Far from the Madding Crowd

Far from the Madding Crowd: Kent

Sometimes it's just nice to stay somewhere all shiny and new. This freshly converted farm cottage is one of a pair on a 500 acre private estate. Right in the heart of the Kent countryside, it's the kind of place people come to read books, go for long, rambling walks and try a pint or two of local beer on a country pub stop. The home is modern and pristine, with character touches like wood floors, rustic doors and exposed beams upstairs. It's been laid out with accessibility in mind, with the master bedroom on the ground floor and an en suite wetroom fitted with grab rails. Outside there's a private terrace, enclosed with natural hurdle fencing made from trees on the estate itself. Nearby is the picture-perfect village of Chiddingstone (so ancient and important that its owned by the National Trust) and Bough Beech Reservoir. Travel a little further and you'll come to Hever Castle, Penshurst Place and the spa town of Tunbridge Wells.

Home truths:
* The ground floor master bedroom and en suite are accessible for those with mobility issues and there's a designated disabled parking spot if you need wheelchair access to your car

* Please note this cottage is semi-detached, so you will have neighbours. It is possible to book both cottages to make space for a larger group – contact our reservation team if you're interested

* Mobile phone coverage is a bit hit and miss but you can always walk or drive a short way for a clearer signal, and there is Wifi

* Bookings can only be accepted at least a week in advance