Country Life

The secret’s in the soil

LOCATED within a day’s ride from London, the Garden of England has been the rural retreat and playground of the rich and powerful since medieval times and Kent claims to have more historic houses and castles than any other county in England.

Its rich soil also spawned generations of prosperous yeomen farmers, who built picturesque farmhouses and even grand country houses that are today more sought-after than ever by London escapees.

With a nod to both the aristocratic and the farming traditions, Grade II-listed Shirley Hall at Langton Green, three miles west of Tunbridge Wells, stands on the site of Sherlocks Farm, the original walls of which are

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Country Life

Country Life2 min read
The Legacy Sir John Soane And His Museum
EXASPERATED and despairing at the provocative behaviour of his sons, Sir John Soane (1753–1837) decided towards the end of his life to make the British public his heir. His eldest son, John—whom he had hoped would follow him as an architect, but who
Country Life2 min read
Up Where The Air Is Clear
Graffiti is not normally a selling point, but, in the case of Great Tangley Manor, where George V and Queen Mary signed the dining-room window with a diamond ring, we’ll make an exception. Later, George VI and Edward VIII followed suit and signed the
Country Life2 min read
Sauce For The Goose
Future Publishing Ltd, 121–141 Westbourne Terrace, Paddington, London W2 6JR 0330 390 6591; www.countrylife.co.uk IT has been a tale of floods and pestilence for the British countryside over the past 18 months. Now comes the inevitable news that the

Related