KENTSTAYCATION
Cosy Cabins cont...
HEARTS OF OAK for local fish and chips. Few places capture Dungeness’ s stark beauty so effortlessly and CABÜ’ s clean lines and natural quiet make it a front-row seat to one of Kent’ s most extraordinary landscapes.
Skippers, Deal, sleeps 6 keeperscottages. co. uk
In the heart of Middle Street’ s conservation quarter, Skippers is the kind of place that wears its history well. Behind its Georgian façade lies a characterful three-storey cottage where wide floorboards, painted panelling and exposed brick fireplaces tell stories of Deal’ s seafaring past. The sitting room’ s inglenook hearth is made for long winter evenings, while upstairs, soft light falls across beamed ceilings and vintage furnishings. Outside, a walled courtyard planted with herbs and bay offers a sheltered spot for morning coffee in the seaside air- if you can drag yourself away, one-minute walk leads you to the beach and high street, offering a rare mix of coast, comfort and character.
Bumble Barn, Canterbury, sleeps 6 coolstays. com
Bumble Barn is a bright, energy-efficient retreat hidden on the edge of Canterbury- all clean lines, natural timber and floorto-ceiling glass framing green pastures. Built from sustainable materials with air-source heating, it’ s modern comfort with an eco-heart; the open-plan space is ideal for families or groups of friends, while the south-facing terrace is perfect for slow breakfasts watching the sun rise. Nearby, discover vineyards, wild swimming at Fordwich or stroll along the River Stour into Canterbury for independent shops and long lazy lunches at The Goods Shed.
Bertie’ s Cottage, Robertsbridge, sleeps 4 keeperscottages. co. uk
On the edge of the pretty village of Robertsbridge, this Grade II listed 18thcentury cottage is full of old-world warmth and natural charm. Inside, oak beams, flagstone floors and leaded windows frame rooms painted in soft tones while the sitting room’ s wood-burner glows within an exposed brick fireplace. The kitchen’ s brass fixtures, oak worktops and deep Belfast sink bring classic country comfort, and upstairs, two calm bedrooms and a roll-top bath complete the scene. After a day exploring the High Weald or nearby Bodiam Castle, return to the fire with a red wine in hand to complete a pretty perfect picture.
Hearts of Oak, Biddenden, sleeps 6 bloomstays. com
BUMBLE BARN
In the centre of Biddenden’ s historic high street, Hearts of Oak is a characterful village cottage with a warm, eclectic interior and a strong sense of place. Original beams, rustic brick flooring and handpicked antiques give the rooms depth and texture, while two welcoming living spaces- one with an open fire, the other with a wood burner- make it easy to settle into relaxed evenings away from winter’ s chill. The kitchen and dining area feels lived-in and sociable, ideal for lingering over meals, while outside, a cottage garden of winding brick paths and wildflowers offers a sheltered spot for fresh air between brisk walks.
72 • www. insidekent. co. uk