for
all the family to enjoy. There is state-of-the-art exercise
equipment, more than 80 exhilarating studio glasses
that range from Aqua right through to Zumba classes
and a 20m swimming pool.
For younger members there are Ofsted-approved
crèche facilities and a whole range of exciting and
educational exercise activities specifically created for
ages 6 weeks – 16 years old. Think swimming lessons
and clubs, tennis lessons with Active Aces, a new tennis
coaching programme for 3-10 year olds.
The grown-ups are well looked after too with the
Tranquillity Spa – a peaceful oasis of calm where you can
take a break from the fast pace of life, be pampered and
unwind.
Alongside all that, the club also offers a whole new
range of membership options with flexible terms, joint
membership for partners and easy access to a number of
different Virgin Active Health Clubs around the country. n
N
o longer the exclusive domain of the
wealthy, spa treatments continue to grow in
popularity. In fact, as life gets busier, the list
of treatments to choose from seems to get longer,
and the choice of venues in which to enjoy them,
wider. Here’s a few you won’t want to miss.
Tranquillity Spa,
Virgin Active Health Club
Ease of access to this gorgeous spa might make this
the number one choice for many Knights Wood
residents – and the good news is that you don’t need
to be a member of Virgin Active to use it. There is
a whole menu of health and beauty treatments to
choose from for men and women.
Spa Spa, at The Spa Hotel
Situated on the western edge of Royal Tunbridge Wells,
The Spa Hotel is a beautiful 18th Century Mansion
with 70 bedrooms, contemporary Bar and Orangery,
award winning Restaurant and Spa Health Leisure Club.
Tucked away within Spa Health is Spa Spa, offering 9
treatment rooms, one of which is a double room.
Spa treatments & Spa Days
Spa Spa offers a range of indulgent individual
treatments, using only the highest quality products,
and the Spa Days have been carefully put together
to ensure clients leave feeling utterly relaxed and
rejuvenated. Whether you are looking for an all-day total
spa experience, or an afternoon of relaxation including
a delicious afternoon tea, Spa Spa can create the perfect
package for you.
Champneys Day Spa
Champneys Day Spas are high street spas providing
luxury treatment rooms and pampering therapies, as
well as those everyday must-haves such as manicures,
pedicures and tanning treatments. New treatments
available at Royal Tunbridge Wells Day Spa are Mio High
Intensity Body Treatments such as Get Waisted which is
designed to give you a firm tummy, Mama Mio Pregnancy
Spa Treatments including Gorgeous Glow Top to Toe and
the highly acclaimed new Carita CINETIC Lift Expert facial.
Beauty expert and journalist Newby Hands was one of
the first to try this new treatment and tweeted that the
CINETIC lift facial was “one of the v.v.v. best ever and in my
career I’ve had more facials than hot dinners!” n
As a reader of ‘The Knights Wood
Magazine’, you are entitled to try it all out
for yourself with a complimentary visit.
Simply call 01892 774000, mentioning
this article, to arrange it, and discover
what it’s like to live happily ever active.
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LEISURE
OUTDOOR
Adventures
Close proximity to the local countryside and villages in and around Royal
Tunbridge Wells makes Knights Wood the perfect base from which to enjoy
the great outdoors. It sits at the heart of the High Weald countryside in
West Kent and is filled with Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, There
are superb walks, lovely country villages to explore, a maze of cycle trails
and bridlepaths so you can take your pick as to how you’d like to travel.
Bedgebury National Forest
On foot
Cycling
Horses for courses
There’s something really relaxing about going for a
stroll in the country, it’s the perfect antidote to living
life at breakneck speed and always having to get
somewhere in a hurry but it’s also a great way to get
fresh air and exercise.
There are lots of planned routes to follow in and
around the High Weald area, with walks tailored to suit
the needs of all the family. Alternatively of course you
can always plot a route yourself that takes in landmarks
of your choice.
For those that have rediscovered the simple
pleasure of walking, you’ll notice that you get to see
so much more of the detail. Instead of whizzing past
everything in the blink of an eye you can take time to
really enjoy your surroundings or identify individual
birds, plants or trees.
