Wealden Times | WT165 | November 2015 | Gift supplement inside

HOUSE OF THE MONTH by John Graham-Hart
1.
On the Right Track
John Graham-Hart locates properties near railway stations...
For many rural communities in the 1960s, Dr Richard Beeching was not
exactly a family favourite. Dr Beeching had been brought in to sort out
the considerable mess that was British Railways and had come up with a
plan to close down 6,000 miles of track and a staggering 2,363 stations.
After growing rapidly in the 19th century, the British railway system had
reached its height in the years immediately before the First World War, with
a network of 23,440 miles. However, by the end of the Second World War, it
was in a sorry state, soon nationalised as British Railways, and the line closures
began. Hundred of villages and market towns up and down the country lost
their railway stations, their inhabitants having to rely on predictably unpredictable
country bus services to reach their nearest mainline stations.
Many of a certain age, even today, look back on the ‘golden’ pre-Beeching
years but the truth was that the ageing network was haemorrhaging cash. By
1961, it was losing £300,000 per day – or, in today’s money, a truly eye-watering
£6 million every 24 hours.
Among the hardest hit in the south were the commuters who relied on local
rail links to get to and from work every day and, very soon, those villages and
towns lucky enough to be on or near the mainline to London became a magnet
for those who worked in the capital but who chose to live in Kent, Surrey and
Sussex. Houses within easy reach of the mainlines became increasingly desirable.
This trend has continued, with Kent commuting showing a particular growth
in popularity with its direct link into London Bridge and excellent access into
the fast-developing Docklands. The fact that the cost of half a shoe box off the
Whitechapel Road now rivals the national debt of Chad has added to the attraction
of country homes large and small. Here are just a few within easy striking
distance of that all-important mainline lifeline…
1. Chaney Court Farm
Where? Chaney Court Farm is in a
semi-rural position overlooking fields on
the outskirts of Staplehurst, about two
miles from the village station (Google
Maps TN12 0RW).
What? A handsome 1920s farmhouse
in 1.5 acres with a detached two-storey
annexe, a pole barn incorporating
stables, and a paddock, Chaney Court is
a bright and welcoming country home,
and a perfect end-of-day escape from
the city. Downstairs there is a sitting
room with bay window and original
1920s cast iron fireplace, dining room,
also with original fireplace, kitchen/
breakfast room, boot room and a store
room.
Upstairs are four bedrooms with views
over the surrounding fields and on the
top floor there is an attic room with
potential for a further bedroom. The
annexe is a former outbuilding that was
converted in the 1990s and now offers
flexible accommodation that could be
arranged as three bedrooms, a sitting
room and bathroom.
How much? Chaney Court Farm
is priced at £895,000 and is with
Lambert & Foster in Cranbrook. Call
01580 712888 or visit
www.lambertandfoster.co.uk
www.wealdentimes.co.uk
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