As far as the eye can see, the blue sky stretches to the horizon. Below, flat farmland tumbles to salt marshes: this exquisite beauty suggests life before civilization.
But the 3,300-acre Elmley Nature Reserve is just 40 miles from London. It is family owned and managed with the utmost dedication to preserving the site’s ecology while attracting visitors with wildlife, photo opportunities and 4×4 tours.
The England Coast Path runs through Elmley and attracts walkers and young families. You know there are serious concerns when armies of twitchers with cameras line the single lane road, have a coffee at the Cowshed cafe and head to one of the four bird hides.
However, it won’t feel crowded while traversing miles of windy trails.
Kingshill Farmhouse is proud, now a comfortable retreat for 16 people. With hardwood floors and fireplaces, the expressive decor blends modern country style with original artwork. The standout is the Yellow Room (no room under ten), where the walls are a juicy color and a sliding door behind the super-king size bed reveals a large bathroom.
It’s great outside: Sarah checks into Kingshill Farmhouse, a comfortable retreat that stands proud in Kent’s Elmley Nature Reserve. The hotel lounge is located on the top floor
According to Sarah, the yellow room (above) is a standout guest room at the hotel, where a sliding door behind the super-king size bed reveals a large bathroom.
Want an even more intense experience? Choose from eight discreetly spaced cabins and cabins.
At dusk, as the place empties out, there is no better place to contemplate the epic proportions than from Martha’s Hut, where two adults and two children sleep. Inside, the cosy, wood-paneled interiors combine industrial chic with velvet, cushions, a blossom pink chair, and the boldest bed with fluffy towels and wool-lined hot water bottles.
There is a log burner that needs to be catered for and the cabin will be sizzling hot in no time. A compact moss-colored wooden shower room is cute, with a real toilet and mirror. The sink shower with a peephole lets you become part of the landscape. Outside there is a hot tub on the deck which is nice even in freezing February.
Sarah describes the hotel’s decor as follows: “With hardwood floors and fireplaces, the expressive decor combines modern country style with original art.”
Sarah lives in Martha’s Hut, where two adults and two children sleep
Outside Martha’s Hut is a hot tub, which Sarah says is fun, even in cold February
Guests at Kingshill Farmhouse are treated to local dishes such as Kentish Ranger Chicken with Chorizo
After a raspberry sunset, walk by torchlight to Kingshill Farmhouse and listen to the owls.
Enjoy a Kentish Dockyard Gin, Chapel Down Vodka or a sparkling Elmley Plum by the fire.
Dining here is intimate with cozy tables on the ground floor. Hot winners from the local menu are the Kentish Ranger Chicken with chorizo and spring onion rosti with cider and mustard sauce, followed by apple and fig chestnut crumble.
Sarah says of the reserve: “Simple farmland stumbles across salt marshes: this stunning beauty suggests life before civilisation.”
A short-eared owl on the reserve
Wake up at dawn to a loud bird show and tuck into your breakfast basket. Elmley ketchup spices up the bacon sarnie, kapok tickets on toast with local cheese are delicious, or order the Kentish breakfast with Elmley plum compote.
You’ll enthusiastically point to a lark, whistling or teal as the sun rises over the reeds.
Looking east, the scenery is idyllic, but you can’t avoid the smoking industrial chimneys covering the west – civilization indeed.
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