Cycling really is the perfect family activity, something
everyone can enjoy together. It’s also a great way to
get some exercise whilst exploring the wider area and,
owing to a wide network of cycle paths, a safe way for
all the family to get around.
One of the legacies of the 2012 Olympics is the
enormous increase in the numbers of cyclists that now
regularly take to the cycle paths for pleasure rather
than need but in Royal Tunbridge Wells there is an
established cycling community with organised rides
regularly taking place and clubs for children to learn
how to cycle safely.
The Velo House in St Johns Road is a combined bike
shop, workshop and café, and a great place to meet
other cyclists. Although they are the new kids on the
block, having opened in April 2014, their reputation is
spreading fast as a great new venue with excellent food
and drink and a super cool bike shop.
Enjoying the countryside on horseback makes for a
really memorable day in the country and there are
plenty of stables to choose from.
If you’re not ready for a day’s hacking straight away
then why not have a go at riding lessons or join a pony
cub. Wellgrove Farm Stables is a great place to start. As
well as riding lessons for children from three years old,
there are some great alternative introductions such as
horse riding birthday parties for kids with or without
riding experience or a summer pony camp from age 8+
where kids bring their own tents to sleep in for one or
two nights whilst living a ‘complete horsey experience’.
The Riding Farm Equestrian Centre, also offering
party rides, has superb facilities inside and out. There
are three all-weather schools and a jumping arena with
a full set of BSJA standard show jumps.
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LEISURE
20 minutes or less by car
Bowles
For a day out that’s a real adventure Bowles is an
absolute must. The centre is used by schools and
colleges but also is open to members of the public and
runs special events throughout the school holidays.
There is a dry ski slope for skiing & snowboarding, rock
climbing for all abilities with climbs up to 10m high,
canoeing and raft building, and rope courses.
Bewl Water
Sailing, canoeing and even hiring a boat are all options
on a day out at Bewl Water Country Park which is a
major local attraction. Children can learn to fish under
instruction of staff who also provide tackle, rods and
bait, there is cycle hire and the opportunity to walk
on water by stepping inside the inflated world of
hydroballing.
Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest
Go Ape is a huge draw for youngsters that want to
try a tree top trail. For those preferring to keep their
feet almost on the ground there are all sorts of things
to try such as the assault course, a shipwreck and an
enormous rope swing. For walkers there is a choice of
orienteering maps available to buy for £1 each across
four levels from young children through to advanced,
experienced walkers. Bedgebury is also the perfect
setting for a bike ride, with 10km of newly surfaced
family cycle track around the 2000 acre forest.
Golf
Both Tunbridge Wells Golf Cub and Nevill Golf Club
are well-respected clubs and offer lessons for juniors
as well as having superb facilities for seasoned
golfers. The Tunbridge Wells Golf Club is renowned
for its stunning views and is a 9-hole course that can
become an 18-hole course by playing the nine holes
from different tees.
Nevill Golf Club celebrates its centenary year in 2014
and is located on the Kent and Sussex border. The club
prides itself on its junior academy which has produced
European Tour professionals Jamie Spence, Paul Way
and Jamie Harris. n
SPORTING ACTIVITIES
For All The Family
The beauty of living somewhere as accessible as Knights Wood means you
are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding activities that all the family
will enjoy and there are some unrivalled attractions in the area.
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DINING
If you enjoy trying new places to eat out then Royal Tunbridge Wells is
positively brimming with opportunities. The cosmopolitan selection means
you can eat practically what you want, when you want and the food on
offer begins with a quick breakfast on the run right through to an exquisite
romantic supper for two tucked away in a quiet corner.
GREAT FOOD,
FINE WINE...
Royal Tunbridge Wells has got it all
A
Pulpito – The Spanish Tapas Bar & Kitchen
This highly-acclaimed Michelin starred French
restaurant would be first choice for many. Varied
menu, superb wine selection and a lovely
atmosphere all contribute to a superb dining
experience that is enhanced by its historical
setting as the former home of William Makepeace
Thackeray.
