KENTSTAYCATION Seasonal Staycays cont...
© Fleur Challis Photography |
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EASTWELL MANOR |
© Elmley Nature Reserve |
THE SALTBOX |
FOR THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS FANTASY
THE WINTER ESCAPE
Eastwell Manor, Westwell champneys. com
Entering into a world of its own in winter, Eastwell Manor feels like stepping into a Christmas storybook. Surrounded by frosted fields and the stripped-back landscape of the North Downs, the neo-Elizabethan country house offers a contrast of wintry countryside and warm festive interiors. Inside, log fires crackle beneath Christmas decorations, while the scent of pine and spices fills the rooms. Quiet drawing rooms, piano music and an unrushed atmosphere make checking in feel like the beginning of a Christmas escape.
Guests can choose between the cosy mews, steps from the main manor house with double beds and frosty estate views, or upgrade to one of the manor’ s luxurious rooms. Some retain four-poster beds, with ceilings and classic country-house decor adding to the feeling of stepping back into another era.
The festive escape continues at the hotel’ s Champneys spa, where guests can dip into the 20-metre heated indoor pool, unwind in the thermal rooms or choose from more than 20 treatments expertly carried out using Elemis products. Afterwards, settle in for afternoon tea with seasonal pastries, award-winning Champagne and a classic scone with clotted cream and jam- because even at Christmas, some things simply shouldn’ t be changed.
Sissinghurst Castle Farmhouse, Sissinghurst sissinghurstcastlefarmhouse. co. uk
If you’ re looking for a romantic escape where the beautiful Kentish countryside is at the heart of your experience, Sissinghurst Castle Farmhouse offers a chance to retreat into one of Kent’ s most commanding landscapes. Nestled within the grounds of Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, the farmhouse offers an intimate stay in this poetic spot.
Lovingly restored by the National Trust, the farmhouse is home to nine luxury bed and breakfast rooms, each surrounded by the landscape Vita Sackville-West famously cultivated into her celebrated garden. For a special stay, the signature Sissinghurst room is the largest, furnished with a superking-size bed and double-aspect windows looking east towards the Elizabethan tower. South-facing views stretch across Dog Field towards magnificent ancient woodland where Elizabeth I and her court are said to have visited in 1573.
With direct access to the estate throughout their stay, guests can enjoy uninterrupted walks through grounds made more atmospheric during winter. Hoarfrost feathers the grass while low winter sun casts a different light across the Garden of England, its fields dusted with a crystalline blanket and the sounds of wildlife carrying further than in summer for a taste of Kent at its most peaceful.
The Saltbox, Elmley Nature Reserve elmleynaturereserve. co. uk
For those looking to leave traditional festivities behind, The Saltbox at Elmley Nature Reserve offers a different kind of Christmas escape. Set across 3,300 acres on the Isle of Sheppey, Elmley provides the chance to step away from twinkling streets and immerse yourself in the wild Kentish landscape.
November marks a seasonal shift here as overwintering wildlife arrives and the reserve takes on a quieter, wilder character. Crisp mornings, orange-streaked skies and Arctic migrants create a backdrop for pure escapism.
The Saltbox itself is an off-grid shepherd’ s hut designed for couples seeking a touch of luxury in the wilderness. Its walls are almost entirely windows, framing views across the reserve, while a plush king-size bed makes the perfect place to lie back and take them in.
Come morning, spot a short-eared owl quartering the reserve or a brown hare foraging among the bare brush. Snuggle beneath a thick Romney Marsh wool throw, warm up with a hot-water bottle and enjoy the heat of the vintage cast iron radiator. For those feeling braver, an outdoor bath and shower bring you even closer to the crisp winter air and magical wildlife encounters.
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• www. insidekent. co. uk