Molly Miller pays a visit to the stunning and newly opened Garden Cottages at Salomons Estate
Swing right en route to the main house of Salomons Estate in Royal Tunbridge Wells and you’ll stumble upon one of the last remaining remnants of a grand Victorian glass house that once occupied the site when scientific author, barrister, and pioneer of road transport, David Salomons lived on the grounds 190 years ago.
What once served as the gardeners’ retreat, boasting extensive flower beds and an abundance of exotic fruits, now provides the location for the venue’s latest development that brings four sympathetically-restored cottages to anyone seeking a break that oozes peace, quiet and historical charm.
Open to guests for short or long-term stays from Saturday November 1, ‘The Garden Cottages’ have had architect Gaby Higgs at the helm and form part of the estate’s wider development plans that will conserve and thus secure the future heritage of the estate’s listed assets.
Gaby specialises in the restoration and conversion of Georgian houses, including sensitive retrofitting for environmental performance and long-term sustainability, making her experience pivotal to the conservation of Salomons Estate and after months of considered planning and refurbishment, The Garden Cottages are nearing the end of their small-scale restorations.
Set among 36 acres of beautiful grounds, the brick-built potting sheds were part of a large glasshouse built in 1888-90 and were originally a place for David Salomons’ gardening staff to nurture seedlings and re-pot plants for the estate’s extensive gardens, which at their height saw 60 varieties of apples, 45 pears, and around 600 gold and tri-colour Lady Cullum and Mrs Pollock geraniums.
Each cottage pays tribute to the magnificent surrounding landscaping and sympathetically honours the design and layout of the original Victorian buildings.
Guests can expect shaker-style kitchens, beautifully rustic interiors and earthy décor reflecting the building’s past. Think botanical wallpapers, deep hues of green and industrial furnishings.
Sleeping up to four people, with one larger cottage sleeping six, guests can treat themselves, their loved ones, and their four-legged friends to a relaxing self-catered stay with their own fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, and lounge area with TV. There’s also a charming outside area to enjoy.
Reader offer: Book one night (from £219) during November 2022 and get the second night half price.
Bookings made by emailing reception@salomons-estate.com