Also on Camden Road, Pulpito is an authentic Spanish
tapas bar where octopus on potatoes is the house
special and you can order Sherry by the glass.
nother plus is that, although there are
clusters of restaurants in popular areas
such as The Pantiles, High Street and
Camden Road, there are also plenty
of individual establishments dotted around the
town and on the fringe so, wherever you are, it’s
definitely worth keeping an eye out.
particular English afternoon tea. The second restaurant
is La Boucherie which serves exquisite French cuisine
in its very special and secluded restaurant. Other
places to try are Sankey’s Champagne & Seafood Bar,
Gastronomia G (Italian), Zapattas (Mexican) and La Casa
Vecchia (Mediterranean).
The Historic Pantiles
Around the world and back again ….
Rendezvous
A superb selection of restaurants means individual
establishments have to work really hard to attract their
share of customers. This extends to restaurants bringing
a flavour of their country to Royal Tunbridge Wells.
There is more than one of everything so, without any
bias, here’s a few to get you started.
Good value, authentic French food served up in a
cosy, ambient atmosphere is the order of the day at
this lovely restaurant on Camden Road. Although it
has good capacity the restaurant is arranged over
three floors and this helps to create an impression
of three, fairly intimate dining rooms.
The Tunbridge Wells Hotel is a welcome addition for
both locals and visitors to the area. There are two
separate restaurants to choose from – Brasserie des
Sources is evocative of a Parisienne style Bistro although
there are some English favourites on the menu – in
50 THE MAGAZINE: KNIGHTS WOOD
Thackeray’s
Giggling Squid Thai Restaurant
If you enjoy Thai food then the Giggling Squid Thai
restaurant on Calverley Road is well worth a visit.
As well as an authentic Thai menu packed with
flavour, the restaurant has a superb atmosphere.
Hotel du Vin
Hotel du Vin has retained its authentic detail, carefully
adding a unique touch to the 34 bedrooms with
antiques and memorabilia. Guests can enjoy a game of
boules, dining on the garden terrace with its wonderful
views across Calverley Park, or a wander through the
hotel’s very own vineyard.
Bistro du Vin
An elegant and informal classic French-style setting for
lunch and dinner where guests can meet, celebrate or
simply pass the time, Bistro du Vin takes pride in serving
up dishes that not only taste great, they are made using
locally sourced produce and, wherever possible, organic
too. It’s about enjoying moderately priced à la carte
dining in a down-to-earth, warm and relaxing setting.
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DINING
Reputed to be the second
oldest pub in the country,
the multi-award winning
George & Dragon epitomises
the traditional British pub.
Il Vesuvio
Most regular diners at Il Vesuvio pay no attention to
the little note on the menu that asks them to allow
extra time as most dishes are cooked from scratch.
They know – that’s why they keep coming back. Great
atmosphere, superb food that some might feel includes
the best pizza in town and, just as importantly, attentive
and welcoming staff.
T
he growth of the gastro pub in recent years
has seen companies that focus on providing
an excellent customer experience through
sourcing fresh local ingredients go from strength to
strength. If you’re not sure where to begin, you might
like to start with any one of our special favourites.
The Kings Head, Bessels Green
Just a short drive up the A21 from Royal Tunbridge
Wells you’ll find The Kings Head, Whiting & Hammond’s
newest acquisition to a group that includes The Mark
Cross Inn, The Little Brown Jug and The Chaser Inn. The
Kings Head reopened in 2014, having been fully restored
to its former glory and boasts a menu that follows the
philosophy of its sister pubs – a philosophy that has led
to the group being shortlisted for best food pub group
in the national Publican Food & Drink Awards 2014 for
the third year running.
