Kingfisher Lodge — Graham Custance Photography

Zoe, from Cabins & Castles had invited us to visit Kingfisher Lodge in Appledore, Kent, which is one of the hand-picked holiday homes in their stylish collection. Located just over the Sussex border in Kent, an hour from London and a couple of hours from our home in Bedfordshire, this was going to be our base for three nights whilst we explored the surrounding areas. Top of our list was going to be Rye, one of England’s best kept secrets nestling between the English Channel and green rolling countryside, noted for being one of the best preserved medieval towns in the country.

Originally an outbuilding that has been tastefully transformed into a light, airy spacious holiday home with beautiful furnishings, including reclaimed antiques combined with subtle tones and large floor to ceiling windows looking out out on to the pretty patio area that has various seating areas and flower beds.

Approaching the property from the country lane along an expansive driveway, we passed the owner’s house which is situated opposite Kingfisher Lodge, we were met by the three resident dogs, which was much appreciated by our own labrador, Riley, who was pleased for some canine company after our drive. Over the course of our stay, he became very fond of Plum, the sweetest dachshund you will ever meet.

The open plan layout flowed nicely throughout, with a well stocked kitchen for all of your culinary requirements and an inviting dining and living area. Lots of electric radiators for the colder months, although we found the lodge really retained the heat well, so these were hardly used. There is a choice of a bath or shower and lovely complimentary toiletries to sample, which are also available to purchase if desired.

Fast Wi-Fi, television with Freeview and Netflix along with magazines, books and toys to keep you entertained and I must mention the delicious lemon drizzle cake that Georgina had left for us.

Kingfisher Lodge has three bedrooms, bedroom 1 has a king-sized bed, that can be split into two singles on request and the most comfortable mattress that left you feeling refreshed the next morning. Bedroom 2 has a double bed and bedroom 3 has bunk beds.

Eight miles away you will find the stunning town of Rye. I’ve been wanting to photograph this picturesque location for some time and I wasn’t disappointed. There are a couple of large car parks in the centre of town adjacent to a large playing field, which was very handy for to allow Riley to stretch his legs before we ventured further into the centre.

We walked up the steps past the Ypres Castle Inn, a 17th Century pub just beneath the ramparts of Rye Castle with a beer garden that has views across the marsh and River Rother.

Rye started life as a fishing community, once almost surrounded by water, the sea has now retreated and is two miles from the town. The Charter of the Cinque Ports consolidated the defence of the realm, with towns along the coast of Kent and Sussex providing safe harbour, ships and men. In return the 'Ancient Towns', including Hastings, Rye and Winchelsea, were granted freedom from taxes and custom duties, trading concessions and rights to hold judicial courts. In the 18th century smuggling was rife in Rye, with hoards of booty stored in old vaulted cellars networked by secret tunnels and passages.

The famous Mermaid Street with the Mermaid Inn on the right, which has been welcoming travellers for 600 years. The Cellars date from 1156 and the building was rebuilt in 1420 after The Mermaid and the Town of Rye were burnt to the ground by French Raiders on June 22nd 1377.

Below are some of the timbered beam medieval properties that can be found in Church Square.

Kingfisher Lodge is the perfect base, not only for Rye but also further afield towards the west of the county, where we visited the breathtaking views of Birling Gap, East Dean and Beachy Head, followed by the traditional resorts of both Hastings and Eastbourne.

We spent the sunset walking Riley on the beautiful beach at Camber Sands and photographing these stunning natural patterns and streams in the sand.

Cabins & Castles have a wonderful collection of holiday and homes in and around Sussex and we couldn’t have wished for a nicer experience from Zoe who looked after the visit and Georgina at Kingfisher Lodge.