Dormestone House

Set within the grounds of a 15th-century estate in the North Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this Grade II-listed house is a wonderful setting for a proper countryside get-together. There’s a lot of history here, but the house itself is comfortable and welcoming, with plenty of room for family and friends to settle in. The house was recently named one of Britain's best dog-friendly cottages by The Independent, so rest assured that your four-legged guests are very much welcome here too.

From the moment you arrive, Dormestone House's sense of exclusivity is unmistakable, with the house set among acres of private land, with views across the surrounding countryside. Within the grounds, there's a heated swimming pool, tennis court and beautifully kept gardens to enjoy, as well as plenty of space for dogs and children to run around.

Inside, original beams, period features and an open fire ensure this large group accommodation in Charing provides the perfect indulgent stay for friends and family. While there's ample room to come together, the house is spacious enough that you don't all have to do the same thing at the same time. With several reception rooms, you can just as easily find space to curl up with a book for a quiet moment, or fling open the French doors and venture out onto the garden. The open-plan kitchen and conservatory become the natural meeting point in the afternoon, and there’s also a large dining table for everyone to gather around – whether that's for a lazy breakfast, a special dinner or a long evening that carries on well after the plates have been cleared. Don't forget your luxury hamper is waiting when you arrive, too.

While summer calls for splashing in the pool, leisurely tennis matches, and al fresco dinners beneath open skies, the cooler months here invite cosier stays with more time spent indoors. Head back from a walk across the Downs, get the fire going and make the most of the house while the countryside outside grows quiet. Dogs are welcome throughout the year, with plenty of private grounds to explore and miles of walking routes beyond the estate. It's a rare thing to find a large country house where the whole family – dogs included – can properly relax, and this one does it rather well.