A BIG WARM WELCOME
Charlotte and Tom bought the land in 2019. At the time, it was a neglected site , untouched for decades and it took 2 years to clear up the scrap metal alone. What they saw was not simply a tired piece of land, but an opportunity to create something special , a place where people could escape, slow down and reconnect with nature.
The aim has always been to create a peaceful and welcoming place where guests can enjoy the countryside without feeling that a rural getaway has to be out of reach. Affordable, good-quality tourism in Kent can be hard to find, and Charlotte and Tom believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience and enjoy the countryside. Keeping prices as low as reasonably possible is an important part of that ethos!
Tom is a Chartered Surveyor and built the house that stands on the site today, alongside a huge team effort to create the beautiful huts. During the process, he developed a passion for working with the local flint found on site. He taught himself the art of flint knapping, and what started as an interest has grown into a real craft. Tom is now an experienced flint waller and runs The Kent Flint Walling Company.
It has all been a real labour of love and, while the transformation has come a long way, the vision is still very much a work in progress. Guests staying at Hide in The Downs become a small part of that ongoing journey.
The grounds aren't perfectly manicured, and that is quite intentional. Rather than neat lawns and carefully clipped borders, the hope is to encourage the woodland, wildflowers and wildlife to thrive in their own way. Future plans include creating ponds, enhancing the woodland habitat and gradually making the land an even richer home for nature.
Everything is looked after by the family (aside from some needed cleaning help), from the laundry to cutting their own wood. Guests are thought of as personal guests rather than simply visitors, and every effort is made to ensure they feel right at home from the moment they arrive.
Occasionally, something may not go quite to plan! If that happens, guests are encouraged to say so. Charlotte and Tom will always do their very best to put things right and make sure every guest has the stay they came for.
They try to be around to welcome guests and are always happy to help with recommendations, questions or anything that might make a stay more enjoyable. Of course, family life sometimes gets in the way, so there may be the occasional school run or day when they are out and about.
Charlotte is always contactable and will be delighted to help with any general enquiries or anything guests may need during their stay. Please never hesitate to get in touch.
Alongside Tom and Charlotte are their two young daughters, who have grown up watching this place evolve around them.
And then there are the four-legged members of the family: Welly, their Labrador, and Boots, their Irish Terrier. Guests may spot them pottering around during their stay. Both are extremely friendly and well trained (sometimes!) and shouldn't disturb anyone, but they certainly won't turn down a stroke or a little attention if guests are happy to say hello!
A BIG WARM WELCOME
Charlotte and Tom bought the land in 2019. At the time, it was a neglected site , untouched for decades and it took 2 years to clear up the scrap metal alone. What they saw was not simply a tired piece of land, but an opportunity to create something special , a place where people could escape, slow down and reconnect with nature.
The aim has always been to create a peaceful and welcoming place where guests can enjoy the countryside without feeling that a rural getaway has to be out of reach. Affordable, good-quality tourism in Kent can be hard to find, and Charlotte and Tom believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience and enjoy the countryside. Keeping prices as low as reasonably possible is an important part of that ethos!
Tom is a Chartered Surveyor and built the house that stands on the site today, alongside a huge team effort to create the beautiful huts. During the process, he developed a passion for working with the local flint found on site. He taught himself the art of flint knapping, and what started as an interest has grown into a real craft. Tom is now an experienced flint waller and runs The Kent Flint Walling Company.
It has all been a real labour of love and, while the transformation has come a long way, the vision is still very much a work in progress. Guests staying at Hide in The Downs become a small part of that ongoing journey.
The grounds aren't perfectly manicured, and that is quite intentional. Rather than neat lawns and carefully clipped borders, the hope is to encourage the woodland, wildflowers and wildlife to thrive in their own way. Future plans include creating ponds, enhancing the woodland habitat and gradually making the land an even richer home for nature.
Everything is looked after by the family (aside from some needed cleaning help), from the laundry to cutting their own wood. Guests are thought of as personal guests rather than simply visitors, and every effort is made to ensure they feel right at home from the moment they arrive.
Occasionally, something may not go quite to plan! If that happens, guests are encouraged to say so. Charlotte and Tom will always do their very best to put things right and make sure every guest has the stay they came for.
They try to be around to welcome guests and are always happy to help with recommendations, questions or anything that might make a stay more enjoyable. Of course, family life sometimes gets in the way, so there may be the occasional school run or day when they are out and about.
Charlotte is always contactable and will be delighted to help with any general enquiries or anything guests may need during their stay. Please never hesitate to get in touch.
Alongside Tom and Charlotte are their two young daughters, who have grown up watching this place evolve around them.
And then there are the four-legged members of the family: Welly, their Labrador, and Boots, their Irish Terrier. Guests may spot them pottering around during their stay. Both are extremely friendly and well trained (sometimes!) and shouldn't disturb anyone, but they certainly won't turn down a stroke or a little attention if guests are happy to say hello!
LOCATION & ADDRESS
As Hide in The Downs is a family home, for privacy and security, the full property address is not published online. The complete address and detailed directions will be provided with the booking confirmation.
Charlotte, Tom and the family look forward to welcoming guests to Hide in The Downs and hope they enjoy being part of this slice of the Kent countryside as much as the family has enjoyed creating the space.
CONTACT
Please send us an email on host@hideinthedowns.co.uk