This month Bloom Stays, Kent’s specialist high-end holiday home agency tell us about some of their luxury rentals, which are perfect pads for a winter break or festive celebration
“The stars are insane!” So said one of our most recent reviews before adding: “And we just loved that, apart from the Shepherds Hut (of course) – the most memorable part of that stay was nothing but Milky Way madness. The universe at its most awe-inspiring and that particular moment of standing still, breathing it all in was unforgettable.”
At Bloom Stays we may represent over 100 houses all here in Kent so we love bricks, mortar, old beams and polished concrete floors more than the average holiday let agency; but what we really like is encouraging our guests to take time out and look out at that view, those stars or the sea. To drink in all of Kent’s special places…
Winter doesn’t make those places any less alluring though and although it’s tempting to shut the front door and sit it out until the crocuses push on up again, there’s also something to be said for embracing the outdoors and trying a place, attraction, walk or piece of coastline that’s new to you.
We’ve plenty of houses that are perfect for a weekend or short break mid-week and the darker nights mean you have time to sit in front of the fire and finally finish that summer holiday book you’ve left lying around.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a venue for a multi-generational anniversary or special party then Bloom Stays will have something special to appeal to all ages. The run-up to Christmas is usually busy enough for everyone, but for those with a reason to celebrate, finding somewhere suitable for the whole family to come together under one roof can be tricky. For larger groups we especially like houses with games rooms, log burners or open fires, hot tubs and easily accessible winter walks so everyone can be entertained as much or as little as they like.
With our houses available year-round it also means we can offer additional extras that make our holiday homes extra special places to be, especially in winter. With parties in mind we can source cocktail makers to come and shake up your event, or, if you prefer a little more Zen in your weekend, yoga and Pilates instructors.
Our ‘Click2Cycle’ is an excellent service run by a local company and operating in our houses within 20 miles of Hythe (that’s quite a few). Click2Cycle will drop off and collect one of their hire bikes (electric or traditional push pedal) so you don’t have to worry about docking them and walking back once you’ve arrived at your destination. A wintery cycle along the seafront between Hythe and Folkestone with the odd stop for a pint or a cappuccino seems the perfect excuse for a day out to us.
Here are our other ‘feed the soul’ suggestions to put the warm back into winter this year….
BIG SKY VIEWS
Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts – sparkling skies
Our ‘insanely good stars’ are to be found at Romney Marsh at ‘Lookerer’ or ‘Rumwold’ twin Shepherds huts. Available separately or as a pair, they sleep two in each in a luxury double bed. The bijou space features its own bathroom and log burner so there’s no problem keeping out the winter chill. Surrounded by Romney Marsh’s most famous four-legged residents, its sheep, the hut offers a warming winter stay and those big sky views on clear starry nights.
WATERY VIEWS & WINTER WALKS
Greatstone just above the Dungeness spit of beach is perfect for blowing those city cobwebs away. Shoulder-lowering and rosy-cheek inducing, walking on this quiet, locals-favourite beach is a treat at any time of year.
Waters Edge, a modernist, chalet style six-bedroom house is located right on the beach at Greatstone. With its own gate opening onto the dunes and fabulous views from its bedroom balconies, it gives a stylish respite from the greys of an English winter. Inside choose between the fabulous cinema room or the light-filled lounge to spend your post-walk chill time.
COUNTRY WINTER LIFE
Looking for a rural escape surrounded by rural hills and uninterrupted views, then Dormestone Farm is the stylish, contemporary house you’ve been looking for. Sleeping 12 it’s a super party house with its own games room at the heart of the house. Outside there’s a tennis court for some warming shots on a winter morning but it’s the cosy living room and oversized sofas with its cinema spot that really entices everyone on a winter night. This is a house invented for roast dinners and muddy dog walks… both welcome here.
