insideKENT Magazine Issue 141 - January 2024 | Page 54

KENTSTAYCATION
Hever Castle ’ s Medley Court
You can ’ t get much closer to Britain ’ s Tudor history than a stay at Hever Castle . Guests have the opportunity to do this when they stay at Hever ’ s Medley Court , a luxurious fourbedroom holiday cottage forming part of the Astor Wing that dates back to 1903 . Awarded a VisitEngland ROSE Award in Recognition Of Service Excellence , as well as a ‘ five-star gold ’ rating by Quality in Tourism , Medley Court offers four beautiful bedrooms , a spacious kitchen featuring state-of-the-art appliances and a large family breakfast table . The lounge offers a working fireplace and deeply comfortable sofa , plus stunning views through leaded windows across the formal lawns to the double-moated castle . Although Medley Court is now over 100 years old , its appearance is that of a Tudor house and the standard of decoration and comfort is outstanding while retaining the warm relaxed feel of a family home .
HEVER CASTLE ’ S MEDLEY COURT
Chilston Park , Maidstone
Dating back to at least 1100 , Chilston Park Hotel has been home to eminent politicians , writers , lords and viscounts . Today , this award-winning four Red Star country house hotel is revered for its unique styling and historic antiques , some as old as the 17th-century manor house itself . A classic British country house hotel , conveniently located in beautiful rural surroundings , Chilston Park boasts an abundance of style and charm - the perfect mix of modern comforts meeting sympathetic nods to the past . Today , guests can really indulge in a stay here when they opt for a ‘ feature bedroom ’ - historical suites designed to enthral , these would have been the original rooms for the Lord and Lady of the house . Huge exposed beams , intricately carved timber bed frames , warm wooden floorboards and other opulent furnishings make the feature bedroom an incredible stay that ’ s sure to be remembered .
Eastwell Manor , Ashford
Where country house good looks are matched by unique olde worlde charm that has spanned centuries . If you didn ’ t know , the Eastwell Manor story is one of more than 450 years . The original country house at Eastwell was built for Sir Thomas Moyle between 1540 and 1550 , with one of the men employed on the estate as a bricklayer claiming to be an illegitimate son of Richard III ! Much of Eastwell Manor , the building which now serves as a hotel , was built in the Neo-Elizabethan style from 1793 - 1799 for George Finch-Hatton , ninth Earl of Winchelsea . Today , the house has been transformed by Champneys with rich elegant interiors and grand bedrooms , keeping the original charm but adding a stylish touch . The neighbouring Mews rooms and suites have been refurbished too with quaint and colourful designs and modern bathrooms , some with standalone roll top baths . The Champneys spa is one to rival only the best with luxurious marble features , top-ofthe-range equipment and facilities , an opulent restaurant and a swimming pool with cosy relaxation beds - modern luxury meets ancient history to come together in the most elegant and indulgent of stays .
EASTWELL MANOR
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