And finally, the icing on the cake…
Rosemary Shrager’s Patisserie is filled with tempting
treats, as is The Cake Shed where you can watch
homemade food being made whilst enjoying ‘one I
prepared earlier’. You can also soak up the atmosphere
of The Pantiles by sitting outside and watching the
world go by or, perhaps on days when the weather
isn’t quite as it should be, try the lesser known space
downstairs where stripped wooden tables and low
lighting provide a great space for having a chat with
friends. Among the best of the rest and teeming with a
tempting array of cakes and pastries are The Tunbridge
Wells Hotel, Cafe Chocolat, Blends and Juliets. n
The Tunbridge Wells Hotel
The George & Dragon, Speldhurst
Reputed to be the second oldest pub in the country,
the George & Dragon epitomises the traditional British
pub. Two roaring log fires and heavy wooden beams
all contribute to the convivial atmosphere that goes up
a level when you look at their menu of the day. Where
possible, everything is sourced through local providers,
and it shows. Cheese makers from Sussex, milk from just
around the corner, fruit from Kent orchards and meat
from the local farms.
The Black Pig Pub & Dining Room
The Rare Breed Pig Company is just a stone’s throw
from The Black Pig Pub & Dining Room and their
produce is very much a feature of their menu which
is also updated daily. Only free range or organic
ingredients from local food producers are used. There
are now three private dining spaces that can be rented
out for private parties.
52 THE MAGAZINE: KNIGHTS WOOD
The George & Dragon, Speldhurst
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DINING
Food heaven
I’m delighted with my new Patisserie;
The Pantiles is fast becoming the foodie
hub in our area, & we are able to offer
authentic French food in sumptuous
surroundings. We’re open six days a
week for delicious breakfasts, light
lunches and afternoon teas.
in the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells
Rosemary
First came the Cookery School and
then, a year later, a mouth watering
new Patisserie.
R
oyal Tunbridge Wells is rapidly becoming
something of a foodie hub and this has
become even more evident since the arrival of
TV chef Rosemary Shrager.
When Rosemary Shrager’s cookery school opened
in May 2013, it was the realisation of a lifetime
ambition for cook, television personality and author,
Rosemary Shrager.
This vast cookery school is housed within The Corn
Exchange, a beautiful three storey Regency building
which will include a Domestic School, Professional School,
Deli & Café, plus events spaces for private celebrations or
corporate functions.
Every aspect of the school has been personally
designed to Rosemary’s exacting specifications and
no expense has been spared to provide students
with both up-to-the-minute kitchen technology and
luxurious style.
The Domestic School, a hand built and home-style
kitchen built by Mark Wilkinson Furniture, occupies
an airy open-plan space on the first floor, with an
enormous demonstration island and fully equipped
work stations for the students. It is a kitchen built to
the highest specifications, designed to inspire home
cooks of all abilities. A table, seating 20, ensures that
all the students can sit down together for lunch with
Rosemary in comfort.
Working in collaboration with Executive Chef, John
Rogers – Rosemary provides an exciting programme of
day courses from Bread Masterclass and Knife Skills, to
Sushi and British Dishes with a Twist, plus there will be
Chef ’s Tables and opportunities for Corporate Events
with a culinary theme.
At the time of writing Half Day courses are £105
Chef ’s Tables are £52.00
One Day courses start from £160.00
54 THE MAGAZINE: KNIGHTS WOOD
The Patisserie
Following on from the launch of her Cookery
School in 2013, Rosemary Shrager has now
followed the main course with an exquisite dessert,
a French-style Patisserie. Occupying a beautiful
space in the historic Pantiles of Royal Tunbridge
Wells, a luxurious interior awaits visitors, with
comfortable and elegant seating on two interior
levels, as well as a large outside space.
The ambience and quality of the patisserie served
is second to none, and true to the spirit of an elegant
French café, Marc Mouzon, ex Savoy Head Pastry Chef,
creates a fresh selection of classic French delicacies
each day, such as Paris Brest, Sacher Tort, Macaroon
and Galette Des Rois, along with an array of handmade
chocolates and truffles.
The Patisserie is open from 8.00am each morning
and serves a selection of continental breakfasts
including a range of freshly baked pastries, yogurt
with granola and homemade fruit confit, and a wide
selection of coffees, traditional and herbal teas, hot
chocolates (made with either white or dark chocolate
and topped with a handmade marshmallow) and a
selection of artisan fruit juices.
