Thurnham Keep

Maidstone, Kent, United Kingdom

Sleeps: 6

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Unique Features

• Prominent position on North Downs
• Built from the ruins of Thurnham Castle
• Sumptuous bedrooms
• Edwardian landscaped gardens with stunning panoramic views
• Swimming pool and Tennis court

The Property

Luxury Bed and Breakfast in Maidstone, Kent

See more pictures of Thurnham Keep

The house, with its Jacobean-style frontage, looks far older than it actually is but is typical of Edwardian eccentricity and grandeur. Commissioned by a Quaker Lady (hence the chapel), the house was built to extremely high standards. Only the finest materials were used in the construction, Bath stone, York stone and knapped flint-work provide the framework whilst marble and oak parquet floors, fine plaster mouldings and panelled walls adorn the interior. It’s believed that the flints were gathered from the crumbling ruins of Thurnham Castle and that is how the house acquired its name.

Located three miles from Maidstone in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the ancient Pilgrims Way with its Chaucerian associations, the house sits just below the site of Thurnham Castle and the crest of the North Downs. This beautiful Edwardian country house, surrounded by seven acres of gardens, enjoys stunning views out over the Kent countryside and the Weald

Every effort is made to ensure the guests comfort, from the soft carpets underfoot to the hand-sprung mattresses and Egyptian cotton sheets on the sumptuous antique beds. There are three double ensuite bedrooms which combine today’s comforts including colour television, CD player, radio alarm, beverage facilities, hairdryers and bathrobes all with the elegance and charm of a bygone age

About Your Hosts

Thurnham Keep has been in Amanda's family for many years until Mark and Amanda took the opportunity to become the owners in 1997. Since that time they have decorated and furnished the rooms, using Amanda's expertise in textiles and tapestry, whilst Mark has worked tirelessly in the gardens during the weekends. A true labour of love but very rewarding!

Out and About

The many nearby attractions include Leeds Castle 'the loveliest castle in the world'. Explore the country walks behind the house, with the option of taking the two resident black labradors with you, along the North Downs Way with the most amazing views and numerous National Trust properties which Kent has in abundance. The nearest ones are

Chartwell, Winston Churchill's home
Ightham Mote, medieval moated manor house dating from 1330
Knole, one of England's greatest houses
Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens, one of the world's most celebrated gardens created by Vita Sackville-West and Sir Harold Nicolson Smallhythe Place, home of the enchanting actress Ellen Terry

The medieval city of Canterbury, famous for its cathedral where pilgrims have travelled from London to since 1170 is a 20 minute drive away and historic Royal Tunbridge Wells, excellent for small specialist shops, designer boutiques, antique shops, pavement cafes and wonderful restaurants is worth a visit too. The nearby Weald of Kent comprises many picturesque villages filled with beautiful houses, interesting shops, real country pubs and delicious tea shops - not to be missed. There are also many glorious gardens to visit, ie. Groombridge Place and Great Dixter to name but a few, or if you want to head for the coast, Whitstable is a traditional English seaside town with a strong maritime history, a working harbour, seafood market and has a wealth of seafood restaurants. Or if you want to escape from England for a day the Ashford International Station is 20 minutes down the motorway and you could be in France in less than an hour from there.

Pricing

• From: £105.00 per room per night Upto: £130.00 per room per night
• Xmas: Open New Year

Accommodation Details

Thurnham Keep is one of the most beautiful places to stay in the South of England, surrounded by 7 acres of gardens and enjoying stunning views out over the Kent countryside

• Personally Inspected: Yes
  
• Single Room Supplements: No single supplements
• Sleeps: 6
• Double: 3 Ensuite
• Facilities: Swimming pool, croquet, tennis court, snooker room and packed lunches
• Swimming Pool: Yes
• Children: Yes, over 10 years old
• Pets: No
• Limits: No minimum stay
• Evening Meals: By arrangement
• Arrival Time: 4 pm
• Departure Time: 10 pm