KENTSTAYCATION
AN OAST OF YOUR OWN ...
OAST HOUSES WITH BLOOM STAYS
THE PERFECT WAY TO TRULY EMBRACE THE UNIQUE APPEAL OF AN OAST HOUSE AND EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY OF THE BUILDING UP CLOSE IS BY STAYING IN ONE . ALL LOVINGLY RESTORED AND CARED FOR BY OWNERS WITH AN APPRECIATION FOR THEIR PROPERTY ’ S HERITAGE , BLOOM STAY ’ S PORTFOLIO OF OAST HOUSES PROVIDES THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO JUST THIS .
THE OAST NEWENDEN
The Oast Newenden , nr Tenterden
A lovingly restored oast house which has been converted into a comfortable home . Situated in the centre of the historic village of Newenden , the oast sits opposite the village green where cricket has been played since 1300 and is close to the church with its 12th-century font . The Oast is within very easy walking distance of the 16th-century pub , The White Hart Inn , which offers local beers and wines as well as excellent home-cooked food .
While The Oast is in the centre of this historic village , it is situated in a very tranquil location with far reaching westerly views down the Rother Valley . There is plenty of outdoor space which includes a sheltered but sunny terrace , complete with a coal barbeque , a large garden and a one acre paddock which is ideal for children to run around in . The Oast , which is a listed building , was sympathetically converted in 1995 to a very high standard and retains many of its original period features . These include the hop press , which is situated at the top of the stairs . Despite design honouring its history and heritage , The Oast now benefits from modern comforts , including insulation , as well as an excellent central heating system so you are sure to keep toasty during these autumn nights . A log burning stove ensures extra comfort and an even cosier atmosphere , while the traditional kitchen with a range cooker is a great space for family meals and evenings with friends .
insideKENT had a chat with The Oast Newenden ’ s owner , Alan Seal . Tell us the story of how you came to own the The Oast Newenden .
The Oast was an impulse purchase in 2010 . I was looking for a property that would be perfect for holiday letting and found The Oast Newnden on the web . Although the property needed a lot of work and expenditure , I knew I would not find anything better . It was the only property I looked at !
What are your favourite quirks about The Oast ?
The Oast is very original ; it is believed that the central part of the building was a very small cottage built in the 17th century . The oast ’ s kiln was added in 1837 and used to dry hops until it was abandoned in 1965 . At this time it was given Grade II listed status . The large oast press is still in the building and is located at the top of the stairs . There are many oak beams and other original features and the central part of the building has a bedroom with a vaulted ceiling with many exposed beams .
What inspired your interior design concept ?
I wanted to ensure that all the furnishings in the property , especially the beds , were very comfortable but not too fussy . What has been chosen is a mixture of classical , antique and contemporary furniture . This sounds like a very odd mixture , but judging from the many compliments , reviews and comments that have been expressed , this mixture works with the quirky nature of The Oast . Much of the furniture has been built bespoke by local craftsmen . This is because the unusual shape of the building doesn ’ t allow for shop-bought furniture .
What would you most like our readers to know about The Oast Newenden ?
Newenden is Kent ' s smallest village and is very historic , but despite its size there is lots to do and visit locally . There are five places to eat in the village , a great traditional pub , two cafes , a kebab hut and a very good Indian restaurant about half a mile away . The views from The Oast are great , especially from the sheltered patio , there is also a large garden and a one-acre paddock . From The Oast there are many walks or bike rides along by the river , or through some stunning countryside . Dogs are also very welcome !
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