If you’re looking for an idyllic home in the southeast, consider Sittingbourne. It’s a small town in the Swale district of Kent with a present and future as illustrious as its industrial past. Located on the UK mainland, across the water from the Isle of Sheppey, it boasts picturesque surroundings thanks to its proximity to the sea and Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. And being just 45 miles from London, it’s ideally situated for getting to and from the capital.
On top of that, Sittingbourne has recently undergone significant regeneration with lots of investment in the local amenities. Thanks to excellent transport links, affordable new houses for sale – including shared ownership homes – and a slower pace of life, it’s clear why you’d want to live here. Scroll down to discover what makes this historical town the ultimate modern homebase.
Spring Acres: A New Community Near Sittingbourne
If a stylish home in the countryside sounds like a dream, Spring Acres will be right up your street. This new build community in Bapchild, minutes away from Sittingbourne, consists of two-, three- and four-bedroom houses designed and finished to high-end standards. Offering a village feel with all the amenities you need nearby, the development fuses traditional charm and contemporary living.
Historical Significance and Indusial Heritage
Sittingbourne’s industrial heritage goes back to the Roman era when they built the famous Watling Street as a quicker route between London and Dover. The town continued to develop throughout Medieval times. However, it was during the Industrial Revolution that it became a hub of innovation and production.
Sittingbourne and the surrounding area’s geology is rich in clay and chalk, which put the town on the map in the 19th century. Brick making, barge building, and paper mills became its main trades, supplying London and beyond with essential materials for other industries. Remnants of the past still stand in Sittingbourne today, with old buildings and sites keeping the industrial spirit alive.
Regeneration and Development
Over the past few years, the town centre has undergone considerable regeneration and development, signifying Sittingbourne as an up-and-coming hub for professionals and families wanting easy access to London or elsewhere in Kent. Brand-new amenities, including a cinema, restaurants and retail outlets – alongside hundreds of new homes – are carving out Sittingbourne as the commuter town to settle in.
A Transport Hub
The regeneration also extends to the local infrastructure. Sittingbourne is a significant transport hub in Kent, connecting people with other towns and villages in the southeast. With trains from Sittingbourne station to London taking just over an hour, commuting into the capital is a doddle. The road links are equally convenient due to the M2 motorway nearby. And finding peace and quiet away from the constant buzz of the city is easy when you live here because you’ll have nature as a neighbour.
Natural Surroundings
A short distance from Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Thames Estuary, Sittingbourne is a nature lover’s haven. If being outdoors is how you like to spend your free time, you’ll be right at home here. Whether hiking or cycling, there are miles and miles of countryside and nature reserves to explore. The Swale also provides a habitat for various birds and insects, making it a beautiful place to spot prominent and rare species throughout the year.
