Dormestone House

Charing, Nr Ashford


4

3

10

2

Grade ll listed home with a delightful mix of modern contemporary and antique finds, surrounded by extensive private grounds on the 15th Century estate. Named as one the best dog-friendly cottages in Britain by The Independent
Heated swimming pool, tennis court and a roaring open fire to enjoy. In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the North Downs

Enjoy a little piece of heaven and exclusivity in this charming 15th-century estate with acres of extensive private grounds. A roaring open fire antique finds and gorgeous furnishings combine to ensure this large group accommodation in Charing is the perfect indulgent stay for friends and family. Enjoy uninterrupted views from almost every window with little between you and the North Downs but the heated pool and tennis court.

This stunning large holiday home offers quintessential luxury at its best. With a selection of reception rooms, you will be spoilt for choice. Morning coffees are best enjoyed in the serene reading room with French doors opening to the manicured gardens delightful as you sit back relax and watch the children play quite the scene from Country Life Magazine.

The rooms of this unique Grade II listed designer home make the most of the natural sunlight. The layout enhances the beautiful feature beams and hidden nooks of the property setting the scene for the harmonious blend of modern contemporary furnishings and mix of antiques.
The open plan state-of-the-art kitchen and conservatory overlooks the pool and tennis court making the home perfect for relaxing whilst watching your friends play a nail-biting match The large dining table can seat a family brood and makes for a very sociable space ideal for cooking and entertaining on special occasions. An exclusive luxury hamper is also provided to guests.

The summer calls for splashing in the pool and alfresco dining under the stars by the fire pit. In winter the cosy living space with an open fire adds warmth to your escape to the country. Whilst there why not don the wellies and take the dog out for a long stroll across the downs.

You don’t have to forgo luxury just because you have a canine to contend with on your holiday as this superb 15th-century Grade II-listed home proves. You don’t even have to leave the private grounds to give your dogs a decent walk, after which you can snuggle up by the open fire while they relax in the dog basket provided. If you want to venture further you’ve got the North Downs on your doorstep. - The Independent February 2017.

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  • Facilities

    Barns & Farmhouses
    BBQ
    BBQ - Gas
    Bluetooth Speaker
    Board Games
    Child Friendly
    Christmas Decorations
    Coffee Machine
    Dishwasher
    21 Miles To The Beach
    1.9 Miles To The Nearest Train Station
    0.5 Miles To The Pub
    6 Miles To The Shops
    Enclosed Garden
    Fire
    Garden
    Iron & Board
    Linen & Towels
    Open Fire
    Pet Friendly
    Pool Towels
    Private Swimming Pool
    Smoke Detectors
    Starter Logs Provided
    Tennis
    Tennis Court
    Towels
    Vacuum Cleaner
    Washing Machine
    10 Mbps Wi-Fi

About the House

4

3

10

2

Dormestone House: sleeps 10 (max 8 adults), 4 bedrooms, 1 en-suite bathroom, 1 family bathroom, and 1 shower room. 3 reception rooms, open fire, enclosed extended gardens, ample parking for 8 cars, outdoor heated pool, tennis court, and fire pit.

Ground Floor
Entry into the rear door and boot room. Stairs lead to the first floor.
Shower room/boot room.
Billiard room, with snooker/pool table. Cupboard of goodies and games, decorative log burner.
Sitting room and snug, split level, with seating for 10 plus guests, open fire, large TV, DVD.
Reading room, with sofa seating for 4 to 6 guests, French doors to the garden.
Kitchen and conservatory, state of the art kitchen, island worktop, fridge with separate small freezer, range cooker, Nespresso original coffee machine, butler sink, dishwasher and all the essentials for your stay. Washing machine and dryer located in the boot room.
Dining table seating 10. Double aspect windows and French doors opening to the pool area.

First Floor
Master bedroom (sleeps 2) super king size double bed, en-suite shower room.
Family room (sleeps 4) 2 x single beds (sleeps 2). Bunk beds (sleeps 2 children).
Family bathroom, slipper bath, hand held shower only.
Double bedroom (sleeps 2) , valuted ceiling, double bed, double aspect views, door to bathroom.
Family bathroom with handheld shower.
Twin room (sleeps 2) 2 x single beds.

