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 décor.

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 and 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 outdoor swimming pool, garden games, 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 under cover, 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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About the House

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

Second Floor - Eaves bedrooms
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. 
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 available for 2 and single pullout 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 bedroom

Single 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


 
  • Facilities

    BBQ
    BBQ - Gas
    Board Games
    Child Friendly
    Christmas Decorations
    Country
    Dishwasher
    15 Miles To The Beach
    1 Mile To The Pub
    2 Miles To The Shops
    Fire
    Freeview
    Garden
    Ground Floor Bedroom
    Hairdryer
    Iron & Board
    Large Holiday Homes
    Linen
    Microwave
    Open Fire
    Parking - Off Street
    Pet Friendly
    Private Swimming Pool
    Smart TV
    Smoke Detectors
    Starter Logs Provided
    Towels
    Tumble Dryer
    Vacuum Cleaner
    Washing Machine
    Wi-Fi
  • 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.
    Wifi
    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 £30 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
  • 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.

In the Area


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 pharmacist. The Kino cinema (the UK’s first digital cinema) is set in a heritage building with its own cafe 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 bistro with a twist. https://www.waterlane.net/

Vineyards:
Balfour winery and vineyard offering 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 offer 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 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 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 cafes. 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 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.

What about the extra bits to complete your break away?


Extras and Experiences

Reviews

Perfect House for a large family gathering 4.8/5

This lovely house worked very well for our family of 15 adults and 4 toddlers/ babes. The main kitchen dining area was where we all gathered and there was plenty of room. The kitchen was very well equipped and we had memorable evenings at that long dining table. There was ample fridge/ freezer space for all the food and drink necessary for such a large party. The living area had enough seating to accommodate us all after dinner and was very cosy. The young ones loved the outdoor area with a few attractions such as the swing etc.

Mary Scott | 22 March 2024

Relaxing Weekend Stay 4.8/5

Beautiful comfortable home with all the mod cons. Stunning open plan kitchen with wonderful views of the garden and beyond. We enjoyed a log fire in the cosy living room and had a film night in the cinema room. Perfect for a winter weekend get away. Very quiet location and great for walks straight from the garden. Would definitely come again.

Caroline Tull | 12 February 2024

beautiful stay 4.3/5

lovely place, so much space and great for families. two tvs didn't work during our time, and one oven, and one of the gardens was flooded a bit so out of use. I think some discount would have been good to offer as couldn't fully use the property overall the place is very special and we had a good time

Lauren Henderson | 05 September 2023

Beautiful!! 5/5

We stayed out in Lower Standen Farm, and it is amazing! There were 18 of us and there was plenty of space! One of the best UK staycations we’ve had. The pool is heated and very spacious, the garden is perfect for any sports activities, and the home is well kept and beautiful! We had caterers in who had ample space to prepare and serve. Bloom Stays were incredibly helpful with any queries we had, and we are already looking at planning our next get together here! I would recommend this to anyone with a big family!

Manvir Dhanoa | 07 August 2023

Beautiful stay in a stunning country house 4.8/5

We had a wonderful stay at Lower Standen Farm. The house looks even better in pictures and has ample space for larger parties. Everything is in great condition. The kitchen is a dream, it has everything you could think to need and makes for a great social space. The house is perfect for good weather but also makes for a cozy retreat when the weather is not playing along. We also loved the view to the sheep field every evening, it was stunning. We would highly recommend Lower Standen Farm for large families and will be back to Kent soon. Feedback for improvement: Some of the pool furniture is in shabby condition and rusty nails were sticking out making it dangerous to sit and relax on. The pool area has a lot of potential, but as it is today it didn't meet the standard of the rest of the house. We would recommend adding polsterting to the pool furniture otherwise guests are lying on hard wood. This would be an easy thing to add that would make a big difference to guests enjoying the pool.

Shannon Mcgoldrick | 26 July 2023

5/5

Oh my god, what a lovely house. We all had an amazing stay. Such a beautiful home. We do not want to go home.

