Kentish Chateau

If you fancy escaping to a chateau but don't want to leave the country, this home is perfect. Situated behind electric gates, the west wing of this chateau-style home is in the glorious Kent Downs. Enjoy alfresco lunches on the terrace with its views over the countryside. Inside, the living room, with its solid oak floors, high ceilings and curved wall of windows, has an airy feel. Pop some logs in the wood burner, from your hosts' own woodland, on chilly days and relax with a glass of fizz. We love the table made out of polished wine boxes.

When you are ready to explore, there's plenty to do. Set in the rural village of Challock, located high on the North Downs, there are plenty of walks on your doorstep – make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the local deer. It's just a five-minute walk to King's Wood, which is carpeted in fragrant bluebells in spring. Or the cathedral city of Canterbury, with its cobbled streets and timber-framed houses, is twenty-five minutes in the car. It's the same distance to Whitstable, where you'll find a long stretch of shingle beach, fresh seafood and independent shops. There are several vineyards within a ten-mile ride, too, if you want to taste some of the local wines.

Home truths:
*This attached home has a private entrance and is a wing of the main house
*There are stairs to climb here
*Pets are welcome (your hosts have their own pets – five cats and a mischievous young puppy), though please keep them in the tiled areas and outside garden (the rear garden area is fenced)
*You'll have unlimited logs for the wood burner
*Whilst there are no CCTV cameras within this home or in the private garden area, there are some at the entrance gates, driveways and front and rear gardens of the main house (they are not monitored but stored for a period of twenty-one days)
*There's ample parking here, and we'd recommend a car to explore this wonderful part of Kent
*Gatwick Airport is around one hour in the car