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Spacious five-bedroom home in idyllic surroundings – perfect base for exploring Kent! Barnfield House is a light-filled, warm and well equipped family home on the edge of Hawkhurst village, with stunning countryside views from most rooms. Accommodation is spread over three floors, with the ground floor devoted to common living areas, five bedrooms and three bathrooms on the 1st floor, and a fourth bathroom and landing library on the 2nd floor. The generous living areas – large drawing room, sitting/TV room, study, and dining hall – are full of Asian antiques and artefacts, handsome furniture and comfy sofas. The kitchen is equipped for people who love to cook, and has a large farmhouse table for family meals overlooking the apple orchard. From the dining hall (with table for 10), bi-fold d...Spacious five-bedroom home in idyllic surroundings – perfect base for exploring Kent! Barnfield House is a light-filled, warm and well equipped family home on the edge of Hawkhurst village, with stunning countryside views from most rooms. Accommodation is spread over three floors, with the ground floor devoted to common living areas, five bedrooms and three bathrooms on the 1st floor, and a fourth bathroom and landing library on the 2nd floor. The generous living areas – large drawing room, sitting/TV room, study, and dining hall – are full of Asian antiques and artefacts, handsome furniture and comfy sofas. The kitchen is equipped for people who love to cook, and has a large farmhouse table for family meals overlooking the apple orchard. From the dining hall (with table for 10), bi-fold doors open onto a large deck with wisteria-covered pergola and teak table with eight chairs and a bench. The views from here are magnificent, with lawns sloping towards farmland beyond the large unfenced pond. (A second, smaller alfresco dining area is accessed by the utility room behind the kitchen.)
Barnfield House is ideal for families and friends who wish to spend time together in gracious, comfortable, relaxing surroundings. We've hosted multi-generation family gatherings, guests celebrating significant birthdays, and friends' reunions. Our youngest guest was a few months old, our oldest close to 90.
Not for nothing is Hawkhurst called the 'crossroads for the Weald'; It's the perfect base for exploring the many attractions of Kent and Sussex that keep families of all ages well entertained. Countryside drives reveal picturesque villages and pubs, including the Oak & Ivy Inn, famous gathering place for the infamous 18th century Hawkhurst smugglers. In addition to the famous National Trust and English Heritage historic castles, houses and gardens that attract many visitors to the area (Sissinghurst Gardens and the gardens of Great Dixter shouldn't be missed), there are many other experiences to consider, such as the Observatory Science Centre at Herstmonceux, Bodium Castle and Hever Castle (home to Henry VIII's Ann Boleyn), and myriad museums covering everything from musical instruments to vintage cars, 1066 battlefields to 18th century smugglers. After all this activity, guests love returning to the comfort of Barnfield House. Our 1938 home – made of Canadian cedar from its floorboards to roof shingles – has its own history: the large pond in the garden is thought to be the remains of an iron ore site from the middle ages!
House Rules
Pets not allowedKid friendlyNo smoking
The number of people occupying the property (including day visitors) must not exceed 10.
The use of accommodation, grounds and facilities is entirely at the guests’ risk.
The guest is responsible for the property and is expected to take all reasonable care of it, leaving the property and its contents thoroughly clean and tidy, in the same condition as on arrival.
Please note this is a NON SMOKING, NO PET, NO STAG/HEN GROUP house.
We are a party of 7 and have just had our 2nd stay at Barnfield House. Once again we all had a fabulous holiday in Hawkhurst as it has all the amenaties needed, Barnfield House has a large driveway and is very welcome as we have a large vehicle and appreciate easy parking. The house is so well equipped with everything you can possibly need during your stay. The day after arrival we usually just spend relaxing on the large decked area enjoying the lovely views and planning where to visit as most of the major tourist destinations are not far away and you travelling through some lovely villages on the way. No doubt we will be visiting again soon.
Visited August 2019
Written August 30, 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tourist445770
It was wonderful to welcome you back Lynn – you are the most wonderful guests! I hope that Barnfield House feels like your home-from-home now...and that you will return for more Kent adventures in the future. Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review!
Written November 2, 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Janet W
Epsom, United Kingdom2 contributions
Relaxing, interesting and spacious house
Lovely house with plenty of room for our party of 9 to have fun together and enough space to find quite time alone. Thoughtful owners with good communication throughout our booking and visit.
