This area is in the south London borough of Bromley and spans parts of Orpington, Farnborough, Pratt’s Bottom, Chelsfield and Well Hill. The extremities of the neighbourhood are studded by important landmarks: in the north is Orpington rail station and the Walnuts Shopping Centre, which concentrates a wide variety of high street names in one convenient location. To the east and south are two sizeable golf courses – Lullingstone and High Elms. On the western boundary is the respected Princess Royal University Hospital. London Biggin Hill airport is also nearby. Orpington bypass runs through the centre of the area and is flanked by green fields and farmland on either side. The key characteristic of this area is idyllic rural charm; here, you will find carefully preserved countryside bursting with history and natural beauty.

In the 10th century, Bromley was chosen by the Bishops of Rochester as a base for visitors to London. The last bishop to be placed in Bromley moved away in 1845. More recently, the village of Downe has had a controversial history, for it is the location of Buckston Browne Farm. Built in 1931 to act as a Surgical Research Centre for the Royal College of Surgeons, the farm caused consternation because of its use of vivisection techniques. In 1984 it was raided by anti-vivisection activists. The farm has since been converted into four houses.

The most famous past resident of this area is Charles Darwin, who moved to Downe in 1842 (when it was known as Down). Darwin lived in Down House for 40 years, and members of his family are buried in the graveyard of St Mary’s Church. Michael Oakeshott, a 20th century philosopher and political theorist, was also born here. He is best known for defending the political right of individuals to object to joining the British army (although he himself did enlist in 1941.)

Golfers will be pleased to know there is no joining fee for High Elms golf course! Also, Lullingstone Country Park has an internationally important collection of ancient trees known as ‘Veteran Trees’, some of which are thought to be over 800 years old.

There are complaints that housing prices are high in and around Downe. However, this consideration seems to be offset by the fact that living here means living in scenic a Darwinian landscape which is a potential world heritage site of the future. Those who live near the golf courses note a lot of tourist traffic – but though this may disturb the quiet, rustic nature of the area, it brings a lively source of stimulation for local businesses.

Given that this idyllic countryside is steeped in both historical and natural treasures, real estate developments here are minimal. This is an English heritage site. However, Orpington is only a bus ride away and is fast becoming energised by up and coming building projects. For instance, Proctors opened a new office in Orpington in 2016. London South East Colleges’ Orpington campus has undergone significant renovation and is now one of the best-equipped campuses of this College group. Additionally, as part of Bromley Council’s ‘Bromley Homes for Bromley People’ initiative, 35 new fully affordable housing units are nearing completion at York Rise in Orpington; the council has already completed three other such schemes elsewhere in the borough.

In December 2021, developer Areli submitted an ambitious but highly controversial proposal to Bromley Council involving the demolition of Orpington shopping centre to build 19-storey tower blocks and a new shopping centre, which would have included up to 990 homes, a new town square, mall, leisure complex and day care centre (to actually replace the mall, leisure and day care centres that would have been bulldozed). The proposal was so unpopular with locals that the council received more than 3,000 objections, leading to developer withdrawing their application in Autumn 2022.