A light lunch service includes locally sourced
specials or seasonal soups which change frequently,
as well as a selection of classic French dishes with a
Kentish twist, such as Croque Monsieur with Kentish
Blue and Broadoak Cheddar cheese. For special
occasions, there is a selection of Afternoon Teas,
available with champagne, as well as Macaron &
Champagne, served from 2.30pm each day. n
Shrager’s Patisserie is open from 8.00am until 5.30pm
Tuesday to Sunday. The Patisserie is available for private hire
and birthday cakes can be baked to order.
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KNIGHTS WOOD:
THE DIRECTORY
Knights Wood is a location that’s well-connected in every department. This directory gives little
more than a hint of some of the excellent facilities on offer.
SHOPPING
LEISURE
The Shopper Hopper 281 bus service runs
every 12 minutes from Royal Victoria Place
and Calverley Road to The Pantiles and costs
£1 for the whole day.
Assembly Hall Theatre
Crescent Road,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN1 2LU
☎ 01892 530613
www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
The Pantiles
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN2 5SA
Royal Victoria Place
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN1 2SS
☎ 01892 514141
www.royalvictoriaplace.com
John Lewis at Home
Kingstanding Business Park,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN2 3UP
☎ 0844 6931762
www.johnlewis.com
Marks & Spencer Food & Home
Unit 4 Royal Spa Retail Park,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN2 3FB
☎ 01892 544713
www.marksandspencer.com
Fenwick
Royal Victoria Place,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN1 2SR
☎ 0892 516716
www.fenwick.co.uk
Hoopers
1-12 Mt Pleasant Road,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN1 1QT
☎ 01892 530222
www.hoopersstores.com
Bedgebury Forest
Goudhurst,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN17 2SJ
☎ 01580 879820
www.forestry.gov.uk/bedgebury
Bewl Water Country Park
Bewlbridge Lane, Wadhurst,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN3 8JH
☎ 01892 890000
www.bewlwater.co.uk
Bowles
Sandhill Lane, Rotherfield,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN3 9LW
☎ 01892 665665
www.bowles.ac
Bowlplex
Knights Park, Longfield Road,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN2 3UW
☎ 01892 619161
www.bowlplex.co.uk
Champneys
7 High Street,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN1 1UL
☎ 01892 530111
www.champneys.com
The Chapel Hairdressers
Chapel Place,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN1 1YQ
☎ 01892 549900
www.thechapel.co.uk
Chartwell
Mapleton Road, Westerham,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN16 1PS
☎ 01732 868381
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell
Cobham Wood and Mausoleum
nr Cobham,
DA12 3BZ
☎ 01732 810378
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cobham-wood
Knole
Sevenoaks TN15 0RP
☎ 01732 462100
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole
Knowle Grange Health Spa
Wadhurst Road,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN3 9EJ
☎ 01892 750761
www.knowlegrange.co.uk
The Common
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN4 8BX
www.twcommons.org
Leeds Castle
Maidstone
ME17 1PL
☎ 01622 765400
www.leeds-castle.com
Dunorlan Park
Pembury Road,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN2 3QN
☎ 01892 554031
www.goo.gl/1dvj47
MinorMania
Bayham Road,
Bells Yew Green
TN3 9BJ
☎ 01892 752042
www.minormania.co.uk
Emmetts Garden
Ide Hill, Sevenoaks
TN14 6BA
☎ 01732 751509
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/emmetts-garden
Nevill Golf Club
Benhall Mill Road,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN2 5JW
☎ 01892 525818
www.nevillgolfclub.co.uk
Glazy Daisy
55 St John’s Road,
Tunbridge Wells
TN4 9TP
☎ 01892 519719
