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A pretty 4* detached rural holiday cottage in the heart of the Kent countryside

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California Annexe Hawkenbury, Kent
A living room with a brown leather sofa, a wooden coffee table, a rocking chair, and a window with patterned curtains.
Lounge/Dining room
43” Smart Tv in lounge- Netflix, Freeview, Prime TV, UTube etc
Kitchen

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • Games at the ready
    One of the few properties with video games available for guests.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Barbecue
  • Balcony or patio

Explore the area

View map
Tonbridge
  • Place, Weald of Kent Golf Club
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Balfour Winery
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Place, High Weald
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Airport, London (SEN-Southend)
    ‪97 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

1st floor Bedroom

1 Queen Bed and 2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

A pretty 4* detached rural holiday cottage in the heart of the Kent countryside

A pretty self contained detached annex that's located in the grounds behind the owners family house, its peaceful and provides privacy, beautiful country views and has the use of its own small fenced gravelled courtyard with seating and BBQ. Car parking at the front of the main house for guests.

Surrounded by farmland fields and only 2 miles to the nearest Village of Staplehurst or Headcorn and mainline stations to London and Canterbury we are in a fantastic position for site seeing with many national trust and heritage sites locally. Plenty of countryside to walk and a great location to cycle.

The annexe has Wifi and two Tv's with free sat. The open plan loft room upstairs is ideal for party of 2 people but able to cater for 4 if necessary in one loft bedroom. 1 x king size bed and 1 x single with guest bed below.

Plenty of cupboards and draws for clothes storage, TV, PS3 & 1 controller, small sofa, dressing table with hair dryer, bookcase (with books, & CD's).

The kitchen is fully equipped with crockery, pans cutlery, fridge and small freezer, air fryer, kettle and toaster. This leads out into the gravel courtyard and round to the patio area that has stunning views over farmland.

The lounge has dining table and 4 chairs, leather sofa, Rocking Chair, coffee tables, wall mounted 43” Smart Tv that has Free view, Netflix, Prime Tv and much more. Board games and books for guests to enjoy.

The Bathroom is downstairs with shower, basin, toilet, laundry cupboard with automatic washing machine and clothes airer and outside washing line that is fully detachable.

The Annex is in a Rural location about 2 miles from the nearest village of Staplehurst and the village of Headcorn. A car in my opinion is essential to enable you to see all the beautiful countryside, visit the many national trust properties within a 10 mile radius and visit some of the counties pubs and restaurants.

Extras:
A travel cot, buggy & High Chair are available on request. Please request when booking.

We accept Dogs on request only and there is a charge £15 per night or £60 per week. Please enquire with owner - do not use instant booking until owner has agreed.

A welcome pack of basics such as milk, bread, sugar, butter, tea & cereal is included with all 7 night bookings.

A disinfected deep clean is carried out before arrival and after departure. If you would like a clean and linen change during your stay the cost will be £80 per clean. Please contact us for this service if required.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Suitable with parents.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
1 dog will be considered. Please enquire.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking only outside
The annexe is only suitable at maximum for 4 people. If unauthorised guests stay the booking damage/breaking of T & C will be charged. £100
Dogs must not be left alone in the annexe.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 828714
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Tonbridge

Located in Tonbridge, this cottage is in a rural area and near theme parks. The area's natural beauty can be seen at High Weald and Vinters Valley Nature Reserve, while Cranbrook Museum and Tyrewhitt-Drake Museum of Carriages are cultural highlights. Travelling with kids? Consider Wear 'm Out and Stoneacre. Take in the nearby slopes with skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as ice skating.
View more Cottages in TonbridgeOpens in a new window
Map
Tonbridge

What's nearby

  • Weald of Kent Golf Club - 3 min drive - 4.3 km
  • Balfour Winery - 10 min drive - 9.2 km
  • High Weald - 10 min drive - 11.6 km
  • The Big Cat Sanctuary - 12 min drive - 12.6 km
  • Mote Park - 13 min drive - 16.0 km

Getting around

  • Staplehurst Station - 3 min drive
  • London (SEN-Southend) - 86 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Loddington Tap - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪The Potting Shed - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Kings Head - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Bell And Jorrocks - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Queens Head - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A pretty 4* detached rural holiday cottage in the heart of the Kent countryside pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at Detached rural annex with country views?

As of 28 July 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Detached rural annex with country views on 14 August 2026 start from NZ$769, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at A pretty 4* detached rural holiday cottage in the heart of the Kent countryside?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at A pretty 4* detached rural holiday cottage in the heart of the Kent countryside?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A pretty 4* detached rural holiday cottage in the heart of the Kent countryside?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is A pretty 4* detached rural holiday cottage in the heart of the Kent countryside located?

