Lower Standen Farm
Benenden, Nr Tenterden
9
6
24
3
With a luxurious yet distinctive interior that showcases the owners’ well-travelled life, this 17th-century self-catering country retreat oozes historical charm in abundance. Set amidst acres of grounds that reveal a hidden heated swimming pool, undulating fields and windmill views; a stay at Lower Standen is as special as the house itself. Exuding characterful appeal, oak-beamed walls and lavish detailing throughout, Lower Standen accommodates 24 guests between three beautifully furnished properties, affording an idyllic backdrop for celebratory escapes; perfect for family-led forays and well-being retreat breaks.
There’s a bohemian, well-travelled flavour to the interiors of Lower Standen, with a combination of worldly antiques, local art, unusual finds, quirky decor and velvet sofas giving it a laid-back vibe. Key design pieces sit alongside rooms designed for family get-togethers. Think leisurely breakfasts in the contemporary state-of-the-art kitchen/dining space; an evening of board games in the snug and TV time gatherings and card playing eves amidst grandiose decor.
There’s also space to retreat, if that’s what you need; from the many nooks and seating areas to retreat to in the bedrooms to book reading with a garden view. Designed with relaxation in mind, Lower Standen boasts nine bedrooms, five within the main house, three in the Granary and one extra special suite in The Dairy. They each have a distinctive look and feel, from modern framed family bunk beds, to super-sized and luxurious walk-in bathrooms in the spacious master bedroom. There’s even a hidden bathroom tucked behind a secret door in the barn’s second bedroom.
With an abundance of al fresco activities in which to immerse yourself, you're unlikely to venture too far afield when you take exclusive hire of Lower Standen Farm. Complete with an outdoor swimming pool, garden games, and fire pit in the stunning garden, summer days can be spent in a hive of activity or a languid leisurely state. Keen horticulturalists will love the residents' well-kept gardens, fauna, and rolling countryside. While children explore the gardens and play on the swings or a spot of outdoor ping-pong undercover, parents can fire up the BBQ or simply make the most of the peace and quiet from the array of seating areas.
Beyond Lower Standen’s grounds, should you need to leave this idyllic spot, you’ll find the towns of Cranbrook, Tenterden and the smaller villages of this part of the Kentish Weald within easy reach. There are also vineyards and first-class restaurants to be found, not to mention the sandy dunes at Camber, just over 30 minutes away.
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Facilities
BBQBBQ - GasBoard GamesChild FriendlyChristmas DecorationsCountryDishwasher15 Miles To The Beach9.9 Miles To The Nearest Train Station1 Mile To The Pub2 Miles To The ShopsFireFreeviewGardenGround Floor BedroomHairdryerIron & BoardLarge Holiday HomesLinen & TowelsMicrowaveOpen FireParking - Off StreetPet FriendlyPool TowelsPrivate Swimming PoolSmart TVSmoke DetectorsStarter Logs ProvidedTumble DryerVacuum CleanerWashing MachineWi-Fi
About Lower Standen Farm
9
6
24
3
Lower Standen Farm - sleeps 24 in total (maximum 18 adults)
Comprises 3 properties - a farmhouse with 5 bedrooms, granary with 3 bedrooms and dairy with 1 bedroom. Large gravelled driveway with parking for approximately 8 cars.
Main Farmhouse (sleeps 12 - max 10 adults) in 5 bedrooms
Ground Floor
Entry hall, with seating. From here the main staircase to the first and second floors
Drawing room, one side with central seating on plump sofas and armchairs seating 8 / 10. Large open fireplace with guard. To the other side in front of the French doors to the gardens are two seating areas each seating four to six each with a mix of sofas and chairs. A Smart TV is also located here and the resident board games
The Snug/TV room - corner sofa seating for six with some casual chairs for a few more. Large smart screen TV. Speaker.
