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There’s something about a potting shed and this one is exceptional. In the prettiest part of Kent and part of a 300-year-old barn, it stands in the former kitchen garden of Benenden Grange where plantsman Collingwood Ingram once lived. And it’s been characterfully converted. Largely open plan, on three floors, you’ve a sitting room with sofa and chairs on a rugged limed-pine floor and you can be comfortably double or twin-bedded up on the mezzanine, under beams and down duvets. The bathroom and kitchen are small and cleverly thought through so the shower’s a decent size and the towels are thick; there’s a dishwasher, a microwave, and a jug of pretty flowers on the gingham tablecloth. Your friendly, inspiring hosts in Gardner’s Cottage next door have created all this, and the gorgeous rambling garden; the welcome trug reflects their style. Ask them for a tour of the topiary garden, stroll to the idyllic village pub. Visit sweet villages like Smarden and Biddenden, and gardens like Sissinghurst and Great Dixter… or rusticate out by the summer house. Lovely!
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Essentials
- Swimming pool
- Hot tub
- Garden
- Open fire / woodburner
- Breakfast included
- Breakfast available
- Meals available
- Vegetarian meals
- Oven
- Parking on premises
- Free parking nearby
- Accessible by public transport
- WiFi
- Television
- Central heating
- Limited mobility
- Wheelchair access
- Mobile reception
- Hob
- Barbecue
- Paid parking nearby
- Air conditioning
- Relaxation areas
- Washing machine
- Tennis court
- Microwave oven
- No smoking
- Credit cards
- Working farm
- Owner has pets
- Electricity included
- Dishwasher
- Pets welcome
Family friendly
- Baby monitor
- Books and toys
- Children welcome
- Babies welcome
- Stair gates
- High chair
- Cot available
Nearby
- Pub/bar within 3 miles
- Restaurant within 3 miles
- Shop within 3 miles
Activities
- Bikes available
- Food courses
- Kayaking
- Other courses
- Sailing
- Surfing
- Wild swimming
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Information
& pricing
Booking information
- Check in
- 4pm
- Check out
- 10am
- Booking restrictions
- Check availability on owner’s website. Minimum 3 nights. Sorry no dogs.
- Closed
- Never.
- No smoking
- Smoking not permitted anywhere in the property.
- Owner has pets
- Animals living on the property
Pricing
- Nightly price
- from £85
- Weekly price
- from £595
- 1 Cottage for 2
- From £851 bed1 bedroom
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Reviews
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Charlotte and Donald are delightful hosts. They have created a heavenly garden and an enchanting place to stay in the midst of the charming village of Benenden within this lovely part of Kent. For us it was perfect and hope to return one day.
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The Potting Shed was a delightful place to stay. We loved the carefully thought out arrangement inside where every space was creatively used. It was lovely to sit out in our own private garden when the sun was shining as well as view the beautiful topiary garden which the owners were more than happy for us to explore. Donald and Charlotte left us a delicious welcome basket including produce fresh from the garden, topping it up during the week as well. Definitely a great place to rest and relax in after visiting the many attractions that Kent has to offer.
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A hidden gem and an inventive use of space! Very handy for Sissinghurst and Great Dixter.
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I stayed at the Potting Shed for 6 nights with my Mum. The Potting Shed is one of the nicest places I have ever stayed. Its so peaceful and the gardens are beautiful. The shed is well equipped and tastefully furnished. The minute you walk in it has a homely feel and the welcome basket is a great added touch. There is plenty of eating places nearby but you may decide to cook your own dinner and eat out on the patio area provided. I have booked already for next year, so I think that sums up how I rate the Potting shed!!
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Location
The neighbourhood
Local points of interest from Charlotte Molesworth
- Tranquility, birdsong, a compactly converted, old Kent barn situated a few hundred yards to the W of St George's Church, Benenden, off the Village Green, tucked away yet central to the village. The barn is imaginatively and comfortably furnished.
- A Village Community Store, Cafe and Post Office, manicurist/pedicurist and an excellent butcher's shop, and a lovely pub serving food within easy walking distance.
- Outdoor seating and eating with a large stone table and seating in the sheltered front garden close to The Potting Shed and another area with a little summer house and small topiary garden. Access to the owner's topiary garden too.
- Well equipped and the beds almost always get a mention for their comfort. A welcome box greets you, filled with local and own produced delights. Freshly picked and organically grown salad available in season.
- Eight miles from Great Dixter and four miles from Sissinghurst Gardens, as well as other gardens open and National Trust properties in the region.
- Two attractive and well provided towns within a short drive or bus ride away. A good network of footpaths in the parish, a footpath, maps are provided. Use of easel and drawing board by arrangement. 5 rare breed sheep.
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What an utterly charming place to stay! We loved staying at The Potting Shed - Donald and Charlotte were very welcoming and accommodating. We also loved hearing about the history of 'Cherry' Ingram, their role in caring for his garden, and seeing their own stunning garden with impressive topiary. It was so relaxing too to enjoy reading a book in the summerhouse in a private area of garden especially reserved for guests. With so many things to do locally, a village gastropub only a few minutes walk away, and the charming retreat of the Potting Shed we would thoroughly recommend staying.