Elegant country family home near Sissinghurst, Scotney and Bodiam Castle

Ideal for families and friends who wish to spend time together in comfortable, relaxing surroundings, Barnfield House Kent is a light-filled, warm and well equipped family home on the edge of Hawkhurst village, with stunning countryside views from most rooms, and plenty of social living space for up to 10 guests. Our stylish home has hosted multi-generation family gatherings, guests celebrating significant birthdays, and friends' reunions. The youngest guest was a few months old, our oldest close to 90!

Accommodation is spread over three floors, with the ground floor devoted to generous living areas, 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms on the 1st floor, and a 4th bathroom and landing library on the 2nd floor. The living areas – large drawing room, sitting/TV room, study, and dining hall (with table for 10) – feature antiques and artefacts, handsome furniture and comfy sofas. The kitchen is equipped for people who love to cook, and has a farmhouse table for family meals overlooking the apple orchard. From the dining hall, bi-fold doors open onto a large deck with wisteria-covered pergola and 10-seater teak table. The views from here are magnificent, with lawns sloping towards farmland beyond the boundary, and a large unfenced pond. By the kitchen is another patio for BBQs and alfresco dining.

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 Hever Castle (home to Henry VIII's Ann Boleyn), the Observatory Science Centre at Herstmonceux, Smugglers Adventure at Hastings, 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. This 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.