Visited July 2018
Written August 6, 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Genieve F
Faversham, United Kingdom5 contributions
Just Perfect!
Gorgeous house in a fantastic location! We were fortunate to have glorious weather which meant we could take full advantage of the beautiful gardens and spectacular views.
There were 10 of us on our annual walking weekend and this house suited us perfectly. The house had every amenity you could ask for and the owners and managers could not have been more accommodating. Thank you!
Visited May 2018
Written May 24, 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tourist445770
Thanks for choosing Barnfield House and we hope to welcome you and your group back soon.
Written May 27, 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mark P
Potton, United Kingdom26 contributions
Family Christmas
We booked this lovely, spacious house for our extended family to get together over Christmas. It is within walking distance of Hawkhurst village with supermarkets, pubs, shops, playground, cafes etc.
The accommodation is roomy, comfortable and furnished to a high standard. We enjoyed log fires in the log burner in the main lounge.
The kitchen is well equipped and suited to those who like to cook; we were easily able to cook Christmas dinner for 8.
There is a large utility room with an additional sink, a washing machine and tumble dryer.
We arranged for a high chair and travel cot to be provided, and these were of good quality.
The owners were very helpful and responsive.
Visited December 2017
Written January 9, 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tourist445770
Thank you for this lovely review of your recent stay, Mark. We were delighted that you and your family were able to celebrate Christmas at Barnfield House – there's something so magical about a log fire and lights sparkling on the Christmas tree! Happy to hear you made full use of the kitchen too; there's nothing like coming together on holiday to prepare and enjoy meals! Wishing you all a wonderful 2018.
Written January 23, 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SueWeller888
2 contributions
Fifth Stay at Barnfield House
This is our fifth stay at Barnfield which speaks for itself. The house is lovely, big and spacious yet cosy with beautiful views over the Kent countryside. We are a group of six ladies who don’t usually venture far as we enjoy all the facilities that Barnfield has to offer, although some of us did venture out to the local Christmas Market which was lovely and festive. We are made to feel so welcome by Jenny and Philip and we are now looking forward to our sixth visit in 2018. Highly recommended.
Visited December 2017
Written December 13, 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tourist445770
Thank you so much Sue. It really means a lot that you choose to return to Barnfield House for your annual reunion every year....and we look forward to welcoming you to your Hawkhurst home-from-home for your 6th trip later this year!
Written January 23, 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Karen C
4 contributions
Great House with Amazing Views
There were 10 of us staying at Barnfield House with ages ranging from 1 to 81 and we had a fabulous week of family fun! We had a Tesco delivery to the house on our arrival day but there is a Tesco store just up the High Street if you need to shop and there is also a Waitrose in the town.
In the house, there are two sitting rooms, enabling the quieter members of the family to spend time together, in our case over a jigsaw, whilst the rowdier lads could football in the TV room! There is also a small downstairs study with garden games and board games plus loads of books to read! The kitchen is well stocked too, each of the bedrooms are roomy, clean and comfortable - as is the whole house - and there were enough bathrooms and toilets to make our inter-generational stay easy and very comfortable.
The outside space is amazing too, although ours was not a good week for weather which meant that we made full use of the inside space for most of our stay.
Jenny, the owner was a great communicator throughout and nothing was too much trouble for her. Great house and garden, would definitely go back!
Visited July 2017
Written August 11, 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tourist445770
We're delighted you enjoyed your Kent vacation this summer, Karen.Thank you for your thoughtful comments about Barnfield House too – it is indeed a great space for multi-generation families! We look forward to welcoming you back at a time when you can enjoy the garden – spring is a fantastic time with hundreds of daffodils followed by rhododendrons and camellias, and alfresco dining by the wisteria-covered pergola enjoying those wonderful countryside views is great on warm summer evenings!
Written November 7, 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Departure722856
Cosy welcoming large home, in pastoral setting.
Excellent location as close to so many amenities and provides easy access to
many villages, towns and the coast. Ideal for family get togethers as has numerous
rooms for everyone to enjoy and lovely verandah to eat out on and take-in the
lovely views surrounding.
