Is lack of attention to detail supposed to be charming? Nightmare Stairs 3.3/5

On arrival, trying to get up the pathway with cases, the stinging nettles got me as it was overgrown. Next, our medium sized dog got out onto the road because there is a huge gap under the gate. Had to cobble together some sort of barrier to stop this happening again. Then there are the stairs. I really struggled trying to get our cases up the stairs as they are VERY steep and get steeper the higher you go, with narrow treads. Throughout our stay I was imagining one of us to falling down them and breaking their neck, as they felt extremely dangerous and the stuff of nightmares. The details mention steep stairs but this does not give any idea of how frightening they are. This is the main reason I would not recommend this cottage or return. The lack of attention to detail also rather spoilt the week for me. The info booklet says to put the bin out on a Wednesday, which I did, only to find it was still full next day and I had to trundle it back in. The booklet needs correct and clear information in it. The kitchen was lovely but there were only 3 mismatching egg cups in a 4 bed home, crockery had chips and it was difficult to find out how the hob worked ( I had never used an induction hob before and was very frustrated, searching through a load of manuals to find the cooker info.) This information should have been easily available by the hob. (And I might as well mention the rather uncomfortable kitchen chairs). The windows were dirty on the inside, particularly in the sitting room where there was also an old xmas decoration on the mantlepiece that had crumbling pine cones and cobwebby plastic 'pine needles' which looked terrible. (The damp and tatty books didn't make you want to pick them up and read them either). Behind the front door in the porch everything was very dusty and clearly hadn't been touched for some time. Obviously the building is beautiful, the beds were comfortable, the bathrooms were good and the whole place was charming. The setting was lovely and the car parking very useful. It is just very disappointing when you realise that the owner does not care enough to make sure it is always as good as it should be - it's as if they are saying 'oh, that'll do' - when it won't.

Guest | 01 September 2023

Comfortably rustic 4.3/5

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Bonnington Cottage and look forward to returning sometime soon! There are so many footpaths in the area, we only scratched the surface. There are nearby villages and pubs within 30-60 minuntes walking distance. We recommend the pies at Griffins Head in Chillenden or the Sunday roast at The Duke William in Ickham. And you are only about 30 minutes by car from the coastal town of Deal. The Old Dairy Café is a good choice for lunch or tea but only open until 17:00. Unfortunately, the nearest pub Fitzwalter Arms was having trouble finding staff and were serving drinks but no food. The cottage itself is charming, creaky and leans to one side but is cozy, comfortable and has all the amenities one would expect in a modern building incl. central heating, dishwasher, induction stovetop, microwave, modern shower etc. The beds were clean and comfortable, plenty of closet space and the wood burner in the living room a great source of comfort and heat in the evenings. The table and bench outside in the sheltered garden are fantastic for your morning cuppa and we even managed to breakfast outdoors. The nearby villages have decent sized Co-op markets and provide train services to London. We had a power outage on Saturday while a wedding was going on at the main house. After we found nothing wrong with the fuses, we called the manager who, despite simultaneously dealing with a large wedding, took the time to come round to check on things. He managed to arrange for an electrician to come around but in the end the problem had nothing to do with the cottage and things were back up and running after a few hours. Those with an e-vehicle should note there is no vehicle charging available at the cottage and there are more village pubs than charging stations in the surrounding countryside. Also, for those who are picky about their cars: Parking is under some nice, leafy trees with all the to be expected leaves, twigs, spiders and bird droppings.

David Conway | 08 May 2023

A fine old building 4.2/5

I booked Bonnington Cottage knowing it was old and full of character and it didn't disappoint. The cottage was comfortable with an excellent log burner and the central heating was efficient, both needed in February. On arrival we both thought the fruit bowl was plastic! But it was all fresh fruit; 3 types of grapes, oranges, apples, pears, bananas and even a full pineapple. The location is ideal for touring both the coast and inland of Kent and we'd recommend Canterbury, Walmer Castle and Whitstable and Broadstairs and Dover Castle. Goodneston Gardens worth a visit and all the walks around the estate. There's lots of local pubs serving good beer and food, Griffin's Head in Chillenden and a bit further The Mermaid in Bishopsbourne. Gibson's Farm Shop has an excellent choice of fresh fruit and veg., bread and cakes and various meals. Would recommend so long as you appreciate this is a very old cottage!

Paul Hunt | 17 February 2023

Cozy cottage , great location 5/5

We spent a lovely week at Bonnington cottage. It is convenient for visiting all the seaside towns. The location of the cottage is really quiet and peaceful, the walk down the lane to the village is beautiful and Goodnestone gardens are a must visit. The cottage has everything required, comfortable bed, good shower, hot water, fully stocked kitchen for cooking. We sat out in the garden most of the time as the weather was good, the seating was comfortable.

Louise Blenkinship | 15 September 2022

We enjoyed the cottage and the surrounding region very much and will definitely come back! 4.8/5

Bonnnington cottage is a delightful authentic cottage situated in a beautiful region. Everything we needed was there, we visited interesting places like Canterbury, Sandwich, Deal, Dover and twice nearby Goodnestone Park Gardens. Furthermore we made lots of lovely walks in the countryside like The Serpetine Walk. We will come back soon for sure!

Ailko Frederiks | 31 July 2022

5/5

I met a good man who showed me a great life during lock down. We spent 3 months here living our best life. May the next guests be as fulfilled as I am. Thank you!

Alexa | 25 April 2021

5/5

We came here not for the weather ( which was just as well - it rained every day!) but for somewhere to relax & escape from routine for a few days. The lovely cottage & surrounding countryside is perfect for this. Plenty of places to visit without having to travel far. The Serpentine walk & Goodnestone Gardens were a delight (on the 'driest' day of the week). Gibsons Farm Shop was perfect for picking up treats & presents. Thank you so much!

Mike & Sue Jenkins | 17 October 2020

5/5

Great house, comfortable & warm, surrounded by quiet, peaceful countryside and plenty of lovely walks. Good food & drink at the Fitzwater Arms and tea & cake in the gardens. Enjoyed exploring the coast from Conyer & Whitstable to St Margarets Bay- Special mention for Sandwich Town Trail, Ramsgate Tunnels & Ice-creams at Broadstairs. P.s If I could, I would take the bed home with me!! Bliss!!

Nivk & Jo Buck | 26 September 2020

5/5

Thank you for a lovely, cosy and calm Christmas break that we could celebrate here. We really enjoyed the house, the village and the County. Hope to come again in the summer.

Schmidt | 19 December 2019

5/5

We came for a peaceful & Relaxing break and we certainly got that! We've done several walks and visited local places of interest - weather has been amazing and the cottage is quirky & cosy! Can recommend Canterbury, The White Cliffs and Fitzwalter Arms for dinner - where the food and service was excellent.

Deacon Family | 01 November 2019

5/5

Lovely old building. Very quiet area and good to have pubs and tea rooms to walk to. Great Location for visiting this area and all it has to offer. Recommendation for the good food & atmosphere - The Griffins Head, 2 miles from here and The Fitzwater Arms on foot across the lane.

The Kennedy's | 08 September 2019

5/5

The Poor weather didn't detract from the lovely time we had. Really nice cottage & lovely quite area with lots of things to do & lots of lovely pubs & restaurants nearby. Would recommend to others. Thank you!

The Kilburns | 18 August 2019