Hawkhurst guidebook

MaidstoneCottages overlook a green known as the Moor in the older part, while the more recent neighbourhood, further north, is called Highgate.

Both areas have their own mini-centre, but Highgate is where most of the shops can be found.

Hawkhurst is historically famous for the notorious gang who dominated smuggling from 1735 to 1749. The ‘Hawkhurst Gang’ were the most intimidating of the Kent gangs, and were feared for miles along the coast.

Their headquarters was the "Oak and Ivy Inn," a pub that is still doing well in the village. It was not uncommon for the gang to be seen at the Mermaid Inn in Rye where they intimidated other gangs by sitting with a loaded pistol on the table. 

Situated only 13 miles from the smuggling centre of Rye the Hawkhurst Gang dominated the full length of the South Coast and kept their eye on the Marshes near the town.

Hawkhurst, it should be noted, is somewhat friendlier nowadays. 

Property Market In Hawkhurst

Property: Hawkhurst has a good mix of property with new build terraces and semi-detached houses towards the North end of the village and down near the Moor, near the church is the old village green which is surrounded mostly by old Kent weatherboard, and tile hung cottages.

As with most rural areas there are an unusual percentage of larger houses with land out in the lanes that surround the village.

Buyers: There is lots of movement between the villages in this area of Kent as there are many popular and pretty villages which are differentiated mainly through their transport links.

Hawkhurst is friendly and well connected by road so is always a popular choice. There is a determined core of commuters but the majority of buyers are looking for a pretty rural retreat.

Living in Hawkhurst

Shops & Pubs

• Hawkhurst has a pretty white boarded Colonnade of shops in the village centre on the crossroads with a wide range of small shops and country pubs.
• The main shopping towns of Maidstone, about 15 miles to the north, and  Hastings, about 15 miles south, provide a better variety of shops.

Amenities

• Hawkhurst offers many local amenities such as, supermarket, primary school, banks and a variety of shops found on the Colonnade. There is also the village green and a variety of good walks in the surrounding countryside.

Transport

• Trains: The nearest station is Etchingham approximately five miles to the east with regular rush hour services to London.
• Road: Hawkhurst is situated on the intersection of the A229 and A268