Outside
Gated driveway, shared access to small Groundsman's cottage.
Extended enclosed gardens
Patio terrace with an array of seating areas
Heated swimming pool available from May to end of September - weather permitting (please ask a member of the team for further details)
Tennis court with a selection of rackets and balls provided.
Garden games
Fire pit, logs are provided
Gas BBQ - gas provided
Football pitch length open paddock
 
  • Things You Need to Know

    Pet friendly, up to two well-behaved pets (limited to ground floor and not to be permitted on the furniture).  Please note additional pet charges are £35 per pet per week (or part of) will be charged.
    There is no cot or highchair available.
    Note: Exclusive use of the estate facilities, however, the drive is shared to a lodge that is set away from the house. The gardener attends to the grounds every Saturday and the swimming pool is maintained every other Friday when open.
    Heated swimming pool available from May to end of September - weather permitting.
    Loud music and parties are not permitted.
    Suited to family groups.
    Please note there is a separate lodge in the grounds which may be occupied.
    Please note check in is 4pm and check out is 10am.
    Log burner starter kits may only be available November to end of April
    No groups under 30 
  • House Rules

    We would respectfully ask that the following house rules are adhered to, to avoid any damages to our beautiful holiday home. Should any damages arise please note charges may be taken from your security deposit.

    Please note the log wall in the sitting room and the logs outside of the property are for ornamental purposes. Please do not use these logs on the fire. Two baskets of logs are provided for your use. A charge of £80 will be applied if the ornamental logs/outside logs are used.
    Please ensure you check out on time to allow our housekeepers to enter the property and prepare it for the next guests.
    Smoking is not permitted in the property at any time.
    Please note for insurance purposes the number of guests must not exceed the total occupancy of the house.
    For fire safety reasons please do not use any candles in the property.
    Please note quiet hours are between 11pm and 9am. Please be respectful to neighbours.
    Parties and loud music are not permitted.
    Suited to family groups.

    Pool cover pump must be used at all times when not in use.

In the Area


Situated just 6 miles north of Ashford, yet surrounded by countryside you’ll find the village of Charing. You'll be in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the North Downs, there are fantastic footpaths on your doorstep worthy of exploration. The Bowl Inn pub is only a 10-minute walk away. Charing is the perfect spot for long country walks, with ample cycling routes on your doorstep, yet within easy reach of road and rail connections, so a trip to the seaside can easily be enjoyed with Hythe being only a 25-minute drive away and vibrant Folkestone 5 minutes further, or a train caught from or to the bright lights of the capital - made even more convenient with the station being a less than a 5 minute walk away. If you can draw yourself away for the beautiful grounds of Burleigh House for a moment, there is an abundance of things to see and do with countryside walks on your doorstep from Leeds Castle (a family favourite!) to Sissinghurst Castle, the South of England Rare Breeds Centre and the cobbled streets of historic Canterbury all within easy reach. For more recommendations check out our travel guide on Ashford, Maidstone & West Malling, and Canterbury.

What about the extra bits to complete your break away?


Extras and Experiences

Reviews

lovely farmhouse stay in Kent 4.8/5

Great accommodation in a lovely spot - or third visit!! We're planning on another stay next summer. You can't keep us away!

Ann Hauser | 04 November 2024

The most stunning property 5/5

We had a fantastic time in Dormestone House, our only wish was that we had longer there. From the beginning the customer service was excellent with all my queries being answered promptly and great suggestions & contacts provided for activities I was interested in booking. (We booked a private chef for the evening and also beauty pamper treatments for the Saturday morning through recommendations which were wonderful) The house is truly stunning, the interior decor extremely tasteful, warm and comfortable. The kitchen is very well stocked with equipment for cooking. The pool and tennis courts are fantastic additions to the lovely grounds they sit on. The games room cupboard has every board game you could hope for! Keen to return and for longer. Thank you!

Roisin Reilly | 07 October 2024

Wonderful house in a perfect location 4.5/5

This house was a last minute change to our booking due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control. The house is in an excellent location with simply stunning views & coupled with its extensive facilities makes it a delightful all round place to spend some truly relaxing time.

Guest | 06 February 2024

5/5

What a beautiful house! Such a lovely venue, with my lovely family! Lots of the space for children to play.

The Roberts | 29 June 2023

5/5

The most perfect home for sharing a lovely weekend with friends. We loved going on walks and all the board games. Thank you for everything.

