KENTSTAYCATION
ROMNEY MARSH SHEPHERDS HUTS
LAID-BACK LUXE , PURE RURAL ESCAPISM AND NOW FAMILY FRIENDLY TOO ? SAMANTHA READY HEADS BACK TO THE FARM , FAMILY IN TOW , FOR A BOLTHOLE BREAK QUITE UNLIKE ANY OTHER …
Pulling across the cattle-grid threshold that , alongside the peaceful bleats , friendly hens and a bounding lick from new puppy Storm , heralds your arrival at Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts , I couldn ’ t believe it had been over a year since our first visit to this working-farm , child- and wifi-free haven . The wonder of which - notwithstanding the much-relished lockdown shenanigan escapism - I now , on revisiting , not only had the pleasure of reinvoking , but also passing down to the next Ready generation ; for the first time , RMSH now offer a family friendly staycation - and it really is quite special .
Just a short A-road jaunt from iKHQ ’ s Ashford base at Coachworks , RMSH are located slapbang in prime marsh rolling countryside . The brainchild of the Boulden family , husband Paul is the sixth generation to farm the 3,500 acres on the edge of Aldington , wife Kristina ( as well as working hands-on on the farm , being mum to two girls and still followed around the farm by last year ’ s excitable new lamb Bubbles ) is the powerhouse behind the award-winning Romney
Marsh Wools , which creates everything from blankets and hats to skincare and gifts , all lovingly crafted from the wool of their beloved flock , which includes over 1,000 Romney sheep and some Merinos , Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts was sparked by numerous requests to experience life on the farm firsthand . And now , that little spark of genius , which began with two custommade huts : Lookerer and Rumwold installed in prime location surrounded by grazing sheep , in acres of farmland under the Kentish starry skies a year ago , has reached peak ingenuity levels with the brand new addition of The Romney , another custom-built traditional hut , this time with family at its heart .
Built from original 1900 ’ s plans to a bespoke design by local craftsman , Julian from Elham Valley Shepherds Huts , The Romney is cleverly built to accommodate two adults and up to two small children ( or one older child ) in a loft style bunk , which is very cleverly positioned .
Deceptively spacious , the new hut continues the homely rustic charm of a country cottage combined with the unique quaint facade of its preceding neighbours . Opening the central double doors with the might and excitement that only a five-year-old can express , there were gasps of wonder from our multi-generational visitors , which also included Nana along for the Kent staycation ride , as various children ( and adults !) jumped on the double bed built on cupboard space to the left – perfect for storing your overnight bags – and climbed the central ladder to the cosy bunk above . Complete with dancing , colourful LED lights , an addition by the youngest Boulden much to the delight of our seven-year-old , it provided ample space for a cosy slumber , aided not least by blankets made from the wool of the flock that graze just outside the picturesque windows .
To the right , the bathroom boasts a full-size walk-in shower laden with Romney Marsh Wools lanolin toiletries of course . While front and centre is a bijou kitchen , complete with traditional butler sink , two-ring hob , kettle ,
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