KENTSTAYCATION
Kent’ s Luxury Winter Boltholes cont...
Goodnestone Park, near Canterbury goodnestonepark. co. uk
For those dreaming of something truly special, Goodnestone Park offers the ultimate winter gathering abode. This stately home, once frequented by Jane Austen, is available for exclusive private hire- perfect for a New Year’ s Eve celebration with a luxurious difference. With 12 bedrooms, a grand dining room and opulent lounges, it sets the stage for a glamorous house party like no other. The kitchen is fully equipped for private chefs, the grounds provide endless space for winter walks, and the mansion is every bit as spectacular as you can imagine. Booking Goodnestone is less a simple stay and far more an experience- what better way to celebrate and welcome in the new year in style?
THE PIG- at Bridge Place, near Canterbury thepighotel. com / at-bridge-place
Rustic yet refined, THE PIG- at Bridge Place is all about great hospitality underpinned with an unwavering commitment to food provenance. The walled kitchen garden dictates the menu, while the foraging team ensures daily specials truly reflect the land around the beautifully set estate. Interiors lean into shabby-chic heritage glamour, think velvet armchairs, mismatched antiques and roaring fires, with cosy unexpected nooks appearing as extra surprises in the main manor house. The most luxurious abodes are the aptly named‘ Big Comfy Luxe’ rooms which can be found in the main house and the coach house, the latter of which is double height with a mezzanine level bathroom and stunning views across the water meadows. If you can resist the draw of your room, the bar here is a destination in itself, pouring Kentish wines and homegrown infusions. With limited rooms, THE PIG- at Bridge Place is intimate yet buzzy; a foodie retreat where you’ re as likely to linger by the fire, curated G & T in hand, as venture out to explore the countryside beyond.
Boys Hall, Ashford boys-hall. com
THE PIG- AT BRIDGE PLACE
Kent’ s first Michelin Key-awarded abode, this 17th-century manor has been reimagined into a luxury bolthole. Boys Hall brims with character and guests fall instantly in love with the beamed ceilings, open fires and the acres of gardens hand-tended by owner Kristie Lomas that feel wild yet timeless. A must-stay is Bishops Quarter, one of the super-suites that features original 16thcentury panelling, stone mullion windows, king-size bed, heavenly bathtub and stunning views across the gardens- King Charles is even reputed to have stayed here. If the rooms were not enough, the restaurant is a champion of fine dining bursting with Kentish suppliers, with seasonal dishes such as roasted Longland Farm duck with berry purée and open-ember cooked, 30-day dry-aged Porthouse steak served with their now renowned crispy potatoes. An impressive wine list, curated by owner Brad Lomas, draws heavily on English producers and now features their own Seventeen Sovereigns sparkling wine, fit for making every stay an occasion. The sense of history is palpable, but it’ s softened by homely welcome touches, such as a slice of Kristie’ s mum’ s homemade cake served in the afternoons alongside a cuppa, that make you want to linger.
Chilston Park, Lenham handpickedhotels. co. uk / chilstonpark
Tucked within 77 acres of parkland, Chilston Park is a Grade I listed manor that feels like stepping into a period drama. Dinner in the private dining room is a real treat, with tasting menus highlighting homegrown produce such as wild garlic from the grounds, beetroot and strawberries from the kitchen garden, and even their own honey from the estate’ s beehives, all paired beautifully with local Kentish wines. Bedrooms are also spectacular. Suites include those occupying the original rooms of the Lord and Lady of the manor.‘ Tudor’ is the most popular suite; located in the eaves, it boasts spacious open-plan living with vaulted ceilings, wooden beams and a hand-carved bed. While the Queen Anne Suite, the original master bedroom of the house, not only offers stunning dual-aspect views of
the estate and its glorious lake, but a canopied four-poster bed so GOODNESTONE PARK
BOYS HALL
60 • www. insidekent. co. uk