KENTSTAYCATION
Having lived the London food and beverage high life ( Kristie , the founder of Drink Shop & Do in King ’ s Cross , and Brad , operations director for the East London Pub Co . amongst other high responsibility beverage undertakings ), the time had come to put down more long term , less hedonistic roots . Having fleetingly considered a rural move to Wales , it was a return to home soil for Kristie that sold the dream of Boys Hall to the duo who pitched up with a babes in arms and toddler in tow just as the pandemic hit to embark on what transpired to be the biggest and arguably most crazy and costly project of their lives .
There was a time when everything just seemed a little insurmountable . Supply chains were collapsing , building costs skyrocketed , and the constant juggling of young family life with an ambitious and demanding refurbishment hampered by planning consents , a pandemic-hit sector and overwhelming to-do list was all tough going .
Put away the violins though , for the Lomas ’ s are the epitome of tenacity , drive , resilience , and foresight . They have vision and know how to realise it . And are unwavering in their pursuit of excellence .
Aided by friends , finishing touches are courtesy of the pair ’ s local chum Ben , better known for heading up Kent ’ s renowned Kagu Interiors . Stepping up to aid Kristie through the copious mood boardinspired decision-making , the largest impact can be seen by the custom woven giant light fittings in the dining room . And of course family ; Kristie ’ s dad is the master craftsman responsible for the stunning reclaimed oak beams of the dining room and embedded ‘ Boys ’ stonework on the terrace ; “ No , it ’ s not original ,” laughs Brad , who undoubtedly has retold this story countless times now . “ Kristie ’ s dad found it at a reclamation place , it ’ s from an old boys ’ school , but it ' s just perfect for here , and you ’ d never know it wasn ’ t original .” Their stunning vision was realised . And the originality factor is a theme that runs throughout this project .
From each of the quaint seven bedrooms of the upper floor which offer sumptuous king-size beds with Hypnos mattresses complemented by rich , tactile fabrics aside that aforementioned roll-top bath that lures you to soak as the Kentish seasons roll by the window , to the striking new dining space that takes pride of place on the ground floor , flanked on one side by the kitchen garden ( hand-planted by Kristie and their children whenever there was a natural delay to the bigger groundworks ) and on the other , floor-to-ceiling windows that open out onto the courtyard terrace that calls out as spring turns to summer and the local gin and tonics start to flow , there is a sense of feeling that this is how the place has always been . A testament to the focus and curative eye shown .
Where Kristie has an eye for interiors , Brad ’ s is utterly on the food and beverage offering .
Check in , a swift process being one of only 14 guests who get to call Boys Hall home per evening , was led by Kristie ’ s sister . Bags deposited , instead of climbing the higgledy stairs to our abode , Banks , named after alleged smuggler Lawrence Banks who called Boys Hall home in 1762 and possibly made use of the tunnels beneath the house which lead directly to the local church and fields beyond , we instead ventured to the lounge .
Sinking into one of the comfortable sofa / chair combos aside the original fireplace , we were enticed by a slice of freshly baked cake , supplied by a local cake maker , or , if you ’ re really lucky , homemade by Kristie ’ s mum now that she has laid down her paintbrushes from renovating the top-floor bathrooms . Less tea and cake , more afternoon spritz or a pint ? No problem , simply head to the onsite pub . A nook to the right of the main building , it not only keeps locals ( dogs included ) refreshed day and night but offers a very impressive unique pitstop for those visiting for dinner or a stay . Either choice , you ’ ll find a menu bursting with artisan suppliers , clever mixology and unwavering commitment to quality .
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