Kentish Barn Retreat

Kentish Barn Retreat is a converted barn on the edge of Chilham, a village surrounded by orchards, farms and vineyards that has become familiar to anyone who watches period dramas. The North Downs Way passes nearby, making this a natural base for walking the Kent countryside. Badgers Hill Farm and Cidery sits just a mile away, where children can meet animals and the cafe serves food from the orchard. The village itself, five minutes' drive off, has the kind of architecture and character that draws film crews back repeatedly.

Inside, the entire property occupies one floor: an open-plan living, dining and kitchen space; three bedrooms (one with a four-poster double, one with a standard double, one with bunks); and one bathroom with both a roll-top bath and a separate shower cubicle. The kitchen has an electric oven and hob, microwave and fridge-freezer for self-catering. All bedrooms have televisions, as does a summer house in the garden. Wifi, electricity, bed linen and towels are included; a travel cot and highchair are on hand for younger children. The property sleeps 6 and is yours alone throughout your stay. No smoking.

The enclosed garden is the real draw—a decked terrace overlooks the surrounding fields and trees, with a hot tub in its own cabin. Garden furniture and a summer house complete the setup. There is parking for three cars on site. The terrace is the place to watch the sun set over the western horizon, or to spot the buzzards, sparrow hawks and white doves that live here.