The village is surrounded by stunning countryside (Image: John Salmon)
When we envision the Royal Family, grand palaces, stately homes and gothic castles often spring to mind. However, it’s easy to overlook that those who married into the monarchy didn’t always hail from such lavish environments.
While many Royal spouses led privileged lives prior to their Royal nuptials, some experienced childhoods not too dissimilar to our own. A prime example is Sophie, Countess of Wessex, wife of Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, and sister-in-law to King Charles III.
The Countess of Wessex actually spent her formative years in Kent, specifically in the quaint village of Brenchley within the borough of Tunbridge Wells.
Brenchley is nestled eight miles east of Royal Tunbridge Wells and three miles south of Paddock Wood. The village boasts a rich history, having played a pivotal role in post-medieval iron making.
Many of its historical features are still preserved today, with most of the buildings along the high street being half-timbered, tile-hung and white wooden weather-boarded houses of various ages, dating back to the 1200s, reports Kent Live.
Sophie’s parents at the property in 1999 (Image: PA)
These stunning architectural examples were funded by the wealth generated from past industries, including iron-founding, hat-making, herring smoking, brick-making and fruit growing.
Since the nineteenth century, Brenchley has been a popular choice among commuters when The Flower of Kent stagecoach would make its journey between Brenchley and London thrice weekly.
The village’s Royal connections actually go back further than the Countess of Wessex. The village centre, a designated conservation area, houses a magnificent Tudor building known as the Old Palace.
This historic structure, dating back to around the time of the Battle of Agincourt, now functions as the village post office.
Sophie Countess of Wessex grew up in the quaint village of Brenchley (Image: Poliphilio/PA)
Even the local butcher’s shop carries a regal name – the Tudor beam-striped building is known as Queen Anne’s Hunting Lodge, although the reason behind this title remains unknown.
However, it’s the Countess of Wessex who shines as Brenchley’s most notable resident.
Born Sophie Helen Rhys-Jones, the 59 year old spent her formative years at Homestead Farmhouse in the village. In fact, she didn’t officially move out of her family home until she was 34.
During her time in the village, Sophie attended Kent College, Pembury, where she became friends with Sarah Sienesi, who later became her flatmate in Fulham and her lady-in-waiting.
She then undertook secretarial training at West Kent College in Tonbridge before launching a career in public relations, working for various companies, including a four-year tenure at Capital Radio, where she met her future husband.
The childhood home of the Countess of Wessex, a Grade II-listed property, may not be as grand as her current residence, estimated to be worth around £30 million, but it’s still quite the impressive dwelling.
Sophie’s parents reportedly sold the four-bedroom 17th-century farmhouse in 2001 for a whopping £600,000, and it’s now thought to be worth significantly more.
Intriguingly, Sophie’s marriage to Edward is believed to have sparked a surge in local property prices. Following Sophie’s entry into the Royal Family, homes in Brenchley allegedly experienced an average value increase of 171 per cent.
The Halfway House pub in Brenchley (Image: N Chadwick)
However, Robert Jacob from Savills estate agents told The Express in 2010: “If a major royal is living in an area then yes, it helps enhance value. Look at the Cotswolds. But Sophie and Edward never lived here, and anyway, Brenchley’s already blue-chip, it doesn’t need a Royal connection.”
But the allure of Brenchley isn’t solely due to its Royal connections. Nestled in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the village is encircled by orchards, farmlands and breathtaking walks.
It also proudly showcases a stunning grade I listed church dating back to 1233, which is lined by an avenue of 400 year old yew trees and features exquisite stained glass windows designed by the famed Arts and Crafts artist, Robert Anning Bell.
Marle Place Gardens, a scenic spot just a short stroll away, is open to the public by appointment. Nearby, Cinderhill Woodland offers 12 hectares of heathland, grassland, woodland and streams for those who relish a good ramble.
The village has retained many of its historic features (Image: Grassroots Groundswell)
Brenchley Woods is another local gem, providing facilities for horse riding, cycling and walking, making it a favourite haunt for both locals and visitors.
Despite its modest population of less than 3,000, the village is a hive of activity. It boasts an impressive selection of local shops, pubs and eateries that extend a warm welcome to visitors.
The Halfway House, a traditional real ale pub, has garnered high praise on Trip Advisor and from the Campaign for Real Ale. Gray’s Tearooms in Brenchley was honoured with the Love Where We Live Ethical Business Award in 2014.
Regardless of your views on the Royals, Brenchley is certainly worth a visit.