With extensive grounds and a huge sitting room, this gorgeous oast barn is perfect for a big group getaway.
Dating from 1880 when it was used to dry hops, this double-roundel barn has been skilfully converted into a stylish setting for family, friends and furry companions to catch up. An elegant entrance hall with a stone floor and space for shoes and coats leads into the figure-of-eight sitting room. Here, two stylish seating areas come complete with a choice of sofas, high-spec entertainment and, between them, a magnificent inglenook fireplace with a wood burner. Your group will love to gather in the contemporary kitchen/diner, which has all the self-catering essentials alongside thoughtful finishing touches such as a wine fridge and Philips bean to cup coffee machine. Whether you dine formally at the table or enjoy a cuppa and chat at the breakfast bar, there’s plenty of floorspace for Fido to follow your every move. A shower room and handy utility room complete the ground floor convenience – you’ll even find a few pairs of boots in the latter if you forget to bring your own! Upstairs, a galleried landing leads to five bedrooms and a family shower room. Each of the two roundel rooms has a king-size bed, seating and storage; one also has a TV and en-suite bathroom with shower over the bath. There are two double-bedded rooms – one with a feature brick wall – and a family room which has a king-size bed as well as bunk beds. Dogs will go mutts for the garden here – there’s an extensive lawned area with trees and an unfenced pond, plus a large terrace area with outdoor furniture. Children can let off steam on the small trampoline that’s provided – it’s netted for their safety – and Fido is sure to be on his best behaviour when the BBQ is fired up.
A footpath from the village leads to Sissinghurst Castle, around a mile from your doorstep, where there are more than 450 acres of estate land for Fido to explore. Alternatively, sniff out some bargains and beverages in the ‘Capital of the Weald’: Cranbrook is 1.5 miles away. Slightly further afield, Tenterden (7.5 miles) has a fascinating mix of architecture and a timeless air; the Kent & East Sussex Railway runs 10.5 miles from here to Bodiam and dogs are permitted on standard services.