www.glazydaisy.com
Hever Castle
Hever,
nr Edenbridge
TN8 7NG
☎ 01732 865224
www.hevercastle.co.uk
Ightham Mote
Mote Road,
Sevenoaks
TN15 0NT
☎ 01732 810378
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ightham-mote
Notcutts Garden Centre
Tonbridge Road, Pembury,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN2 4QN
☎ 01892 822636
www.notcutts.co.uk
Odeon Cinema
Knights Park,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN2 3UW
☎ 0871 224 40007
www.odeon.co.uk
Penshurst Place
Penshurst
TN11 8DG
☎ 01892 870307
www.penshurstplace.com
Riding Farm Equestrian Centre
Riding Lane,
Hildenborough,
Kent
TN11 9LN
☎ 01732 838717
www.ridingfarm.co.uk
Scotney Castle
Lamberhurst,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN3 8JN
☎ 01892 893820
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scotney-castle
Sissinghurst Castle
Biddenden Road,
Cranbrook
TN17 2AB
☎ 01580 710701
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst-castle
Smallhythe Place
Tenterden,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN30 7NG
☎ 01580 762334
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/smallhythe-place
Spa Spa, The Spa Hotel
Mount Ephraim,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN4 8XJ
☎ 01892 520331
www.spahotel.co.uk
The Spa Valley Railway
West Station,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN2 5QY
☎ 01892 537715
www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk
Trinity Theatre
Church Road,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN1 1JP
☎ 01892 678678
www.trinitytheatre.net
Tunbridge Wells Golf Club
Langton Road,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN4 8XH
☎ 01892 523034
www.tunbridgewellsgolf.com
The Velo House
5 St Johns Road,
Royal Tunbridge Wells,
TN4 9TN
☎ 01892 554500
www.thevelohouse.com
Virgin Active Health Club
Knights Park Leisure Park,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN2 3UW
☎ 01892 774000
www.virginactive.co.uk/Tunbridge-Wells
Wellgrove Farm Stables
Wellgrove Oast,
Kings Toll Road, Pembury,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN2 4BE
☎ 01892 822087
www.wellgrovestables.co.uk/wellgrove-rda
KNIGHTS WOOD:
THE DIRECTORY
EDUCATION
Preparatory Schools
Beechwood Sacred Heart
12 Pembury Road,
Royal Tunbridge Wells TN2 3QD
☎ 01892 532747
www.beechwood.org.uk
Dulwich Preparatory School
Coursehorn, Cranbrook TN17 3NP
☎ 01580 712179
www.dcpskent.org
Holmewood House
Langton Green,
Royal Tunbridge Wells TN3 0EB
☎ 01892 860000
www.holmewood.kent.sch.uk
Kent College
Old Church Road,
Royal Tunbridge Wells TN2 4AX
☎ 01892 820204
www.kent-college.co.uk
Marlborough House School
High Street, Hawkhurst TN18 4PY
☎ 01580 753555
www.marlboroughouseschool.co.uk
Rose Hill
Coniston Avenue,
Royal Tunbridge Wells TN4 9SY
☎ 01892 525591
www.rosehillschool.co.uk
Yardley Court
Somerhill, Tonbridge TN11 0NJ
☎ 01732 352124
www.somerhill.org
Public Schools
Benenden CE Primary School
The Village Green, Cranbrook TN17 4DN
☎ 01580 240565
www.benenden.kent.sch.uk
Bethany School
Curtisden Green, Goudhurst,
Cranbrook TN17 1LB
☎ 01580 211273
www.bethanyschool.org.uk
Kent College
Old Church Road,
Royal Tunbridge Wells TN2 4AX
☎ 01892 822006
www.kent-college.co.uk
Sevenoaks School
High Street, Sevenoaks TN13 1HU
☎ 01732 455133
www.sevenoaksschool.org
Tonbridge School
High Street, Tonbridge TN9 1JP
☎ 01732 365555
www.tonbridge-school.co.uk
Secondary Schools
The Judd School
Brook Street, Tonbridge TN9 2PN
☎ 01732 770880
www.judd.kent.sch.uk
The Skinners’ Kent Academy
Sandown Park, Blackhurst Lane,
Royal Tunbridge Wells TN2 4PY
☎ 01892 534377
www.skinnerskentacademy.org.uk
The Skinners’ School
St John’s Road,
Royal Tunbridge Wells TN4 9PG
☎ 01892 520732
www.skinners-school.co.uk
Tonbridge Grammar School for Girls
Deakin Leas, Tonbridge TN9 2JR
☎ 01732 365125
www.tgs.kent.sch.uk
Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys
