Uber-stylish yet comfy house for a romantic getaway or family escape (sleeps 2-4)
Space & setting.
When the owner of this house looked to buy a property in London years ago, she saw over 100 before choosing. But when, years later, she decided to move back to the coastal area she grew up in, she saw just one. She instantly fell in love with a gorgeous old house in a pretty Kent village, and saw huge potential in the garage/workshop in its 100-ft garden. So much so she demolished it completely but for 2 walls! But those 2 walls became the building blocks for a weather-boarded little grey house that cleverly channels New England, Art Deco and boho-chic all at the same time. Parquet flooring is warmed by striped rugs; colourful Etsy cushions line an enormous sofa, and exposed stone walls and vintage bric-a-brac add wonderful character. En vogue shades of Farrow & Ball brilliantly pull it all together.
For masses of space, come a deux, and revel in the romantic blush-pink bedroom with its clawfoot iron tub. If you’ve kids in tow, they’ll be enchanted by the bunk room and shared garden with a hammock. Day trip to Rye and Camber Sands, walk amongst unspoilt grassland in Romney Marshes and stroll to the village pub for a drink. Time will fly.
Getting there: drive or train to to Rye or Ashford then taxi (20 mins).
Amy – a lifestyle journalist – lives in the adjacent house with her 2 children and bouncy dog. She absolutely adored decorating the old workshop, spending happy weekends choosing the blend of high-end, flea market and antique shops furnishings.
She loves
“Soaking in the claw-foot tub, candles burning, music playing.”
We love
All the generous and thoughtful extras, that make it so special. Bramley products, thick bathrobes and masses of books and DVDs.
You may not love
The hideaway is in the owner’s garden, 10ft from the house, but she and her children are very respectful of your privacy.
Sustainability.
The hideaway’s main USP is that most of the furniture and crockery is vintage/antique/charity shop/flea market. The owner tried to buy preloved as much as possible.
Surrounds.
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Romney Marsh © miriadna.com -
Camber Sands -
Rye
- Visit the eerily beautiful church in the middle of the Romney marshland at Fairfield.
- Meander along the Royal Military Canal path, past wooded hills and quiet villages.
- Spend a day in Rye: charming cobbled streets, excellent independents and antique shops. Brunch or lunch at Whitehouse.
- Kids and dogs will love the vast emptiness of Camber Sands.
- Port Lympne is a 600-acre sanctuary for rare and endangered animals including black rhinos and giraffe; great for a family day out.
- Day trip to atmospheric Dungeness, Britain’s only desert, almost eerie in its sparse beauty. Watch the sky for hundreds of swallows, swifts and martins in the spring and autumn – this is a migration hotspot.
Specifics.
- Private bolthole in a pretty Kent village
- Master bedroom with kingsize bed and cast-iron bathtub
- Bunk room with a pair of full-size beds and a pull-out trundle bed
- Luxury linens (200-thread count) and feather duvets/pillows, plus anti-allergy sets
- Shower bathroom, with soaps, bathrobes and hairdryer
- A full kitchen includes a Nespresso and basic ingredients (milk, tea and coffee)
- Washing machine / dryer
- Spacious lounge – Smart TV, DVDs, wireless sound system, WiFi – and woodburner
- Private patio with BBQ and dining furniture
- Masses of baby kit to borrow including a buggy; babysitting on request
- Older kids will love the swing set and hammock in the shared garden
- Dog friendly, dog bowls provided. Please note the owner’s dog and cat have access to the main garden.
- Walk to local shops and the village pub; drive to Rye and Camber Sands
- Booking conditions: a 2-night minimum stay. Any people over the number of 2 occupants will be charged an extra £10 pp per night.
- Remember to pack: walking boots if you want to explore Romney Marsh
Book your stay.
Surprise gift on arrival when you book with Kip!
30% deposit, with the balance due 7 days prior to stay.
Cancellations permitted 8+ days prior to stay, with deposit refunded minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 7 days of stay.
FAQs.
Absolutely. There’s a set of bunk beds in the corridor to the bathroom, and there’s space for a travel cot in the bedroom.
Yes, there’s a private patio with a latched gate.
Ideally, yes. You can get taxis from Rye or Appledore stations, but you’d need to pre-book one.
Still have a question?
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