Gamekeeper's Cottage, near Sissinghurst Castle

Sissinghurst Castle and its famous gardens are only a 15 minute woodland walk away from this peaceful and tranquil one bedroom cottage which is set in private grounds of 18 acres and surrounded by woods and wildlife. Gamekeeper Cottage is the perfect retreat for getting away from it all, at all times of year, but is only one hour from London by train. The cottage dates from 1798 and sits directly opposite the main house. The wood burner makes it a cosy and romantic getaway. Sleeps 2-4 This charming one bedroom cottage is over 200 years old and has been beautifully restored, retaining many of its original features, including the wooden beams. A very large window provides great views to the gardens, large pond and impressive eucalyptus trees beyond. The double bedroom The cottage has recently been extended and now includes a large double bedroom which is light and airy and has wonderful views to the pond and beyond. The French doors open onto a large patio area where guests can relax and enjoy the pond, the wildlife and extensive garden area. A barbecue is available. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE EXTENSION HAS NOT YET BEEN COMPLETED SO THERE ARE NO PHOTOS YET. IT WILL BE COMPLETED AT THE END OF MARCH 2022 The open plan living room and mezzanine sleeping area The living room has a large window providing fantastic views to the pond and gardens, There is a very comfortable sofa, dining table and chairs, as well as the woodburner. The bathroom has a shower, toilet and sink. The kitchen area has an electric oven/hob and fridge freezer. The comfortable double bed is on a mezzanine level accessed by a steepish staircase. Please note that although the cottage can sleep up to 4 guests, it is quite small for 4. The Woodburner The wood burner is a favourite feature of our guests, providing warmth and a cosy atmosphere. All wood and kindling is provided. The wood is sustainably sourced from trees coppiced on the property. There are also electric heaters for those who don't want to light a fire. The outside area Outside the cottage, there is a large patio area where guests can relax and enjoy the pond and wildlife. There is a table and chairs and a barbecue. Guest also have exclusive access to the extensive, beautiful garden area around the pond. There is also a "magical circle of oak " BBQ/sitting area in the woodland which is completely secluded and is a great favourite of our guests. Located in the middle of a circle of ancient oak trees, it is a wonderful spot to light a fire and listen to the bird life. We have excellent WIFI - "superfast" fibre to the property with a download speed of 900 megabytes per second Sissinghurst Castle and its world renowned gardens is only a short walk away by public footpath, through enchanting woods. The property adjoins the Sissinghust Castle Estate so all you need to do is walk to the top of the drive, cross the road and you are immediately in the grounds of Sissinghurst Castle - the Castle itself is about 15 minutes walk away, through an enchanting wood. Gamekeeper's Cottage provides a great retreat at all times of year. In autumn and winter it is cosy and atmospheric, with the roaring fire and wonderful crisp walks on your doorstep. Spring and summer are spectacular, with the "Garden of England", as Kent is known, blossoming and coming to life. Bluebell season, which is usually in May, is a particular favourite, with carpets of bluebells in the woods. The local wildlife is plentiful. As well as the resident ducks and chickens, there are many badgers, foxes and deer in the woodlands surrounding the cottage. In the dead of night you will hear the owls hooting and the dawn chorus of the numerous birds will greet you at day break. The area has many excellent pubs, some of which are over 500 years old. They all serve very good food and first class local beer. The Milkhouse in Sissinghurst and the Three Chimneys in Biddenden are both one mile away. There are many other National Trust properties nearby, including Castles, stately homes and gardens. The charming village of Cranbrook is 3 miles away and the Cinque port of Rye, with the golden sands of Camber, 30 minutes by car. London is one hour away by train and Canterbury one hour. There are many beautiful walks in the immediate vicinity, many of which can be started from the cottage itself. Vineyards The area is also known for some of the finest vineyards in England. Biddenden Vineyards, Hush Heath and Chapel Down are a short drive away. Yoga Henrietta is a fully qualified British School of Yoga instructor and teaches from beginner level to advanced. Classes can be arranged directly with her, either in the main house or outside in spring and summer. Parking is immediately outside the cottage . Rustic and secluded. The cottage backs onto the Sissinghurst Castle Estate and Sissinghurst Castle itself is a 15 minute walk through a woodland public footpath Staplehurst train station is the closest mainline railway station. It is one hour from London Charing Cross or London Cannon Street (peak times only). The train also stops at London Waterloo East and London Bridge. The trains go every 30 minutes in off peak and more regularly in peak times. From the station you will need to pre book a taxi - MTC Taxis. It should be around £15 to the cottage We have excellent WIFI - "superfast" fibre broadband with a download speed of 900 megabytes per second . However, we have a limited mobile phone signal , due to a poor signal from the main exchange. If you switch on wi-fi calling on your phone then calls work well in the apartment. If this does not work and you do need to make a call there is a good signal at the top of the drive and you are welcome to use the landline in the main house. Please note that the main beam in the cottage is 6 feet 2 inches high and the double bed at the mezzanine level can only be accessed from one side. Public transport is limited and the country roads are not pedestrian friendly so ideally it is better to come with your own transport. Alternatively, taxis can be booked through the local firm, MTC taxis.