St John’s Road,
Royal Tunbridge Wells TN4 9XB
☎ 01892 529551
www.twgsb.org.uk
Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Girls
Southfield Road,
Royal Tunbridge Wells TN4 9UJ
☎ 01892 520902
www.twggs.kent.sch.uk
HOTELS
Hotel Du Vin
Crescent Road,
Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 2LY
☎ 01892 850676
www.hotelduvin.com
The Royal Wells
59 Mount Ephraim,
Royal Tunbridge Wells TN4 8BE
☎ 01892 511188
www.royalwells.co.uk
Smart & Simple
54-57 London Road,
Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 1DS
☎ 01892 552700
www.smartandsimple.co.uk
The Spa Hotel
Mount Ephraim,
Royal Tunbridge Wells TN4 8XJ
☎ 01892 520331
www.spahotel.co.uk
The Tunbridge Wells Hotel
58 The Pantiles,
Royal Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TE
☎ 01892 530501
www.thetunbridgewellshotel.com
PUBS &
RESTAURANTS
The Black Pig Pub and Dining Room
18 Grove Hill Road,
Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 1RZ
☎ 01892 523030
www.theblackpig.net
Blends Coffee Co
18-18B The Pantiles,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN2 5TN
La Boucherie
Tunbridge Wells Hotel,
Royal Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TE
☎ 01892 530501
www.thetunbridgewellshotel.com
Brasserie des Sources
Tunbridge Wells Hotel,
58 The Pantiles,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN2 5TE
☎ 01892 530501
www.thetunbridgewellshotel.com
The Cake Shed
32 The Pantiles,
Royal Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TN
☎ 01892 457357
www.thecakeshed.co.uk
La Casa Vecchia
70-72 The Pantiles,
Royal Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TW
☎ 01892 544700
www.thegreylady.co.uk
The Chaser Inn
Stumble Hill,
Shipbourne TN11 9PE
☎ 01732 810360
www.thechaser.co.uk
Gastronomia G
7 The Pantiles,
Royal Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TD
☎ 01892 618281
The George & Dragon
Speldhurst,
Royal Tunbridge Wells TN3 0NN
☎ 01892 863125
www.speldhurst.com
The Mark Cross Inn
Mark Cross,
Crowborough TN6 3NP
☎ 01892 852423
www.themarkcross.co.uk
Pulpita
12-14 Camden Road,
Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 2PT
☎ 01892 525565
www.pulpito.co.uk
Giggling Squid
57-59 Calverley Road,
Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 2UY
☎ 01892 545499
www.gigglingsquid.com/branches/
tunbridgewells.html
Rendez-Vous
86 Camden Road,
Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 2QP
☎ 01892 525830
www.rendezvoustw.co.uk
Hotel Du Vin
Crescent Road,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN1 2LY
☎ 01892 526455
www.hotelduvin.com
Rosemary Shrager’s Patisserie
The Corn Exchange, The Pantiles,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN2 5TE
☎ 01892 528700
www.rosemaryshrager.com
Il Vesuvio
112 Camden Road,
Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 2QX
☎ 01892 534420
www.ilvesuvio.co.uk
Sankeys Champagne and Seafood Bar
39 Mount Ephraim,
Royal Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TN
☎ 01892 511422
www.sankeys.co.uk
Just For You – Café Chocolate
42 The Pantiles,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN2 5TN
☎ 01892 539652
Sucheera Thai Restaurant
71 Calverley Road,
Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 2UY
☎ 01892 511370
www.sucheera.com
The Kings Head
Westerham Road,
Bessels Green, Sevenoaks
TN13 2QA
☎ 01732 452081
www.kingsheadbesselsgreen.co.uk
Thackeray’s
85 London Road,
Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 1EA
☎ 01892 511921
www.thackerays-restaurant.co.uk
The Little Brown Jug
Chiddingstone Causeway,
Tonbridge TN11 8JJ
☎ 01892 870318
www.thelittlebrownjug.co.uk
Zapatas Mexican Restaurant
1-3 Union Square, The Pantiles,
Royal Tunbridge Wells TN4 8HE
☎ 01892 513950
www.zapatas.co.uk
Information for these directory pages has been
sourced from various local websites and is consistent
with those websites at the time of going to press.
