Horne’s Place Oast and Barn is beautiful, large and spacious, and the main house plus barn sleeps up to 25 people. We went with our 6 and 5 year olds with a large number of friends which included 13 adults, although we were still outnumbered by the children who ranged from 3 to 9 years old(!). Being so spacious we never felt on top of each other, and there was lots to do in the actual property itself.
There’s an indoor pool and indoor hot tub (plus an outdoor hot tub for those balmier nights!), so cue hours of fun in the pool with the little ones. There’s a games room with pool table, foosball table and other games such as giant Jenga. This also houses all the life jackets as the property boasts it’s own lake with row boats and 2 seater kayaks available on the property for use. Of course, I was determined to make some family memories so in we all got for a spin around the lake. Very pleasant and much fun as we waved to those sunning themselves on the terrace. Don’t worry about safety as there are coded gates that lead to the pool, the lake, and the fire pit between the two properties so little ones can’t wander off and get into trouble.
The property has a very well-equipped kitchen with two large tables, plus an outdoor BBQ, and also an outdoor pizza oven (complete with fuel), and the firepit was a welcome addition when the kids were snoozing at bedtime safe in their rooms (eat your heart out, Love Island). Kids’ crockery, cutlery etc has all been thought through and in most of the downstairs rooms there are overhead projectors so you can watch the big game wherever you are, or put on a movie night for the kids (with the sound system) whilst the adults enjoy an actual sit down meal. There are also closed fires with fire guards for chillier evenings in a couple of the downstairs rooms.
The owner was regularly on site during our short stay, to ensure that everyone was happy and all safety requirements for the hot tub etc were being met – excellent service.
Add to this the beautiful scenery in rural Kent, and that you have one of the best British beaches only half hour drive away – Camber Sands which has the softest sand I think I’ve felt in the UK – and you have yourselves a winning destination.
With such a big group of friends with children, we’re already booked in for next year!