Squirrel Cottage is a listed 16thCentury or earlier timber-framed building. White weatherboarding with a hipped tiled roof, this quintessential English country cottage with leaded light windows makes a dream holiday cottage location. Based in the ancient Kentish Weavers village of Smarden, with some fine examples of houses built in the 15th and 16th centuries, many of which remain today. TheCloth Hall(1430) is an example of a fifteenth century yeoman's timber hall house.
The immediate feature of Squirrel Cottage is the gorgeous country garden, which surrounds the house. With a shallow ornamental pond, weeping willow tree, summer-house, and wisteria walkway you are tempted to stroll around before even entering the house itself.
Once inside this charming holiday house you are not disappointed. You are welcomed into the locally handcrafted oak kitchen complete with Aga, a dresser and a table for casual dining or chatting while ‘helping' the cook over a glass of wine. The main feature of the living area is the nearly double height summer lounge; fully retractable doors open up and invite the natural sunlight to flood into the room.
Up the steep winding stairs there are wonderful surprises as you arrive in the upper hallway – the heart of the house, resplendent with leaning beams and exposed brick chimney. An internal stained glass window showing a variety of British birds, reminds one what a privilege it is to experience such a wonderful building. The master bedroom holds further delights as the bed has been cleverly raised above the ancient uneven floors with the clever use of an oak platform. The copper bath waits right next to the bed while around the corner a fully equipped shower room, WC and wash hand-basin are at your disposal.
Address
Squirrel Cottage (Sleeps 6) Cranbrook TN27 8NQ
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