Downstairs cloakroom
Kitchen / Dining room - magnificent generous open plan contemporary kitchen. Central island with five stools to dine at the counter. Equipment includes an American pantry style fridge freezer with ice machine and water dispenser, dishwasher and range cooker with six gas rings, twin electric oven, Nespresso coffee machine, plate warming drawer, microwave, two dishwashers and all your usual gadgets. Fully kitted kitchen for large groups
Dining area includes a bespoke hand made table - created from a fallen oak tree and seats 20
Nook seating area for four to six on sofa seating and a coffee table
Wrap around glazed doors to the garden patio with seating
Utility room with washing machine, tumble dryer, sink and plenty of cupboards - ideal for catering preparation. Additional fridge and freezer. Cloakroom and hooks, side access to the gardens and the front driveway, WC
First Floor
Master Bedroom (sleeps 2) super king sized bed, seating area with views over the lawns for 2, chest of drawers. En-suite full bathroom and separate shower. Dressing table and seat. Wardrobe.
Bedroom 2 (sleeps 2), twin beds, wardrobe, chest of drawers. (can be made up as a super king on request)
Bedroom 3 (sleeps 2) king size bed, en-suite hidden bathroom (no shower) wardrobe chest of drawers.
Generous family bathroom with separate bath and shower
Bedroom 4 (sleeps 2+1) twin beds, storage, (additional fold out bed for child available on request)
Den area with bean bags for children to enjoy
Bedroom 5 (sleeps 2+1) twin beds, storage, (additional fold out bed for child available on request)
Outside
There are several lawned areas to the rear of the Farmhouse, rope swings, outdoor table, chairs and sofas seating 8-12
Swimming pool area with gated entry. The pool house has changing rooms, shower and WC, sun loungers and seating. Shallow end 4ft, deep end 6ft.
The driveway is gravelled and includes an undercover ping pong table and gas BBQ.
The Granary - sleeps 10 (max 6 adults) in 3 bedrooms
Ground Floor
Entrance hall with stairs to first floor
Downstairs shower room with WC and wash hand basin
Open plan sitting room/dining room with comfortable seating for 6, dining table seating 4. Sofa bed (king size) available for 2 and single fold out bed for 1 (suitable for children only, available on request)
Fully equipped kitchen with induction hob and oven, fridge and freezer.
First Floor
Master bedroom (sleeps 2) in king size bed, storage
Family bathroom with bath and shower over, WC and wash hand basin.
Bedroom 2 (sleeps 2) in double bed, storage
Bedroom 3 (sleeps 3 - max 2 adults) in bunk bed with large single bed on bottom, and single bed above
Enclosed garden to the rear mainly laid to lawn with shrubs and plants.
The Dairy - sleeps 2 in 1 bedroomSingle Storey
An independent cottage situated beside the main house
1 bedroom King size, wardrobe, chest of drawers, casual seating for two
En-suite full bathroom and shower
Small sunny terrace with seating for two overlooking the driveway
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Things You Need to Know
Hen parties, stag parties and all adults groups of ages under 30 are not permitted. Lower Standen Farm is suited to family groups only.
Towels and linen provided, please notify Bloom Stays of your required bed configurations no later than 14 days prior to arrival.
Wi-Fi
Central heating
Gas BBQ
Pool towels supplied in the pool house
The swimming pool is enclosed with a low access gate, heated to approx 25 / 27 degrees weather permitting (May through to late September)
Three dogs welcome. Please note additional pet charges are £35 per pet per week (or part of) will be charged.
Private off-road parking for up to 8 cars
Please note: this property is strictly a family home. Parties/events are not permitted. Strictly no stag or hen groups, or all adult groups under 30
CCTV is on site for security
Meet and greet on arrival by appointment
A gardener will attend to the grounds periodically when required — notice will be given by the House Manager if during your stay
Early check in, and late checkouts, may be available on request, subject to availability. Fees will apply. Please contact Bloom Stays for more details.
