KENTSTAYCATION
A LUXURY HOLIDAY LET THAT STANDS OUT FROM THE CROWD
CUSTOMS HOUSE
BY BLOOM STAYS
An imposing detached building that stands resplendent watching over Faversham ’ s Standard Quay – its pristine white façade and sweeping entrance stairway presiding over the busy creek in front - Customs House was originally built in 1850 to collect duties for cargo arriving via the Thames estuary into Faversham . Although the commanding exterior represents the house ’ s historic importance perfectly , today , Customs House is a spacious , warm and elegant 10-bedroom holiday home that ’ s perfectly setup for gatherings and celebrations .
As soon as you walk through the front door , it ’ s apparent that the property ’ s grand Victorian appearance belies the interior , which isn ’ t to say that Customs House isn ’ t incredibly well-equipped and stylishly decorated – it is – but more to say that it ’ s an instantly comfortable and welcoming home-from-home , very much in keeping with modern life . With 10 bedrooms and five bathrooms spread over four floors , the house sleeps up to 20 guests , making it ideal for multi-generational get-togethers , for a family holiday shared with friends and their families , or for groups of friends who want to explore the local area .
Greeted with an incredibly straightforward check-in process and a welcome hamper of gorgeous goodies including vegetable crisps and chocolate-coated ginger biscuits alongside essentials such as bread , butter
and milk and orange juice chilling in the fridge , the layout of Customs House is exceptional . There are two cosy lounges on the ground floor – one set away from the more social space in the property with an open fireplace , throws , cushions and soft sofas – the perfect spot for kicking back with a book – and one set up for socialising with armchairs facing a communal sofa in front of a gas woodburner , Smart TV and a huge window overlooking the quay .
Open-plan in its formation , the second lounge is adjoined to a huge dining room with an L-shaped wooden table that begs to be spread with a sharing buffet and drinks to be enjoyed under low-level spotlighting , which is also connected to the kitchen . The owners really have thought of everything where the kitchen is concerned – double oven , plenty of prep space , family-sized fridge / freezer and every type of glass imaginable , it ’ s a highly functional room that allows anyone who fancies cooking to remain part of the action , but it ’ s also separate enough so that cooking can be focused on and tended to should that be the order of the day .
Every bedroom is a sanctuary at Customs House , with seven king-size bedrooms , two twin rooms ( which can also be superking-size bedrooms on request ) and one sitting room with a double sofa bed , each differentiates slightly in colour scheme , but is as comfortable as the last with deluxe
mattresses and duvets , plump pillows , and soft throws setting off colourful , calming artwork . Although the house is huge and has the capacity therefore to comfortably host large groups , it ’ s been thoughtfully transformed into a holiday let that allows for as much socialising as desired , but with bedrooms to which one can happily escape for some downtime and some peaceful , uninterrupted sleep .
Should you wish to tear yourself away , the surrounding area is a fascinating blend of historic buildings and antique markets , and modern cafes and wine bars , while at the end of the quay is The Anchor Inn , which is well known for serving excellent seafood . A short stroll down historic Abbey Street brings you into the heart of Faversham , one of the oldest market towns in the county and a lively hub for great food and independent shopping . What more could you possibly want from a Kentish staycation ?
Customs House , on Faversham ’ s Standard Quay , is available to rent through Bloom Stays at bloomstays . com / property / customshouse .
www . bloomstays . com bloom . stays www . insidekent . co . uk • 57