insideKENT Magazine Issue 89 - August 2019 | Page 140

GETAWAYS
The Pig of the Bunch CONT.
Arrival at THE PIG is heralded by the bronze Pig
sign that appears among the forest trees after a more
than pleasant amble through the horse-filled
countryside. Turning into the gravel-lined driveway,
guests are directed to the beautiful manor house at
the top end of the turning circle – think climbing
plants, sash windows and luxury charm – which is
home not only to the reception, the lounge and
conservatory restaurant, but also to baskets of croquet
mallets, hoards of DVDs, board games and wellies
of all sizes that encourage all guests to make
themselves at home and to make the most of THE
PIG’s prime location.
The main house is also home to the majority of the
32 bedrooms on offer which fall into ‘snug’, ‘comfy’,
‘comfy luxe’ and ‘family’ categories, and all come
with plentiful larders stocked with vintage mini bar
treats and unlimited tea and coffee.
Away from the main house are the more secluded
Pig boltholes: the Hideaways in the stable yard, the
two Pig Lodges, the rustic romantic Forest Cabin
and our own PIG abode –The Pig House.
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Overnight bags placed in wicker luggage trolleys,
we made our way back down the gravel drive to the
tucked away former gatekeeper’s lodge at the
entrance of the property, which has been transformed
into the perfect family spot; more family cottage
than family room, The Pig House offers not only a
grand master bedroom complete with freestanding
bath, giant monsoon shower, separate WC and a
giant cosy king-size bed with lie-back-and
-lose-yourself pillows and Egyptian cotton bedding.
It also has the Piglets room, complete with bunk
beds, space for a cot, ensuite shower room, another
WC and a huge farmhouse kitchen/lounge complete
with rustic dining table and benches, dressers packed
with all you would need to make your own breakfasts
and snacks, fully stocked fridge, induction hobs and
a cosy lounge with wood burning fire, plush sofa,
board games and books. And while we could relax that their heightened
enjoyment shrieks could only be heard by us, it
should be mentioned that THE PIG is totally family
friendly; children are welcomed in the main
restaurant where there is a dedicated kids’ menu
and are encouraged to explore the gardens and to
ask the staff about the hotel’s other residents which
include saddleback piglets, chickens, goats and of
course the neighbouring horses!
It felt less like we’d checked in and more liked we’d
moved in as the whole (somewhat excitable) family
made themselves at home, grabbed freshly made
‘pig’ biscuits from the larder and nabbed their
preferred bed. Opening the gates to the walled garden revealed
row upon row of homegrown vegetables from the
humble onion to more sophisticated chard, carefully
cultivated fruits and mushrooms, and an abundance
of fresh herbs – a true feast for all the senses and the
In fact, it was to the gardens that we ventured before
dinner (and after pre-drinks, before bed, midway
through breakfast – oh the delights of a toddler…)
not only to blow off some steam, but also to actually
begin to fully grasp the kitchen garden ethos and
recognised obsessive commitment to homegrown
and local produce that embodies THE PIG. And it
was stunning!