If you’re wondering how to feed your crowd on holiday, check out our local caterers page. We have a long list of recommended private chefs for brunches, lunches, BBQs and bespoke dinner parties.
Take the stress out of organising your celebration with bespoke event planners, My Event Concierge. From private dining and murder mystery parties to yoga, craft workshops, and even axe throwing, they’ll match your group with trusted suppliers and create a tailored itinerary.?
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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 ensure you vacate 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.
Hen parties, stag parties and all adults groups of ages under 30 are not permitted. Lower Standen Farm is suited to family groups only
Quiet hours are between 10pm and 9am. Please be respectful to our neighbours.
Please get in touch once you have placed your booking to confirm your preferred bed configurations. Please note if we do not hear from you before 14 days prior to arrival the property will be made as standard.
Please ensure if any furniture is moved it is returned to where it was on arrival. If it isn't, a deduction will be made via security deposit. Thank you.
Situated in the heart of the Wealden countryside, an area of outstanding beauty, Lower Standen is situated in-between Benenden and Hawkhurst.
The closest village is Benenden with its community shop and pub (The Bull). The beautiful village green next to the Church and pub often hosts village cricket matches, securing its image as the quintessential beautiful English village.
Nearby Cranbrook has a larger town feel yet is formally Kent’s smallest town. There’s a Co-op supermarket and a handful of independent coffee shops and restaurants. Wonderful walking trails give amazing views of the Wealden countryside.
Also close by is Hawkhurst with its larger supermarkets including Waitrose and wider shopping, The historic Colonnade offers a handful of shops, a bakery and a pharmacist. The Kino cinema (the UK’s first digital cinema) is set in a heritage building with its own café so you can bring in a glass of wine or a coffee whilst you watch the latest films.
For chic dining, try Water Lane, The Walled Garden restaurant. It’s a lovely, well-hidden find offering a bistro with a twist.
Vineyards:
Balfour Winery and Vineyard offers a super chic wine-tasting experience.
OastBrook — teeny independent winery at Bodium, less than 10 miles from Lower Standen.
Chapel Down Tenterden — for the finest sparkling wine. Most famous British winery. Swan restaurant.
Wine Tours or Kent offers tours of various vineyards starting from £120 per person.
Restaurants:
The Woodcock pub is a 10-minute walk away for a lovely pub lunch.
The Curlew for something special, sharing plates and a great atmosphere within 10 minutes from the estate. Can accommodate 20+ guests by arrangement.
The Smallholding is often named the best restaurant in Kent and is a fine dining venue at Kilndown. More options on the website regarding booking offers.
The Bull in Benenden — local pub best for pub grub overlooking the village green. Huge fires for post-walk warming pint in the winter.
Gardens:
Sissinghurst Garden (National Trust)
Hole Park — some regular events as well as garden tours. Open certain weekends of the year.
Bodiam Castle (National Trust)
Closest beach/port:
Rye, Hastings, and Camber are within 16 miles — 30 minutes drive. Sandy Bay in Camber and its dramatic dunes.
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.
Hastings — gallery, aquarium and vintage lift.
City life:
Tunbridge Wells — Look for The Pantiles and its independent shops, boutiques and fantastic cafés. The main High Street has a new cultural centre (The Amelia) plus the High Street shops and restaurants
Connections:
Staplehurst and Marden — approx 1 hour from London. (Charing Cross, London Bridge routes)
Taxis are available on pre-booking.
Kids will love:
Bedgebury Forest (Forestry England). Walking trails, biking, park run. Kids centre. Pinetum preservation area.
Bodiam Boating Station offers river kayaking and paddle boarding.
Kent and Sussex steam train Bodiam to Tenterden
Shopping:
Designer shopping at Ashford’s Designer outlet.
Connections to France from Ashford International. High speed from Ashford to London by train.
For more recommendations on things to do and see check out our travel guides on The Weald Villages, Rye & Camber, East Sussex Border and Ashford.
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