Visited July 2017
Written July 26, 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of an individual traveler and not of Tripadvisor LLC nor of its partners. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tourist445770
Thank you for reviewing your stay at Barnfield House. It is indeed ideal for family get togethers, and we're delighted you found it cosy and welcoming. The verandah deck is lovely, isn't it, with those far-reaching views across farmland towards the church on the Moor.
Written November 7, 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robert K
Boston, MA1 contribution
Evenings on the back deck looking over the countryside
We loved our stay at this very nice house set walking distance from Hawkhurst center. A great base for a tour of local castles, pubs, the beautiful countryside and easy access to London via the train as well as tons of local history. Our kids loved playing in the garden in the evenings, and we enjoyed coffee in the morning and wine in the evening on the back deck overlooking golden fields of wheat and mature oak trees. We even had a visit one evening from a stag and doe. The house is very nice, but the garden and its views make it special! We hope to be back :)
Visited June 2017
Written July 16, 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tourist445770
Delighted you enjoyed your stay at Barnfield House, Robert. The view really is amazing, isn't it....and how wonderful to catch sight of deer too. Come back soon!
Written July 26, 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Linda D
Ipswich, United Kingdom8 contributions
Relaxing and peaceful home from home
We stayed à t Barnfield House in June. We travelled with a family group aged from 19 through to 84 years.
We all found the house to be a lovely, relaxing place to be and the many artifacts, photographs and artworks gave the house a unique feel.
The gardens are mainly laid to lawn with mature trees which give the property a secluded feel. We loved watching the rabbits, squirell and birds and even saw a fox crossing the garden on one occassion!
The terrace has the most lovely view which is shared by 3 of the 5 bedrooms, although all 5 bedrooms are very comfortable.
The house is light and airy and comfortable to be in. The kitchen has eveything you need to prepare, cook and serve up a family meal.
We wouldn' t hesitate in returning and indeed hope one day soon to do so!
Visited June 2017
Written July 1, 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tourist445770
Linda and family were excellent guests and we would be very happy to welcome them back to Barnfield House.
Written July 21, 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Heinz S
1 contribution
A marvellous house for a family stay
House and garden more than met our expectations. The house is beautifully furnished and equipped. The beautiful garden with its lovely view is a magnet for adults to relax and children to run and play. Hawkhurst is ideally situated for various day trips to the seaside, castles, lakes and charming villages or towns.
Visited June 2017
Written June 21, 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tourist445770
Heinz and family were perfect guests and we would be very pleased to welcome them back to Barnfield House.
Written July 21, 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hawkhurst village on the Kent/Sussex border is the perfect setting for exploring the Weald of Kent. This is an area of outstanding natural beauty, with public footpaths through farms, orchards and woodland. There's a wealth of attractions in the area for wonderful family outings, including Bodiam Castle, Scotney Castle, Leeds Castle, Batemans, Go Ape at Bedgebury. Garden enthusiasts are well placed for Sissinghurst Gardens, Pashley Manor and Great Dixter. The historic towns of Cranbrook, Battle and Tunbridge Wells are a short drive away, as are the coastal towns of Rye and Hastings and the beach at Camber Sands. Outdoor activities include sailing and windsurfing at Bewl Reservoir, wakeboarding and kite surfing at Camber Sands, mountain biking and horseriding in Bedgebury, and golf ( a golf course five minutes from the house). You also have the pick of some wonderful local pubs and eateries, including Michelin-starred restaurants, and several award-winning .
Access
Car advised
How to get there
From London, take the train from London Charing Cross, Waterloo or London Bridge to either Staplehurst (57 minutes) or Etchingham (75 minutes), and then a taxi. If you're driving, make your way to the M25 then exit onto the A21 to Hastings. After approx 30 minutes, at the Flimwell traffic lights, turn left onto the A268. If coming from abroad, you can fly to Heathrow (70km) or Gatwick airports (55km), take the ferry from Calais to Dover (70k) or Eurostar to Ashford International (35k).
Activities nearby
Fishing spots availableGolf course (within 30 mins drive)Golf course (within 15 min walk)Horse riding facilitiesTennis courtWatersports
Cancellation Policy
100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).
No refund available once booking is confirmed
About this property
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