KENTSTAYCATION
THE PERFECT KENT STAYCATION BOLTHOLE :
PROSPECT COTTAGE , HYTHE
PICTURE YOUR IDEAL KENTISH RETREAT . PERHAPS YOU ’ RE DREAMING OF A CHARMING , CENTRALLY LOCATED HAVEN WITH AMPLE COMFORTS AND THOUGHTFUL TOUCHES . MAYBE IT ’ S A STYLISH BOLTHOLE , A STONE ’ S THROW FROM THE SEASIDE AND HISTORIC TOWN ATTRACTIONS , ALL WHILE OFFERING A PRIVATE GARDEN TO UNWIND . IF SO , I ’ VE FOUND THE PERFECT SPOT – AND IT ’ S READY TO WELCOME YOU FOR A TRULY DELIGHTFUL GETAWAY . BY SAMANTHA READY
Prospect Cottage , tucked away on the charming Prospect Road in Hythe , ticks all the boxes . Privately owned and let by Hythe-loving locals , the 1930 ’ s house has been lovingly restored to offer a practical yet stylish home-from-home that ’ s situated perfectly to explore the historic Cinque Port town .
From the moment we parked up ( offroad parking for two cars an extra bonus in Hythe ’ s narrow hilly streets ), it was clear this stay would be a treat . Stepping inside , the cottage radiated warmth and personality with its inviting , well-furnished living spaces . The kitchen , fully equipped and bathed in natural light , offered tea , coffee and milk , and even a bottle of fizz - Chapel Down , of course - to help us see in the new year in style . The cosy living room became the sink-into-squishy sofa nook for reading and relaxing , while the dining room became the heart of our stay – perfect for everything from long leisurely breakfasts to indulgent evening feasting and a raucous family game or two !
Upstairs were two large bedrooms . The master , framed by great windows , also offered desk space , while the family room at the rear came with a handy additional bed and trundle for children with fab views of the garden , which itself deserves a special mention . Fully enclosed , it was a serene space for morning coffees , perfect for a BBQ or takeaway alfresco and a peaceful spot for unwinding after a day ’ s exploration . And explore we did !
Hythe ’ s historic high street is just a short stroll away , one street in fact , bursting with independent shops , cosy tea rooms and quintessentially Kentish pubs . We headed straight to Truffle Pig for a breakfast of fresh eggs and smashed avo on toast with specialty coffee , followed by a dinner of legendary heaving burgers and wood-fired pizza at locally loved and family-owned pub-restaurant , The White Hart .
For those who crave nature ( and the chance to work off all the food !), the Royal Military Canal offers picturesque walks , while the seafront is ideal for breezy cycles or seaside strolls .
Prospect Cottage ’ s location is a dream for adventurers too . You can easily hop aboard the Romney , Hythe and Dymchurch Railway – a must-do journey through stunning
countryside to the otherworldly landscape of Dungeness , and it ’ s also super close to iK favourite , Port Lympne ( be sure to check out our Junior iK review of the Giraffe Encounter on p41 !). Back in Hythe , be sure to soak in the town ’ s history , from the medieval architecture of St . Leonard ’ s Church to the atmospheric alleys of the old quarter , before retiring for the perfect slumber .
It ’ s the thoughtful details that elevate Prospect Cottage beyond just a place to stay . Every corner feels considered – homely yet stylish , practical yet indulgent . From the snug living spaces to the blissfully comfy bedrooms , it ’ s the perfect base to retreat to after a day of Kentish adventure .
In just two nights , we felt fully recharged and utterly charmed by Prospect Cottage and Hythe itself . Whether you ’ re looking for a romantic getaway , a family escape or a peaceful solo retreat , this gem promises a staycation to remember .
Prospect Cottage is available for bookings via airbnb : bit . ly / prospectcottage .
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