Matilda and Friends | 29 June 2023

A lovely stay 5/5

The Dormestone house is situated in an idyllic setting on a hill with a 30 mile view! It was the perfect stay for our friends and their young children, who spent loads of time swimming, playing soccer and exploring the property. The house itself is tastefully decorated and extremely comfortable. We made use of their massive game cupboard and billiards, made a fire outside at sunset and grilled food to dine al fresco. When we had an issue with the shower in the en suite bath, they had a plumber out straight away to attend to it. The kitchen has all the dining ware and glasses needed for eating and entertaining. Those who wish to cook will enjoy the chef quality range and ovens, but be advised that you will need to bring your own cooking basics such as olive oil, spices, etc. All around, a wonderful stay and great value. We hope to come back in the future.

Breanna Kuhl | 28 June 2023

5/5

We had the most amazing weekend celebrating and feel heartbroken to have to leave. It has been perfect, thank you.

Sullivans | 12 May 2023

Fantastic house to relax and gather with friends and family 4.7/5

A beautifully decorated house with everything you need to entertain the whole family, from the outdoor tennis court, ground and swimming pool, to the indoor multiple leaving rooms with fire place and pool table. The bedrooms are great except the smallest one with 2 single beds where there is a little storage housing the engine of the macerator connected for the two bathrooms of the first floor. One needs to be aware of the inconvenience produced by the noise. Otherwise, we love this house and will definitely comeback.

Guest | 17 April 2023

A great stay in the true countryside of England 5/5

The Dormestone House was breathtaking! There was 10 of us, five adults and five children, and this home had the space, amenities, charm, and feel we had hoped for. With small towns a short drive away, it was a true getaway home that was still close to great landmarks and things to do. The staff were great if we needed anything. Truly a perfect place to stay, whether you live in England, or visiting from out of the country like we were. I recommend this beautiful place to anyone looking for a true country home with enough space for a large party.

Joseph Eason | 05 April 2023

5/5

What a lovely house and grounds to celebrate! Enjooyed all the facilities!

Rashleighs | 15 June 2022

5/5

You have given all of us unforgettable memories, a beautiful and comfortable house and an amazing garden for our dog! Thank you

Terry | 22 May 2022

Family party 5/5

Fantastic stay. Beautiful views, amazing house and great facilities. Something for everyone from 5 to 80 years of age!

Guest | 09 May 2022

Wonderful stay 4.8/5

We spent a fantastic 5 nights here. The house is extremely well equipped. We had a couple of minor issues with a light-fitting and full bins; someone from the maintenance team was with us within an hour of calling. Excellent customer service. Thank you for a wonderful stay!

Lauren Roberts | 25 April 2022

A fabulous place with interests for all the family 4.3/5

Dormestone offered beauty, functionality and interest to all members of our family gathering. From the historical background of the house with its well and wooden structure and the activities with the tennis court and pool table, we had an amazing time. The house is very functional with a lovely large conservatory and kitchen as well as multiple living room, it is perfect for large groups. Only little negative point is the second room with 2 single beds where the mattresses are very soft and the storage that houses a noisy pump (I believe) which activates whenever water is used on the first floor.

Line Sebbag | 24 April 2022

5/5

A lovely way to visit England for the first time! The culture, hospitality, food and memories will be cherieshed and remembered for the rest of our lives.

Steelmans | 21 March 2022

0/5

Beautiful house, didnt want to leave, will definitely be coming back!

Natalie | 17 March 2022

5/5

This is our second time and we LOVE this house!

Anonymous | 02 February 2022

Surprise 60th birthday weekend. 4.7/5

I booked this beautiful historic farmhouse as a surprise for my partners 60th birthday. The house was well equipped & perfect for us to spend a chill out weekend together with our family & grandchildren. Despite 1 day of solid rain we enjoyed playing pool, board games, fun & laughter sitting by the open fire in the lounge with a few tipples. Would highly recommend this delightful home & wish to say a special thank you to Keith for his kind help & support. Julie Barr

