Work Starts on New Hawkhurst Homes

Dandara has started work on a leafy new development of 71 luxury homes in the picturesque village of Hawkhurst in Kent.

The Russetts will be built on 6.5 hectares of land surrounded by scenic countryside in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with its ancient castles and woodland. 

Located in a tranquil setting with panoramic views, just over 0.2 miles from the centre of Hawkhurst, The Russetts will include two, three, four and five bedroom homes. Dandara will be debuting a new range of bespoke ‘barn’ style properties designed to complement existing heritage properties in the area.

A large area of the site will be left undeveloped with a five acre meadow to the east, a children’s play park and areas of mature woodland creating a leafy haven for residents and wildlife to enjoy.  

David Garrett, Managing Director of Dandara South East, commented: “We have worked hard with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to ensure the final development does justice to the beauty of its surroundings and that our plans are respectful of the wishes of local people in terms of access to the development. 

“The original plans were altered following public consultation to give access from Highgate Hill, ensuring that Copthall Avenue can remain as a pedestrian and cycle route.

“We are excited to now be starting work on this development which will bring much-needed new homes to the village. The development team will provide regular updates at every stage of the build programme to minimise disruption to residents in the area.”

Of the 71 homes being built 28 will be affordable, with 10 being shared ownership and 18 affordable rented accommodation.

Dandara will be making an £800,000 S106 contribution to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to help deliver improvements to local infrastructure and services including adult and youth recreation, travel, and NHS services.  

Ian Coper, Land Director at Dandara South East, added: “We have worked closely with the planning department to preserve existing hedgerows and trees and to design a truly unique place to live with incredible, far-reaching views and lots of open green space. The Russetts will feature small clusters of carefully designed homes, many with traditional weatherboard exteriors, along with some barn-style properties, so it will look and feel like a small rural hamlet.”  

Sales of the new homes are expected to launch in June 2024. The first residents are expected to move into their homes in Summer 2024.

Each of the homes have been designed with a ‘fabric first’ sustainable approach, with materials used to maximise energy performance and reduce carbon admissions. All homes will have air source heat pumps, energy efficient heating, hot water and lighting designs and houses will be fitted with roof mounted photovoltaic panels. Electric vehicle charging points will also be installed.   

The Russetts is just a short walk from the centre of the village, with its pretty shopping area with hanging baskets and covered walkway. There are a wide range of amenities and independent shops in the village along with country pubs, hotels and both Waitrose and Tesco supermarkets.  

There are excellent primary, secondary and independent schools close by including Hawkhurst Church of England Primary School, Cranbrook School, and Beneden Independent School.   

There’s lots to explore in the area with a Smugglers Trail running through the village towards the Sussex Coast. Nearby attractions include Bodiam Castle, a 14th century fortress, Collingwood woodland reserve and the renowned Sissinghurst Castle Gardens. 

Hawkhurst is well located for commuters with excellent bus and rail links nearby and travel connections from the A21 to the M25, the Coast, Heathrow and Gatwick airports and the Channel Tunnel Terminus.  Tunbridge Wells is just a 25 minute drive away from The Russetts.

Etchingham Station is just 4.6 miles from the development, with regular services to London Charing Cross taking just over an hour and a quarter. Hastings is just under 15 miles from the development.