Inspiration for smallholders in the Garden of England

Sue Field looks for properties to fulfill your dream way of life

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Most of you will be aware that Kent holds this accolade but several other counties have tried to argue their right to take the title! Henry VIII apparently bestowed this honour during his reign after eating a bowl of Kentish cherries.

Kent has an abundance of fruit orchards, hop gardens and fertile land in a favourable microclimate and indeed to this day it enjoys vast areas of rural land as well as a long coastline in the southeast corner of England. Farmers Markets flourish in the area and The Goods Shed in Canterbury is a thriving restaurant and farmers market showcasing local produce - well worth a visit.