Thistlebrook Retreat The South East

A hidden gem in the Garden of England

If you go down in the woods today…you’ll find the most wonderful hideaway. At the end of a country lane in Kent, surrounded by mature trees, sits Thistlebrook Retreat, a historic cottage and renovated barn, sleeping up to 16 guests. Step into an old England of roses round the door, a trusty Rayburn stove and oak beams, all wrapped in a fresh, modern palette that adds a New England refinement.

Start the party in the open-plan kitchen and family room in the cottage, with its Sonos sound bar, 65 inch Samsung QLED TV and Bose speaker, peeling off to the two snugs for quiet moments. Enjoy long lunches in dappled sunlight, amidst fragrant David Austin roses and lush green lawns. Gather in the evenings in the living room, where the wood burning stove keeps you toasty. Gaze over the countryside from the 8-person, cedar hot tub, with nothing to disturb you but the sound of the breeze through the trees. Then fire up the Weber barbecue to enjoy your own private garden party.

For days out, head to the seaside just five minutes away, go wine tasting at nearby Barnsole or Chapel Down Vineyards, or play golf at St Georges Golf Club. Return to the tranquility of Thistlebrook Retreat, where the cottage has four gorgeous bedrooms, the barn has three, and the ensuite and shared bathrooms feature a mix of capacious walk-in showers, stylish freestanding bathtubs and charming period details. The barn has its own spacious living and outside areas too.

Bring your hens, your family or your friends to Thistlebrook Retreat and leave the world behind.

Selected by Mark

Learn more about our handpicking process

What we think

We love the location of this historic house and barn conversion, situated in the ‘Garden of England’, close to both coast and countryside and offering a wonderful mix of period features and modern additions.

Mark, Big House Experience

Gallery

Highlights Grounds Living Spaces Facilities Kitchen and Dining Bedrooms Bathrooms All

Exterior

Family Room

Sitting Room

Hot Tub

Dining Table

Bedroom (main house)

Barn Living Area

List of Bedrooms (PDF)

What to Expect

We’ve tried to think about everything to make your stay at Thistlebrook Retreat just perfect. In all of our big houses to rent, we provide all the essential features to cater for a large group. Here’s a list of all the practical provisions we have at the house. If there’s anything you can’t see here but need, just ask as we’ll see what we can do.

Welcome treats
Luxury bed linen and bath towels
Well-equipped kitchen including two Neff ovens and induction hob, two fridges, freezer, two dishwashers and Sage coffee machine
Separate fully equipped kitchen in the barn
Dining table that can be extended to seat 16 guests
Wi-Fi
Bose Bluetooth sound system
Three Smart TVs (65” in the kitchen/family room and sitting room and 55” in the barn living area) with all major apps (plus Sky on sitting room TV)
Log burners in the kitchen/family room, sitting room, snug and barn living area (logs and kindling provided)
Three-acre grounds
Wood-fired cedar hot tub (seats 8)
Outdoor seating area
Weber BBQ (charcoal provided)

Location

Enjoying a tranquil countryside location at the end of a no through lane, close to the picturesque town of Sandwich and the beaches at Deal on the Kent coast.

House FAQs

What are the check in and check out times?

Check in is at 3pm on the day of your arrival and check out is at 10am.
How many cars can park at the property?

There is parking for 10 cars at the property.
Are children welcome?

Children are very welcome at Thistlebrook Retreat. One travel cot and one highchair are available on request (please bring your own cot linen). Please note, parents should supervise children at all times around the hot tub area and due to the proximity of a stream at the front of the property.
Are pets allowed?

Up to three well-behaved dogs are allowed at Thistlebrook Retreat, subject to a fee of £20 per dog. Dogs are not allowed upstairs or on soft furnishings.
Are stag and hen parties allowed?

Stag parties are not permitted at this property. Respectful hen parties (over 25s only) are permitted.
Can I arrange a supermarket delivery to the house?

Yes, you can order online with Waitrose or Marks & Spencer for a delivery direct to the house. We usually suggest booking a delivery for after 3pm on the day of arrival.
How many guests can sit at the dining table?

The dining table can seat 10 guests (or up to 16 guests with an extension).
Can you recommend any local places to eat out?

Yes, we'd recommend the following pubs and restaurants, all within a short distance of the property:

The Rose, Deal
The Pig, Bridge
The Blue Pelican, Deal
Fordwich Arms, Fordwich
The Zetland Arms, Kingsdown
Updown Farmhouse, Betteshanger
The Dog, Wingham
What is the nearest train station?

The nearest train station is Sandwich (2.5 miles).
What is the nearest airport?

The nearest airport is Gatwick (77 miles).
Will you hold a damage deposit during our stay?

Yes, we ask to hold a cautionary deposit of £800 during your stay at Thistlebrook Retreat. This is requested just two weeks prior to your stay, and is returned shortly after, assuming no damage to the property or its contents (see our Booking T&Cs for more information).
How do I book?

You can check availability and pricing and place your booking request online, or by calling our team on 01242 352 747.

When booking, we ask for a deposit of 33% of the total price, with the balance due 12 weeks prior to your stay (or the full balance when booking within 12 weeks of your stay).