Walmer 3 miles.
Orchard Lodge is a delightful lodge resting in Sutton, Kent, enjoying off-road parking, orchard views, a spacious veranda, and an inviting open-plan living space with a woodburning stove.
Set within an orchard setting, this thoughtfully refurbished former static caravan has been transformed into a welcoming holiday retreat, ideal for couples, friends, or a small family looking to discover this corner of Kent.
Arrive and take in the rows of fruit trees that surround the lodge, with a mixture of newly planted stock and an older apple tree adding character to the landscape.
It is a rural place of peace and quiet.
The broad veranda stretches across the front of the property, offering a lovely spot to sit and admire the changing colours and textures of the orchard throughout the day, and there's also a herb garden next to the lodge for guests to help themselves to.
Step inside and discover a bright open-plan living area where the sitting space, dining area, and kitchenette come together to create a sociable heart of the home.
Please be aware that the ceilings are quite low, and it doesn't really suit people taller than 6 foot 2 inches (1.88 metres).
The woodburning stove provides an attractive focal point for evenings spent chatting about the day's adventures or plans for tomorrow.
The kitchenette is well arranged for preparing holiday meals, while the dining area provides a place to gather and linger over breakfast before heading out to explore.
When day turns to evening, choose between two double bedrooms, including a larger main bedroom with a dressing area, while a separate shower room and cloakroom add convenience to your stay.
The lodge sits on its own in the orchard, which is part of a small holding.
The owners are currently using permaculture principles to restore the land's biodiversity.
There is a small wildlife pond (currently unfenced) beyond the orchard, and guests are, of course, welcome to walk around the orchard; however, the rest of the smallholding is private.
There is a 70m walk from the lodge's parking space to the lodge.
It's on grass, which can be wet and a little muddy in winter.
There are many public footpaths around the lodge for country walks.
There's horse riding (if booked in advance) just 5 minutes' walk away.
Beyond the lodge, Deal (only 3.5 miles away) is a popular town to visit with a pier, historic quarter and many interesting shops and restaurants.
Dover, with its imposing castle and walks along the white cliffs, is 4.7 miles away, and offers the possibility of a day trip to France.
Sandwich, one of Britain's best-preserved medieval towns, is only 7.4 miles away.
Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate are also quite close, about half an hour's drive away.
They offer sandy beaches, art galleries, interesting shops, restaurants and Dreamland amusement park.
Maidstone offers a memorable day out with Leeds Castle, Mote Park, and Maidstone Museum waiting to be explored.
Venture to Canterbury, where the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, Westgate Gardens, and The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge showcase centuries of heritage and culture.
Rochester is also within reach, home to Rochester Castle, Rochester Cathedral, and the Guildhall Museum, each revealing a different chapter of Kent's rich history.
Whether you spend your days exploring historic landmarks or admiring the orchard surroundings, Orchard Lodge makes a wonderful base for a Kent escape.