This family-friendly Tonbridge cottage is located in a rural location, 2 mi (3.3 km) from Weald of Kent Golf Club, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Wear 'm Out and High Weald. Chart Hills Golf Club and Balfour Winery are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 77 out of 81 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 81 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 81 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 81 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 81 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Silvia M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very comfortable, restful accommodation. Everything we needed was provided including outdoor seating for sunny days or an umbrella for a rainy day!
Stayed 12 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend stay

We stayed here as a base for a family wedding we were attending in the local area. The cottage was in a great location and had lovely views over the surrounding farmland and provided all the basics that we required for our short stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

doug m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Thoughtfully laid out... everything we needed plus more, from ironing board to toilet rolls to essential larder supplies, excellent for self catering. Spacious bedroom area, very comfortable and one of the cleanest properties I have ever stayed in
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Margie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Lovely private, spacious, well equipped cottage. The owners live on site, and were very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gary P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Everything you need for a relaxing break

Lovely cottage with all amenities provided. Great view from the patio, perfect for sunsets. Will stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paula L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Home from home

Very homely and hosts very accommodating. Kitchen was very well equipped as was the welcome pack including treats for our pets who also stayed with is.
Stayed 33 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bert S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Holliday

Comfortable house, beautiful surroundings
Stayed 11 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Trevor P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean, modern, good size rooms, kitchen well equipped, good quality and comfortable furniture, sofa;s, beds. Nice outside space. Peaceful surroundings. Friendly host. Pet friendly. Pub with restaurant 3 mins walk from property. Lovely welcome basket from the host. Would definitely book this property again if we are going to that area in the future.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maurice H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very comfortable stay

Very comfortable and well equipped detached annex within easy striking distance of nice Kent villages and several National Trust properties. Only negative would be a difficult driveway to exit on to a sharp bend with very limited visibility.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gavin C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

mini break

lovely location. nice to hear cows in the morning instead of cars! property was sweet and clean.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Phillip L.

Perfect Getaway

The property was exactly what I was looking for, and was priced appropriately for a cute, cosy getaway. The locals were very welcoming, and we went on some nice country rambles in nearby villages, followed by hearty pub food. Everything was clean and in order, with an appreciated welcome basket of essentials (tea, coffee and cereal).
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Allen R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful rural cottage

Great place for a family seeking a quiet location. We were greeted by our gracious host, who showed us the cottage and gave us recommendations for nearby dining and places of interest - of which there are many. Watching cows and rabbits graze in the pasture was quite relaxing. Highly recommended!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cindy R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a delight!! Fantastic place with absolutely everything you may need.The welcome package was over the top!!Milk, bread, cake, biscuits - we were so surprised.We would recommend this comfortable, clean facility to everyone.We even had a weber for a braai and a lovely outside setting.Thank you, Katherine, and family, for making our stay so pleasant.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katja B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice little country cottage

The house is perfect for a getaway in the Weald. It was spotlessly clean. A nice welcome package with milk, cereal and tea made breakfast easy. Everything was in good nick. Recommend their pub The Kings Head in nearby Staplehurst. Also 50 minutes to London from there if you want no more beautiful countryside.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Andrew D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Very Good, but.....

The let was clinically clean and poorly designed ithe a ground floor shower room / loo accessible through the Kitchen area and lounge and with no upstairs ablution arrangement. The motor exit is EXTREMELY dangerous to the unwary and I would not return for this reason alone
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 24 October 2023
Hi Andrew, sorry you felt the annexe was not laid out for your needs. The large bathroom is on the ground floor, as stated in details and it’s acceded off the lounge area not the kitchen as this would be against regulations. The details do not show an upstairs toilet or bathroom so I’m surprised you thought there would be one. With regard to the entrance/exit there are clear instructions in the annexe and hundreds of guests and my own family (including learner drivers) use this every day without issue. After covid regulations and as this is a holiday let, I thank you for the clinically clean comment as this is what we provide for our guests, I’m sure the majority of our guests would say this is a 5* positive to be clean.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alexandra M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Relaxing

This little break is just what we needed. I am in early stages of pregnancy, so i wasn't up for doing much this week.. It was perfect. We took our nervous Greyhound, Rootsy, who coped amazingly. The setting was perfect for him, as it was very quiet, set back off the road and he was able to spend time in the fenced off garden without us having to worry about him. He wasn't too sure on our friendly neighbours (the cows!) However, i loved them! The village is beautiful, with everything you need a short drive down the road. I cannot recommend this little annexe enough, the host are very kind and understanding. The annexe was modern and spotless, with a shower to die for. We really hope to come back sometime, once little one has arrived. Thank you for the most relaxing 4 days.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tiziana N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My daughters and I had a lovely stay at the cottage. We found it clean and very well equipped with everything you need. I was especially grateful for the welcome basket. Wonderful hosts.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christian L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A great place I can only recommend

Ein Superferiendomizil für bis zu vier Personen. Wir waren mit zwei Kinder, 12 und 14, dort. Es gibt ein tolles Willkommenspaket mit Kaffee, Tee, Milch ..., im Haus ist alles da, was man braucht, wir haben nichts vermisst. Die Ausstattung ist sehr durchdacht, bis hin zum Nähset, Klebeband und Waschmittel. Geschmackvolle Ausstattung, praktisch und wohnlich - und piccobello sauber. Eine ganz klare Empfehlung!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Edmund G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely home from home in Kent.

