Heathfield is becoming a property hotspot as more families choose the country life over settling in one of the area’s bigger towns. It is a historic market town standing on the southern slopes of the High Weald, close to the source of the River Cuckmere. Its market charter was granted during the reign of Edward II in 1316.

The coming of the railway in 1880 gave Heathfield a new lease of life, although it was one of those stations that closed in 1965 when Dr Beeching, chairman of British Railways cut more than 4,000 miles from the nation’s railway network .

Notable properties in the area include Heathfield Park, an English country mansion. Originally called Bayley Park, it was renamed in 1791 in honour of former resident Lord Heathfield. The Gibraltar Tower was built in the corner of the park to commemorate Lord Heathfield’s defence of Gibraltar during the Franco-Spanish Siege of 1779-1783.

The town has a thriving local community and its Heffle Cuckoo Fair each April attracts visitors from around the South East. It includes Dame Heffle releasing the cuckoos, a dog fair, falconry display, vintage cars, crafts and morris dancers. The fair dates back to 1315 when Edward II gave the Bishop of Chichester a grant for an annual fair to commemorate St Richard.

Amanda Woods of Westwood Estate Agents said: “Heathfield is a rural community, but with easy links to London. The local stations at Etchingham, Stonegate and Buxted offer direct services to London in just over an hour. Parking at the stations is easy and trains aren't too crowded . “Heathfield is very much a small town with a strong sense of community. The local market is well attended and is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

There is a fortnightly farmers market. The local primary and secondary schools are generally very well regarded and popular with students and parents alike.

“Housing is better value here, with a good sized one bedroom apartment being around £120,000 and a two bedroom apartment fetching between £125,000 and £150,000 depending on the age and condition. three bedroom houses vary in price from about £225,000 to £300,000 and four bedroom houses are between £300,000 and £450,000.

These prices are just a guide to what is available in the area.