Victorian gardener's lodge set in Kent countryside

This Victorian gardener's lodge house has recently been refurbished to create an idyllic country escape. Situated just out of town, this pretty country cottage is set within one corner of the main house's walled kitchen garden. Cosy up with a book in front of the log burner, or enjoy a morning coffee in the small cottage garden at the front, with views across arable fields & woodland. Relax with a glass or two on the stone paved terrace at the back of the cottage, the best place for a sundowner. The space Outside Situated in NW Kent countryside next to a single track road with views across arable fields and to the woodland beyond. There is a public footpath 100yds from the front door for country walks. A parking space is provided next to the lodge, and a small cottage garden has been planted at the front, with roses and clematis growing over the archway, through which you'll find a bench to enjoy a morning coffee. At the back of the lodge is a stone paved terrace with a brick-built planter, table & chairs, sun loungers & parasol in the summer, and herbs in pots for you to use. Getting here: By car - c.17mins from M25, Junction 2. By train - London Victoria to Rochester takes 43/45mins, two trains an hour. We are c.15mins from Rochester station that has a taxi rank, as well as a useful Co-op just behind the station. Other London trains to Rochester include from London St Pancras International to Rochester in 36mins, as well as trains from London Bridge. Trains from Charing Cross go to Strood station, which is just over the Rochester bridge. Inside All artworks are hand painted watercolours of plants across the seasons, while decoration and soft furnishings have been made or chosen to reflect an English country garden and the countryside beyond. Sitting room & kitchen Entering through the back door via the terrace, the open plan sitting room and kitchen has three windows offering views across the walled kitchen garden as well as to fields and woodland. A dining table sits in the kitchen area, where there is a full-sized fridge/freezer, induction hob, oven, dishwasher, Nespresso machine and milk frother, as well as a toaster, kettle and microwave. The kitchen is fully equipped, hopefully with everything you might need during your stay, as well as tea and coffee. The welcome basket includes a few homemade goodies as well as crisps and fruit juices from here in Kent, ‘The Garden of England’. You’ll also find some milk, bread, butter and meusli for your first breakfast. The sitting room has a sofa as well as a beautiful armchair with a foot stool, where you can enjoy watching the flames in the wood burner in the colder months. Wifi, TV, Roberts DAB radio, books, maps and games are all provided. Bedroom The zip and link Superking bed will be made up with Egyptian cotton sheets and goose feather and down bedding. If you would like synthetic bedding instead of feather, please state this at time of booking. The bed can also be divided into two long singles. Again, please advise at time of booking. Bathroom The generous sized bathroom has an enamel bath as well as a large enclosed shower, which has a step up at the entrance. There is underfloor heating for the colder months. Complimentary toiletries are from Noble Isle, a British firm that uses UK plants to create its perfumes. Around the sink a mural has been hand painted to tone in with the floor tiles and the general garden theme. The mirror is not only heated, but has marine grade bluetooth speakers for you to pair with. Guest access Front cottage garden, gravelled parking area and back paved terrace with table and chairs. Steps at entrances. Other things to note The lodge is opposite farmland, so sometimes there will be farm machinery working in the fields, and ewes and their lambs on the hill in spring. Very occasionally there may be army training in the woods beyond, but this is rare & short lived. The cottage is on a single track road with a small amount of local traffic using it mainly in commuting hours, as well as occasional farm vehicles. Otherwise it is pretty quiet, with walkers, runners, horse riders and cyclists passing by. As we are near to town and have good road access, traffic noise can sometimes be heard outside the cottage depending on weather conditions. The owners are 50m away in the main house and may occasionally need to work in the larger walled kitchen garden beyond your terrace as it is a productive space where fruit and vegetables are grown. However, they will endeavour to keep out of this garden during your stay. Guidebook You’ll find this at the bottom of ‘Neighbourhood Highlights - Where You'll Be’ section, below. In it, we've highlighted nearby historic Rochester; local walkable pubs; food scene (restaurants, markets & farm shops) -local & further afield; sightseeing ideas; walking & birdwatching; north & east Kent seaside towns; plus ‘Things to do in Kent’.