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‘It’s a triumph’: Inspector is impressed by a new hotel in Kent that sits atop a maze of smugglers’ tunnels… and hails the high-risk young couple who opened it.

Thank goodness there are still risk-takers – because this is a triumph achieved by a young couple who bought the Jacobse house in 2019 and turned it into a luxury hotel, currently with seven rooms, but more lodges are being built on the site building.

Ashford International is just around the corner, but don’t let that put you off.

Walk through an old oak door into the dark and atmospheric hall with roaring fire, portraits, beams, grandfather clock and tiled floor and your spirits will rise.

To the left is a large private dining room, to the right is an equally large living room with sumptuous sofas and chairs, a wood burning fireplace, soft lighting and high expectations.

The house was built by Thomas Boys in 1616 on top of a maze of smugglers’ tunnels (medieval coins found under the floorboards are now in the British Museum), and Charles I looked inside during the Civil War.

The inspector spends a night at Boys Hall (above), a Jacobean house in Kent that has been converted into a ‘fantastic’ hotel.

The Ernest bedroom, which costs £220 a night, has a paisley headboard and dark wood joinery, the inspector reveals

The Ernest bedroom, which costs £220 a night, has a paisley headboard and dark wood joinery, the inspector reveals

Pictured is the “giant” freestanding tub under the window in the Ernest guest room

Standard rooms start at £180. Step up and you’re looking at £220 for someone like Ernest, with a large freestanding bath under the window, separate bathroom, paisley headboard and dark wood cabinets.

It reminds me of The Pig Hotels.

There are no TVs (although there is one in the back bar); Lotions and potions come from Pilgrims; Towels are large and you can help yourself to chips, nuts and chocolate on the landing.

The house was built by Thomas Boys in 1616 on top of a maze of smugglers' tunnels, the inspector reveals

The house was built by Thomas Boys in 1616 on top of a maze of smugglers’ tunnels, the inspector reveals

The restaurant is a converted barn with a large fireplace at one end

The restaurant is a converted barn with a large fireplace at one end

The inspector says chef Shane Pearson has put together a smart menu at the hotel restaurant

The inspector says chef Shane Pearson has put together a smart menu at the hotel restaurant

The inspector explains: “Boys Hall is priced and prices will no doubt rise – so be on time.” Upstairs is the large private dining room

The restaurant is a converted barn with a large fireplace on one side, a bar on the other and tables in between that open onto the terrace in the summer.

Chef Shane Pearson has put together a smart menu that starts with some exotic ‘snacks’ (enoki tempura, wild sole) followed by two courses for a reasonable £25.

Small notes: a place like this deserves real napkins instead of papers; The music is a bit intrusive (when isn’t it?) and a cooked breakfast costs extra.

Boys Hall is priced and prices are likely to increase, so get there early.

TRAVEL FACTS

Boys Hall, Boys Hall Road, Ashford, Kent, TN24 OLA. Double rooms from £180 per night, including breakfast.

For more information call 01233 427727 or visit boys-hall.com.

Rating out of five: 4.5 stars out of 5

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