Ightham Mote

Nestled at the bottom of a path sits a picture-perfect, timber-framed manor house, on its own little island surrounded by water. It's a house spanning centuries and if walls could talk it would have a lot to say: the crypt of a medieval knight, the painted ceiling of a Tudor courtier, an American's take on anEnglish country paradise plus the only Grade I listed dog kennel in the country. The gardens are as equally diverse as the house - a formal lawn, flower borders secret glades and a sweetly scented cuttings garden. And then there are walks and views taking in lakes, an orchard, ancient bluebell woodland and Kentish farmland. You can sample local and home-grown produce in the Mote Restaurant and take advantage of the changing selection of gifts from the old coach house shop.