California annexe had everything we needed as a base for our stay in Kent. The bedroom and lounge were spacious and the kitchen and bathroom well equipped. The cottage was very comfortable and private, perfect for us to retire to for the evening after a day out. Will definitely consider re-booking.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Edward A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet annex in lovely area

Really nice welcome basket, lovely place to stay, would recommend, we only stayed 2 nights but thought we could stay longer the place was so well equipped.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect retreat

We arrived to a perfectly presented holiday home. It was exactly as described and there was a lovely welcome hamper. The local area was full of great walks, takeaways and pubs. Katherine was a lovely host - friendly and with great communications - we wouldn’t hesitate to come back.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anna B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend break

A very comfortable stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Helen E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for our needs

Really sweet little annex at the back of quite a grand cottage. Everything was clean and in good order. The washing machine was really helpful, and the welcome pack was thoughtfully put together and very generous. Very private. Highly recommended for couples, who can manage fairly steep stairs .
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

nice getaway

Stayed here for one night with my wife as a birthday present, nice accommodation, lovely surroundings. Would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Thoroughly enjoyable

Good quiet location, impeccably clean and tidy. The host was friendly, she greeted myself and my husband when we arrived and explained the best way to drive out of the property as it is on a very sharp, blind bend. We had a lovely welcome basket, which was very handy, which consisted of tea, coffee, bread, cereal, milk, butter, biscuits. The heating was on when we arrived. The host had thought of lots of nice little touches like dog bowl, poo bags, water container for dogs, magazines, games, books, dvds, straighteners, hairdryer, lovely soft towels, comfortable bed. the list is endless. Thoroughly enjoyed our two night break. Julie 😀

About the host

Hosted by Katherine Hughes

Host profile image
My name is Katherine, I’m 50 and I’m a business manager of our own pub in Staplehurst The Kings Head. I’m married to John and mother of two grown up lads Charlie 24Jack 22 We have Murphy the cockerpoo who is friendly and will occasionally come and say hello
I enjoy managing our holiday let and help travellers enjoy all the places to visit in Kent. We have so many places that our foreign visitors are desperate to visit such as Leeds Castle, Canterbury, London, Tunbridge Wells, Rye all within an hour from us.
We have made many friends while running the holiday let and enjoy being able to share what we enjoy about living in Kent with all of our visitors. Most of our visitors return year after year as there is too much to do in a weeks visit x

Why they chose this property

Set in a beautiful location in the heart of the Garden of England. California Annex is set behind my family home . Hawkenbury is a lovely quiet Hamlet village that is in the middle of the Kent countryside. There are two lovely villages with mainline train stations to London only 2 miles away.

We are close to London (55 minutes by train) Royal Tunbridge Wells, Canterbury, Bluewater shopping centre, Howlets Zoo, Leeds, & Hever Castles, Many National trust properties, Scotney castle, Sissinghurst gardens, Tenterden and for sightseeing this area is perfect.

Many people come here to explore the garden of England, Local Vineyard tours are available from Biddenden or Chapel down where you can sample their wines and ciders.

The Annex is very private but still close enough to not feel completely cut off. In the evenings you can enjoy the peace of the countryside, from June onwards the calfs and cows actually put their head over the annex fence to say hello .

Both villages of Staplehurst and Headcorn have lovely country pubs, The Kings Head -In Staplehurst (our pub) is open every day from 12pm and serves food 7 days a week serving an amazing Traditional Roast on Sundays (to book 01580 891231), The Milk house in Sissinghurst, Potting Shed In langley and there is a local Hawkenbury pub less than 1/4 mile walk that is fine for a quick beer in the garden. Theres a chemist, Indian takeaway/restaurant, Chinese restaurants, Butchers, off-licence, Bakers and the other convenience shops in Headcorn and Staplehurst Villages
There is a leaflet in the annexe for delivery from a local indian takeaway too.

Sainsburys is now in Staplehurst for your grocery shopping.

There are a number of great restaurants within a 5 mile radius enabling you to eat from pub food to Michelin Star every night.

There are plenty of days out for the children from Zoos, Leeds Castle with Maze, Falconry and castle play area, Play centres, Ice Skating, Cinemas, Woods, Go Ape, Pottery workshops

What makes this property unique

Private, Self contained, peaceful, pretty and modern.

Rated 4* by Visit England. This annex is not let to anyone I am very careful to only let it to people I know will look after it enabling every stay to be as pleasant as the next. We have equipped the annexe with home comforts such as free sat, Ps3 for the children, Board Games, books and DVD's to make your stay when your in the annexe comfortable. The fields in front and behind the Annexe are owned by our friendly farmer neighbour and he is happy for you to walk round the fields in the summer months.

Being behind our family home provides the travellers with piece in the middle of the Kent countryside but the reassurance if they need anything we are only next door to help with information on the local area.

Within walking distance from the local pub that provides lovely food and being surrounded by Kentish pubs and restaurants (about 50 within a 10 mile radius) there is always somewhere to eat out if you don't fancy cooking.

Languages:

English

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