the dandara
STORY
FROM FIRST TIME BUYER PROPERTIES AND CITY CENTRE APARTMENTS TO FAMILY
HOMES AND LUXURY EXECUTIVE DWELLINGS, WE HAVE A WIDE RANGE OF
PROPERTIES TO SUIT EVERY LIFESTYLE
PHOTOGRAPHY TAKEN OF PREVIOUS DANDARA DEVELOPMENTS
At Dandara, we know just what it takes to make a house a home. We are passionate about quality, which is why we undertake
every aspect of the development process ourselves; from planning and design through to build and sales. The result is homes
that combine both style and substance – an approach that has earned us more than 10,000 happy customers.
Over the past 25 years, Dandara Group has become known as one of the UK’s most diverse property developers. We have
positioned ourselves at the forefront of property design and development, creating award-winning, landmark buildings across
the high-end residential, mixed-use and commercial sectors. Our success is founded on vast technical expertise combined with
an intuitive understanding of the market that has seen us foster an enviable reputation for versatility and vision.
MANCHESTER MANCHESTER MANCHESTER
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FAMILY HOMES IN
A WOODLAND SETTING
Knights Wood is destined to provide a contemporary lifestyle in a highly
desirable woodland setting, with each of the high specification family
homes offering the perfect mix of city chic and country style.
M25
A127
M4
LONDON
SLOUGH
SOUTHEND ON SEA
A13
M25
A20
M25
A24
TONBRIDGE
M23
GATWICK
A264
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A26
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IGHT
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A249
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M26
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A26
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A21
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M25
M3
A3
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A23
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ASHFORD
INTERNATIONAL
A26
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ROYAL
TUNBRIDGE
TUNBRIDGE
WELLS
A21
A21
DOVER
A259
FOLKSTONE
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A272
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WELLS
A23
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A264
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WELLS
EASTBOURNE
To keep up to date on the progress of this exciting development register now
knightswood.co.uk 01892 800 580
Sat Nav: TN2 3UW
100% of our team have customer
service as their No.1 priority
KNIGHTS WOOD, KNIGHTS WAY, ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS, TN2 3UW
Dandara for itself and any associated company and their respective servants and agents (Dandara) give notice that: 1. This brochure has been published before the planning process and/or construction work has
been completed and is designed to be illustrative of the nature of the proposed development only. 2. This brochure does not constitute any part of an offer or a contract. 3. All statements contained in this brochure are
made without responsibility on the part of Dandara. 4. None of the statements contained in this brochure are to be relied upon as a statement or representation of fact. 5. Any intending purchaser, tenant or occupier
must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise as to the correctness of each of the statements or representations contained in this brochure. 6. Dandara does not make or give any person in its employment any
authority to make or give any representation or warranty whatsoever in relation to the development. 7. All photography and illustrations contained in this brochure are for illustrative and indicative purposes only.
8. Room sizes and the layout and/or furnishing and fittings therein may vary and cannot be relied upon. Designed and produced by © Craven Group 2014 craven-property.com
Our philosophy is to ‘think customer’ in everything we do.
Our dedicated Customer Service Teams manage the customer relationship from exchange
of contracts through to completion, delivery of the new home, and after occupation.
by
62 THE MAGAZINE: KNIGHTS WOOD
THE MAGAZINE: KNIGHTS WOOD 63
64 THE MAGAZINE: KNIGHTS WOOD