Winsor Family | 09 July 2023

5/5

We have had such a fabulous time in this gorgeous house celebrating an 80th birthday. Great facilities and accomodation. Many thanks, Aged 10-80 from North London and Australia.

Toms, Perkins Fiddeans Family | 03 July 2023

A brilliant home for families 5/5

Lower Standen Farm surpassed all expectations. It caters for large groups, with a fantastic kitchen/dining social area; beautiful gardens and a great pool to enjoy the English summer. Highly recommended!

Chantelle Melton | 26 June 2023

5/5

We all new we were going to love our stay in your amazing home. Wont want to leave, if you ever fancy a house swap, thank you. Will def be back real soon.

The sands, Jackson and Wroe families | 01 June 2023

5/5

This house has made us feel at home, so welcoming, so hospitable. Facilities excellent, owners have thought this through to ensure we have a great stay, and a great stay we have enjoyed. Thank you for providing an exceptional chance for us to eat, play, sing, laugh, drink and love. A weekend we will always remember, a weekend we want to do again! Hopefully soon. Best wishes.

80th Birthday Family | 27 May 2023

Fantastic! 5/5

We went away with 3 other families for the coronation weekend. We had the most wonderful time. The location was lovely, house stunning and facilities - excellent!

Shana Morris | 16 May 2023

A superb house that exceeds all expectations 5/5

We had a fantastic stay at Lower Standen Farm. The house is really special and the pictures online just cannot do it justice. Everything is high grade and it has everything you need. Should you ever want to leave, there are amazing local vineyards to explore as well.

Amelia Chick | 05 May 2023

Great stay 4/5

A family group of 24 stayed here over the bank holiday weekend. The place is great, well kept, comfortable and we all had space. Decent communication prior to the arrival date and someone is always on hand to help, if there are any issues (even on a bank holiday). The place is a little bit out of the way, but it's still really good.

Obi Nwachukwu | 11 April 2023

5/5

What an amazing home, shared by family. we laughed, we cried. This beautiful moment shall be treasured by us all, adults and children. We will certainly be telling friends about the time we stayed at Lower Standen Farm. Thank you for building this loving house with so much Art and Culture.

Obi and family | 10 April 2023

Amazing venue for getting family together. 4.8/5

What a spectacular house to stay in. It was an ideal venue for us with the 3 houses together. Very well equipped and a perfect place to relax. Lyndsay, the properly manager, was brilliant when we needed anything. Only negative is that the Dairy isn't equipped for making tea or coffee which made a leisurely cuppa in the morning difficult. We have thoroughly enjoyed the luxury of Lower Standen Farm.

Beccy Ogston | 26 February 2023

Just wow!! 5/5

What an amazing house!! We stayed for a friends 40th and it was perfect. Amazing entertaining space and all of the bedrooms were beautiful. We had 9 couple in our group and some rooms are better than others if you have couple staying as not all rooms have a double bed (some have 2 singles) Saying that it’s a place to lay your head and this house is just incredible. Great customer services from the team at Blooms constantly keeping me updated. We will definitely be back! Would recommend over and over again!

Sam Adcock | 12 December 2022

Perfect house 5/5

Excellent house in a fantastic location! An easy walk to the pub which was great for a stroll. The kitchen was fully fitted and excellent table for socialising. Wouldn’t change a thing!

Thomas Kirkby | 28 November 2022

Lower Standen Farm is Absolutely Beautiful 5/5

We stayed at Lower Standen Farm to celebrate a special birthday with family for the weekend. The house and garden is absolutely stunning, it was spotlessly clean and is so well stocked it has everything you could ever need! We are hoping to return in warmer weather so we can use the pool!

Lucy Elvidge | 14 November 2022

Stunning!! 5/5

Great house and grounds..Everything you could ever want with a party of adults,teenagers and toddlers..we all loved it,had the wow factor

Jane Hayward | 06 October 2022

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