KENTSTAYCATION
Kent’ s Luxury Winter Boltholes cont...
grand it needs its own stepstool to access it. It’ s indulgence laced with heritage, best enjoyed fireside with a glass of something local in hand or indulging in afternoon tea to a backdrop of a winter-frozen lake.
The Beacon, Tunbridge Wells the-beacon. co. uk
Perched above Tunbridge Wells on the edge of Happy Valley, The Beacon offers views across the High Weald that are every bit as stirring as its glamorous past and present dining acclaim. Inside the muchloved family home, the atmosphere is warm and convivial- log fires, relaxed dining spaces and an emphasis on seasonal Kentish ingredients. Sunday roasts, afternoons teas and a curated drinks list makes this a foodies’ haven, while the setting- complete with candlelight and twinkling valley views- feels romantic and secluded. Book the‘ Yarrow’ for its superking bed, round copper bathtub set in the princess turret window and breathtaking views of the valley. It’ s a perfect winter escape for those who love good food and even better company.
No. 42 by GuestHouse, Margate guesthousehotels. co. uk / no-42-margate
Margate may be known for summer escapes, but No. 42 by GuestHouse proves it’ s every bit as enticing in winter. This boutique seaside hotel leans into bold interiors- think patterned wallpaper, playful art and splashes of colour to lift even the greyest of Turner skies. The restaurant champions local seafood, with daily catches paired with Kentish wines. Upstairs, bedrooms are stylish yet comfortable, but for the ultimate escape opt instead for one of the three exclusive Lookout Suites. Reached through their own private entrance adjacent to the main hotel, they have- as you may have expected from the name- the most glorious views, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, with the luxury stakes elevated with in-room roll-top baths, super-king four-poster beds dressed with Egyptian cotton linen and even their own private pantries. A stunning rooftop bar and mellow treatment rooms combine for an extra layer of indulgence, making No. 42 a coastal bolthole with serious flair.
The Falstaff, Canterbury thefalstaffincanterbury. com
Set just outside Canterbury’ s Westgate Towers, The Falstaff is a historic coaching inn turned stylish boutique stay. Its cocktail bar is a highlight, serving some of the city’ s most creative drinks, while the lounge, all velvet chairs and crackling fires, makes the perfect winter nook. Rooms mix heritage details with bold, modern design for luxury with a side of romance. Opt for the Luxury Rooms, which feature either super-king or four-poster beds, roll-top baths in the bedrooms and Lefroy
Brooks bathrooms, with stays rounded off with breakfasts that are hearty enough to keep you exploring the ancient city beyond all day. For those who want history without sacrificing comfort, The Falstaff delivers a vibrant yet cosy city break.
Elmley Nature Reserve, Isle of Sheppey elmleynaturereserve. co. uk
If wild seclusion is your idea of luxury, Elmley Nature Reserve is unbeatable. Set on a private estate of wetlands and marshes, it offers an escape into nature without leaving comfort behind. Stays range from restored shepherd’ s huts to cosy cottages, but the ultimate luxury is Kingshill Farmhouse, the estate’ s stunningly restored 17thcentury farmhouse that combines luxurious interiors with home comforts and the most incredible views of the 3,300-acre private estate. Available for private hire for up to 12, make use of the kitchen and dining room for glamorous family feasting, or let the estate’ s private chef spoil you with curated menu experiences. The sense of silence here is profound( broken only by bird calls or the cackles of your log burner) and menus burst with seasonal produce, while winter skies will make for stargazing you’ ll never forget.
Hever Castle B & B, Hever hevercastle. co. uk / stay / bed-breakfast
Sleeping at Hever Castle is a rare pleasure. The award-winning B & B rooms, of which
THE BEACON
THE FALSTAFF
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