Kedra Goodall, a 31-year-old barrister working in London and Paris, was looking to buy her first property having rented for a number of years.

Fairview New Homes' Evolution in Ashford, provided her with the ideal place from which she could commute both into the capital and to the continent, whilst also giving her more space.

Having grown up on Romney Marsh, Kedra has returned to east Kent to buy her first property.

She said: "Living in London was convenient for my office in the City, but it meant the journey to Paris took a long time, as I had to first travel to St Pancras.

"I need to be in Paris at least once a week, so this started to take its toll on my lifestyle. What's more, I wanted to buy a large property, preferably outside London.

"Of course I knew about the high-speed train from London to Ashford, so I thought this could be an ideal location for me. Plus, I'd be a few stops closer to Paris so it would make the journey a lot easier.

"Having grown up nearby, I began to look online for rural properties, but everything I found was quite small. Eventually, I came across Fairview's Evolution.

"I wasn't looking for a new-build property, but once I saw the sizes of the townhouses and great value for money they offered I changed my mind. Also, you have the benefit of better insulation and extras like solar panels on the roof which have helped to reduce my hot water bills - very different from my draughty period property in London!

"My new home is just a short drive or walk from Ashford International station where I get the fast train to London, which takes 42 minutes, and Paris, which takes just under two hours.

"I now have more time on my hands. I can go horseriding - something that was just too inconvenient in London - and I am painting an Asian-inspired mural of trees and birds on my dining room wall."

Kedra bought a four-bedroom townhouse with a garden and garage at Evolution in Ashford. She has converted one bedroom into a gym and has an office and a library on the ground floor. Townhouses at Evolution are priced from £199,950.