Julie Barr | 13 January 2022

Magical weekend when the weather is good 4.2/5

We had a wonderful long weekend at Dormestone house. The property and the grounds are enormous with plenty of spaces to escape to and find peace. The weather was incredible so we enjoyed the pool and the tennis courts, the gas bbq, and bike rides in the nearby North Downs. The gardens are stunning. The house is well equipped for fun with tennis rackets and balls available to borrow, a huge snooker table, chess board, games and books for all ages. There is a small undercounter fridge in the kitchen but fear not, the utility room has a large fridge and freezer. I would say the property was not as clean as it could have been. For example we found old tissues behind the beds, one of the boxes in boot room was filled with previous rental’s rubbish, the cabinet handles in the kitchen were sticky and the kitchen table was full of crumbs. The walls behind the Rangemaster cooked were oily (a splashback would quickly remedy that) and in the family room upstairs, the union jack cover for the chest of drawers is extremely dirty. The swimming pool was not as clean and chlorinated as it should probably be, but this was fed back to the rental company. The floor in the stunning snooker room was extremely slippery and a few of us fell (we guessed that a wood polish was possibly used on the vinyl floor). The two master bedrooms are absolutely stunning. One has a beautiful ensuite with a shower, but it would benefit from the addition of a wall mirror. The other bathroom upstairs for 3 rooms to share has a lovely bathtub and there is a shower downstairs for any tall guests who would rather not attempt a roll top bath. The twin bed room was comfortable but very noisy whenever the hot water boiler was switched on! Fine for our kids (aged 4&7) but the noise scared the younger children. It is worth pointing out that the two single beds in the family room (next to the kids’ bunkbeds), are not suitable or comfortable for adults. The mattresses could do with replacing. All in all, the above constructive feedback would only improve the already wonderful property. We would return as we had a really fun, relaxing weekend.

Guest | 10 June 2021

Excellent stay in a lovely house 4.8/5

Simply put, the house is fantastic, with a lot of charm, and is perfect for to get away from the city. We had an amazing time, also thanks to the caretakers who were always very prompt to respond. Definitely would recommend.

Victor Lacassagne | 15 March 2021

Dormestone dream 5/5

We will 100% rebook this property. The kitchen was fabulous. We cooked non stop, not through hunger, but just the pleasure of being in that environment. The pool table was endless fun, the lounge and fire place were dreamy, the TV room. Our bedrooms were beautiful and the property was so clean. We witnessed a once in a life time meteor shower at the fire pit. Maybe 50 shooting stars were seen. My only regret is we didn’t have this property for our entire stay. If you’re ever selling this house. I would love to know first. Thank you

David Wilkins | 26 December 2020

5/5

Very nice place to celebrate our 50th Wedding Anniversary with our children and grandchildren. We will keep special memories of our stay at Dormestone House.

Passoz Family | 16 November 2020

Surpassed all expectations 5/5

Six of us stayed at Dormestone House for my 60 th Birthday celebrations- from the moment we arrived we were at home in this beautiful cosy incredible property- We had a roaring fire every evening listening to our favourite music in every ground floor room on the Sonos system- the kitchen is so well equipped and of course we loved the gardens with the heated pool which we swam in even in October ! I had the best time and will definitely be returning .

Susan Van Praagh | 20 October 2020

5/5

This is our third time back as a family of 9 across multiple generations. Such a wonderful house, we had a great time and with such good weather we made great use of the swimming pool and tennis court. Endless things to do as the house is so well equipped with games. Great food at The Plough and The Bowl Inn!

Nassar Family | 09 August 2020

5/5

Three generations ranging from 14 to 93. A good time was had by all from tennis to pool!

Greenwood Family | 01 August 2020

5/5

A great Christmas welcome and much fun had by all, great house! Thank you.

Parsons Family, USA | 28 December 2019

5/5

A wonderful setting for two of us to celebration our 40th and 70th birthdays. The weather played a part in creating a fantastic weekend - even the pool got used in late September! Wonderful memories from this weekend.

Anonymous | 30 September 2019

5/5

Have had a lovely time with my family celebrating my 60th birthday in a gorgeous house and location!

Heather and Family | 29 September 2019

5/5

Thank you so much for a really lovely weekend, all 9 of us celebrating my brother's 30th Birthday plus our two dogs, couldn't have wished for a better venue. We played pool, had fun in the swimming pool and plenty of games of tennis, even late night chess! All of the facilities were brilliant, we'll definitely be back!

Laura and Family | 20 May 2019

5/5

Comfortable and attractive interior accommodation. A wonderful venue for a 70th birthday celebration, there was no need to leave the house as the gardens, pool and tennis court, football/cricket field kept us well occupied, and such wonderful views too! The snooker/pool table was also very popular!

Harris Family | 09 May 2019

5/5

We really enjoyed staying in your beautiful home, many thanks, we'll be back!

Kendall Family | 13 April 2019

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