Elham Treehouse

A rustic treehouse and a cabin in a beautiful valley a few miles south of Canterbury’s medieval streets could be the setting for a fairytale. Or, well, it could be the setting for your next staycation in Kent. These two hideaways in the garden of a 15th-century farmstead certainly seem to have a touch of magic about them. The treehouse is suspended 20 feet in the air, built in and around three living oak trees whose branches and leaves share the space with you. And although The Granary is more traditionally located, on the ground, it is no less charming; with a log burner and a ladder up to a mezzanine bedroom in the eaves.

Playful as these spaces are, they are very much designed for grown ups. Both the treehouse and its ground-level counterpart sleep two and are perfect for a romantic weekend away. One where you can enjoy reading books in your cosy bolthole, going for long walks in the countryside and toasting marshmallows on the fire. If you’re looking for something truly different, the treehouse holds more appeal – but it’s the simpler of the two. Its single living space, with views over neighbouring fields, has electricity to power lights and a little kitchen corner with a single electric hob and kettle. Its toilet (a chemical one) is outside and downstairs – and has no running water; just a bowl and jugs with a tap for refills outside. It’s enjoyably rustic but if that doesn’t sound enjoyable to you, perhaps plump for The Granary. It’s more spacious and better equipped with a log burner, galley kitchen, an en-suite shower and flushing loo.

Both are situated in a far corner of host Mark’s garden with direct access to the surrounding fields and footpaths. The village of Elham, a mile away, has everything you need for the weekend – a small shop and a choice of pubs for lunch or dinner. If you want to explore more of Kent; the seaside towns of Folkestone and Hythe, are both within 10 miles, and the cathedral city of Canterbury is just a little further than that.