The Nutshell

The Nutshell is a ground-floor cottage built around a single open-plan space where a wood burner anchors the living area, dining space and kitchen together. A kingsize bed and bathroom with both bath and shower complete the layout. One dog is welcome here. The essentials—heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and wifi—are included, along with initial fuel for the burner itself.

The kitchen is properly equipped for cooking, with a gas oven and hob, dishwasher and all the usual appliances. Bi-fold doors open onto a back garden with sitting furniture and a barbecue. There's a utility room housing a washing machine, and parking for two cars on site. Pluckley, where the cottage sits, is a village with a reputation for history and a local pub within walking distance. The surrounding Kent Downs offer footpaths through woodland and fields; Sissinghurst Castle Garden is a short drive away, and Ashford itself provides shopping and high-speed rail access to London.