KENTSTAYCATION
FOR THE VIEW
NO. 42 GUESTHOUSE, MARGATE guesthousehotels. co. uk
Summer escapes may be a thing of the past when winter arrives at No. 42 Guesthouse, but the views are arguably even more spectacular. Dressed in festive finery, Christmas trees spill onto the front step, handmade wreaths hang on every door and baskets overflow with presents; it is almost difficult to decide whether the better view is of No. 42 itself or the sweeping seafront beyond. Inside, bold, clean-lined interiors sit alongside period details, while cosy rooms are spread across three floors. Even the smallest classic rooms feel surprisingly spacious, and then there are the Lookout Suites, where four-poster beds, showers for two and generous roll-top baths make the most of their elevated position. As afternoon fades into evening, settle in and watch Margate’ s coastline transform; the town’ s famous Turner sunset sends crimson light streaking across the sky, turning the view into something truly magical for a one-night winter escape.
FOR THE HISTORY
HEVER CASTLE, EDENBRIDGE hevercastle. co. uk
© No. 42 Margate
NO. 42 GUESTHOUSE
There is a magical feeling to arriving at Hever Castle in late November, when winter has settled in and Christmas is beginning to appear. For one night, the 600-year-old castle becomes your home, surrounded by centuries-old stone and hallways lined with decorated Christmas trees. Each bedroom has an elegant countryhouse character- stay in the Anne Boleyn Wing to be closer to the castle’ s history, while deluxe doubles in the Astor Wing occupy part of the Edwardian extension built in Tudor style. Exclusive access to the castle and grounds makes for an explorative afternoon; wander through wintry fields and sleeping gardens before dinner at the Eden restaurant, named after the River Eden running through the estate. Its tasting menus put plant-based ingredients at the heart of the experience, while guests can tailor dishes around vegetarian, shellfish or meat options. Back in your room, it is quite a feeling to know you are spending the night in the grounds of one of England’ s most famous castles.
GOODNESTONE PARK, NEAR CANTERBURY goodnestonepark. co. uk
HEVER CASTLE
For a night where history and literature are intertwined into every aspect, Goodnestone Park offers something rather special. This Queen Anne-style mansion was frequently visited by Jane Austen and her brother Edward between 1796 and 1817, and her surviving letters offer a glimpse into an estate that has remained remarkably unchanged across the centuries. Checking into the manor house brings these characteristics to life through 12 beautifully designed bedrooms, each telling a different part of Goodnestone’ s story through carefully chosen details and personal touches. In Henry’ s Room, named after Henry Plumptre, the second eldest son of FitzWalter Brook Plumptre, his love of horse riding and breeding is reflected in equestrian-patterned curtains and contemporary artwork inspired by his life and career. Staying here goes beyond the ordinary country-house stay, bringing you closer to one of Kent’ s most celebrated historic estates.
© Goodnestone Park
GOODNESTONE PARK
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