Willow Cottage – Hamptons Farmhouse

It’s almost impossible to believe that central London is only 32 miles away from these fantastically family friendly cottages, nestled in rolling Kent countryside, which provide the ultimate antidote to the stressy, frantic pace of modern family life. The owners set out to create a ‘happy place for everyone, full of love and laughter’ and they’ve done a great job, from the lovely, fresh cottages themselves, where mums and dads can enjoy some quality time together, to endless fun and adventures in the 9-acres of garden, field and woodland.

The farms cottages are brilliantly kitted out with baby and toddler gear so parents have no need to panic about bringing all the bulky caboodle. From baby bath, baby monitor and Bumbo seat to cots, cot bedding and toileting tackle the owners have thought of everything because they have little ones of their own and then there’s the toys, books, games and DVD’s to keep all ages amused.

The one big problem for mums and dads will be getting the kids indoors at all, because the garden is full of fab things to discover and do – loads of swings, a ‘fort’ climbing frame, zip wire, secret dens, seven dwarfs playhouse and even a gypsy caravan; a giant trampoline, giant Jenga, table tennis, swing ball, sand pit, ride-in cars, rowing boat for the safely fenced pond – the list goes on and on. There’s also quite a few animals to befriend, including rabbits to pet, horses to stroke, sheep and chickens to feed, ducks waddling around and fish in the pond, so definitely never a dull moment when staying down on this farm! Parents can keep a watchful eye on the kids while enjoying afternoon tea on the lawn or maybe just being big kids and joining in all the fun.

Accommodation Overview:

Plaxtol Cottage (sleeps 3/4 plus a baby in cot), is a smart conversion of a clapboard Kentish barn, with all the accommodation on the ground floor. The open plan living/dining room is wonderfully light and airy, with a sofa that converts into a double bed, a dining table which seats four and the well equipped modern kitchen, finished with granite worktops, at the far end of the room. The master bedroom features a beautiful brass double bed and the bathroom includes a tiled bath with an overhead shower. Immediately outside Willow Cottage, there’s a bistro table set out in the crunchy gravel courtyard to enjoy breakfasts accompanied by birdsong or maybe a glass of fine English wine with little ones tucked up inside.