DAYSOUT
Literally Literature cont ...
BOYS HALL
ROCHESTER CATHEDRAL
GOODNESTONE HOUSE
ROMNEY MARSH SHEPHERDS HUTS a residence frequented by Austen and belonging to her brother . It was within the walls of this elegant abode that Austen , following a stay in 1796 , embarked on the creation of her first novel , Pride and Prejudice . Today , visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Austen when they stay in the exquisitely designed bedrooms that pay homage to the house ’ s rich history and the celebrated novelist herself . For those seeking to tread in Austen ’ s footsteps , the Old Dairy Café presents itself as a charming coffee shop and light lunch / breakfast stop .
Another great house to inspire the works of yet another British writer is Sissinghurst Castle . A place now historic , poetic and iconic , and a refuge dedicated to beauty , it was here in the 1930s that Vita Sackville- West fell in love with Kent and created her world-renowned garden . Today , visitors can visit the unique ‘ garden rooms ’ with their colourful blooms still reflecting the romance and intimacy of Vita ’ s poems and writings .
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Kent ’ s rustic countryside served not just as a picturesque backdrop but also as a wellspring of inspiration for literary characters as well . The renowned author H . E . Bates , residing in the imposing granary of Little Chart near Ashford , crafted the beloved character Pop Larkin from a chance encounter with a local figure . This idyllic setting , the cradle of his novella The Darling Buds of May , continues to echo the charm and allure of rural Kent today . One of Kent ’ s heritage buildings also calls Ashford home , offering guests the lap of luxury : Boys Hall , with its exquisitely designed rooms and award-winning restaurant .
21st-century authors also draw inspiration from the unique tapestry of Kent , crafting characters against surreal backdrops exclusive to this county . Gary Budden ’ s Hollow Shores is a mesmerising collection of short stories that intricately weaves horror and ecstasy into the fabric of the mundane . Characters on the brink of transformation navigate decaying environments and the landscapes of the mind with Faversham Creek ’ s strange surreality providing a captivating setting for one such tale . In contrast to Budden ’ s lens , this area reveals itself as a vibrant , trendy hub adorned with bobbing houseboats . A go-to area for culture seekers , foodies and for those that love hunting for antiques , find it all at Faversham Quay .
Another example is Nicola Barker and her book Wide Open , which utilises the Isle of Sheppey as a disquieting canvas for her peculiar characters and narrative . To witness this ethereal beauty firsthand , visit The Ferry House , which is perched overlooking a tranquil marshy estuary . Here , guests can relish divine meals sourced from The Ferry House ’ s own garden , luxuriate in opulent rooms and even indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments , immersing themselves in the beguiling charm of Sheppey that ’ s both strange and breathtaking .