2020 – a special anniversary year
celebrating thirty years of welcoming guests
to the unique beauty and tranquility of Monckton cottages
Chilham, CT4 8DG
Two charming cottages set in beautiful peaceful countryside with about three acres of private grounds: part of a Grade II Listed 15th century Tudor Kentish Hall house, which was divided into self contained cottages during the 19C, full of character, oak beams and other historic features.
Situated on a quiet country lane which is the North Downs Way National Trail and Pilgrims’ Way to Canterbury: nestling in the Kent Downs ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ Overlooking Chilham Castle Park, surrounded by chalk down-lands, orchards of apple and hops, lakes and water meadows.
There are beautiful walks direct from the cottages, and within c. 20 minutes you can be in Godmersham Park (often visited by Jane Austen) and the ancient forest, Kings’ Wood, c. 2,000 acres (900 ha.) where King Henry VIII hunted deer. Kings’ Wood has carpets of bluebells in spring (about early May) but is beautiful all year round-as are other nearby walks in the Stour valley, and the Wye and Crundale Downs.
About ⅓ of a mile from Chilham village, with it’s famous square surrounded by 15C timber framed houses, a fine church and Jacobean mansion (Chilham Castle) at each end. The square is famous for use as film sets . There are two pubs, a bus stop and Post Office within 10 minutes walk. About 20 mins walk away is a train station and an excellent award-winning farm shop supplying groceries, fruit, vegetables and very wide range of general provisions.
There is very easy access to many of Kent’s attractions, it’s picturesque, historic villages, famous castles and gardens, its coast and nature reserves.
Canterbury 6 miles, Dover Port, 25 miles, Channel Tunnel Terminal 20 miles, Gatwick Airport c 60 miles and Heathrow c. 80 miles away.
The cottages have been owned and lovingly cared for by the present owner, Helen for the past 30 years; up until 2002 this was a joint project with her late husband, Prof. Reg Kirwan since when she has continued the ethos and tradition of offering warm hospitality to this lovely part of Kent.
The cottages are in immaculate condition, tastefully modernised and very well equipped. Please explore this website for precise details and pictures.
Number of guests:
Mistletoe (2+): one bedroom with twin beds: ideal for 2 but there is a third single bed on a landing area.
Heron (3+): one very large bedroom with a 6′ double bed plus a single bedroom: ideal for a couple + one single, but a double sofa bed in the living room downstairs can accommodate up to 2 more guests
And please note that although completely private and self-contained, Heron cottage can be re-configured to incorporate Mistletoe cottage next door to accommodate a group of 5 – 8 guests.