KENTSTAYCATION
ENCHANTING , LUXURIOUS AND ROOTED IN NATURE …
DORMESTONE
COTTAGE BY BLOOM STAYS
BY ADAM READY
Nestled in the idyllic Kent countryside , Dormestone Cottage by Bloom Stays is an enchanting escape for families looking for a staycation that feels both luxurious and deeply rooted in nature . Located near the charming village of Charing , this picturesque property combines the rustic charm of a traditional Kentish home with modern comforts , creating a perfect setting for families to unwind , reconnect and explore .
Surrounded by lush meadows , ancient woodlands and vibrant gardens , Dormestone Cottage truly embodies the serenity of the Kent countryside , making it a gem for anyone in need of a restful break . Exuding a quintessentially Kentish sense of history and character , it ’ s been built with weathered timber beams , original brickwork and cosy nooks , maintaining the traditional aesthetic of a countryside home while incorporating contemporary design touches .
With the owners ’ ever thoughtful styling , the cottage is elegantly furnished to provide comfort , so it feels homely but refined , with plush sofas to sink into , a modern kitchen brimming with all the essentials and classic artwork that adds to its inviting ambience . Every corner of the property feels considered and it seamlessly blends old-world charm with the luxurious touches of a home-fromhome break that we all know and love .
The layout of Dormestone Cottage is perfect for families - handy for us being a family of five , often with visiting grandparents in tow ! Sleeping up to 12 guests , it has five cosy bedrooms and four bathrooms , so there ’ s plenty of room for multi-generational groups ( as well as busy families that are occasionally grateful for their own space !). The main bedroom is lovely , with views over the garden and countryside beyond , while the kids ’ rooms feel like little havens of their own , each designed with innovative touches to spark their imaginations . Additionally , the openplan kitchen and dining area make it easy for everyone to gather for both morning coffee overlooking the garden and later on for hearty family meals cooked in the fullyequipped kitchen .
One of Dormestone Cottage ’ s standout features is its beautiful outdoor space , which features a private swimming pool and tennis court , elevating the experience for families as there ’ s no shortage of things to do . The large , enclosed garden offers plenty of room for children to safely play and explore at any time of year , although we couldn ’ t help imagining ourselves revisiting in the warmer months and spending sunny days splashing in the pool , playing games on the lawn and eating alfresco under the trees .
For families with a sense of adventure , Dormestone Cottage ’ s location opens up an abundance of outdoor activities . The surrounding countryside is perfect for family walks , with trails that weave through ancient woodlands , open meadows and gentle hills nearby . Each season brings its own charm in this part of Kent : spring blossoms transform the landscape into a pastel wonderland , summer promises fields of wildflowers , autumn paints the trees in rich hues of gold and rust , and winter brings a crisp , quiet beauty to the scene , so it ’ s a very special place to stay at any time of year and an ideal setting for families to explore nature together , whether that means embarking on a short walk to Charing village or setting out on a longer trek to the nearby attractions , great pubs and restaurants in the area .
Although you could happily spend your entire stay at Dormestone Cottage , it ’ s only a short drive from some of the county ’ s best attractions , making it a brilliant base for family day trips . Charing , a charming little village , is really close and easily accessible for a pub lunch or a browse around the local independent shops . Slightly further afield , historic Leeds Castle ( known as ‘ the loveliest castle in the world ’), offers a great day out with medieval architecture , stunning grounds and a programme of year-round events , as well as an adventure playground and maze to keep the kids happy .
Bloom Stays goes above and beyond to ensure a seamless , stress-free experience for families staying at the cottage . From the moment of booking , you ’ ll feel taken care of , with clear communication and a welcome pack that includes everything from local recommendations to essentials for the first night . The team ’ s attention to detail is clear throughout the property , from fresh linens to the selection of games and books provided for family use . For those travelling with young children , Bloom Stays can also provide baby equipment , making it easier for families to settle in and start their staycation .
A truly harmonious blend of relaxation and adventure , Dormestone Cottage is an ideal family retreat . We spent our mornings with breakfast overlooking the garden , before exploring the surrounding countryside and returning ‘ home ’ for cosy evenings spent in front of the fireplace playing games . Balancing the beauty of nature with the essential comforts that every family or big group needs to keep everyone happy , it ’ s a great choice for a stylish staycation .
Capturing all of Kent ’ s natural beauty in a way that feels both genuine and special , this is a place where families can slow down , reconnect and create lasting memories , all while enjoying the unique character and charm of a classic Kentish home . Whether you ’ re planning a week-long escape or a long weekend getaway , Dormestone Cottage is the kind of place that welcomes you in when you arrive and beckons you back when you leave ; a local gem with bags of character , it ’ s definitely a favourite and the Readys can ’ t wait to return .
bloomstays . com / property / dormestone-farm
www . insidekent . co . uk • 93