Nigel Farage's quiet life in village near Kent where homes average £570k but house prices are falling

Nigel Farage has said he is making a political comeback as he stands for Reform UK in the upcoming General Election. The politician has chosen Clacton, Essex, as his battleground and will also take the reins as the party's leader.

During a press conference where he reversed his previous decision not to run, Mr Farage declared: "Difficult though it is, I can't let down those millions of people, I simply can't do it, it'd be wrong. So I have decided I've changed my mind, it's allowed you know, it's not always a sign of weakness, it could potentially be a sign of strength. So I am going to stand in this election."

The 60-year-old, who appeared on the reality TV show I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! last year, finishing third, also leads a tranquil life away from the media glare. He resides near the Bromley border in a charming village called Downe.

Born on April 3, 1964, in Farnborough, technically in London but used to be considered Kent. Farage spent his early education at grammar schools in West Wickham and Eden Park in Bromley before attending the prestigious Dulwich College. This institution is known for its notable alumni, including G Wodehouse and Ed Simons from the electronic music duo The Chemical Brothers.

Nigel, it seems, has always held onto his roots, choosing to reside in Downe, within the London Borough of Bromley. He reportedly lives in a family home in this charming village, which is nestled amidst countryside and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling town centre.

This picturesque area, just a few miles from Orpington, is famed as the residence of Charles Darwin, often referred to as the 'godfather of evolution'. The village retains much of its traditional Kentish charm, despite now being part of London.

Surrounded by farms, golf courses, large private homes, and crisscrossed by numerous public footpaths, Downe is an ideal spot for a day out hiking, rambling or exploring the scenic London/Kent/Surrey border.

Just a 20-minute bus ride from either Bromley South or Orpington stations, it's a perfect destination for those seeking a break from the capital's hustle and bustle without actually leaving London.

The village's main attraction is Down House, the former residence of Darwin. Now an English Heritage site open to the public, it's a fantastic starting or ending point for a green adventure. Visitors can explore Darwin's greenhouse where he conducted experiments, 'The Sandwalk' where he took contemplative walks, and the study where he documented his findings.

Just a stone's throw away from Down House, you'll find the village high street, graced by the Grade II* listed St Mary's Church, a relic from the 13th century. The area also boasts two traditional country pubs, an Indian restaurant and a village hall, all contributing to an idyllic day out.

On the eastern side of the village lies Downe Bank Nature Reserve, crisscrossed by several footpaths for nature lovers. Given its close proximity to central London and its rich history, it's no surprise that properties in Downe fetched an overall average price of £565,833 over the last year, as per Rightmove data.

In the past year, semi-detached properties made up the majority of sales in Downe, selling at an average price of £681,250. Terraced properties, on the other hand, sold for an average of £335,000. However, it's worth noting that overall, sold prices in Downe over the last year were 50% down on the previous year and 27% down on the 2015 peak of £776,675.

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