We set off early from Boutique HQ, excited to start our couples weekend adventure in Kent. As we approached Great Budds Oast, we were warmly welcomed by a wonderful hamper, containing a fantastic selection of local delights, including fresh bread, eggs, wine, apple juice, jams, cheese straws, cake and some bath salts.
After opening a chilled bottle of wine, we decided to make a start creating our delicious Italian supper, preparing a delicious feast of bruschetta and creamy mushroom risotto. Full and content, we enjoyed a game of snooker before retreating to our beds for a dream-filled slumber, cocooned in sumptuous linens.
We awoke feeling well rested on Saturday morning to a beautifully delayed winter sunrise, with a dusting of frost covering the lawn and fields beyond. A slow start to the day together, we sipped mugs of freshly brewed coffee and savoured a breakfast of fresh buttery pastries before exploring the vast gardens and enjoying alfresco games on the life-size chess board. 
Once ready and wrapped up warm, we made our way to Canterbury for a chilly day of bustling Christmas markets and soaking up the old Kent history. We explored the museums and stood in awe at the glorious architecture of the cathedral. Heading back to the car, we stumbled upon the sweetest French café with beautiful authentic interiors – the perfect spot to stop for cake and coffee.
On our journey back, we stopped off for a spontaneous meander around Blean Woodlands. Golden hues peeped through the tree canopy as the sun began to set, enhancing the endless tones of orange on the ever-falling leaves. The abundance of woodland was so magical.
We spent the early evening back at Great Budds Oast, cosying up and crafting cocktails, whilst listening to our favourite playlists on the Roberts radio, before heading to our dinner reservation at The Kentish Rifleman after the sun had set. The cosy and traditional atmosphere of the family-run pub was oh-so-inviting, and the food was delicious. It was the perfect way to end the day together.
A morning soak in the beautiful roll top bath was much needed to enjoy a slow start to a Sunday. We enjoyed a spread of French toast with chocolate, fruit, and fresh coffee – great fuel for Christmas shopping. After breakfast, we ventured to the Tonbridge Castle Christmas markets, where we were met with a fantastic selection of stalls selling unique festive gifts and heart-warming treats. With cups of hot cocoa in hand, we enjoyed a stroll along the river, which was so refreshing and magical. As the sun started to descend, we decided to head back to Great Budds for our final evening meal at our beautiful abode.
The stunning, open plan kitchen is a dream for a cooking and entertaining. We gathered around the central island to prepare a flavoursome roast before retreating to the rustic dining table with our evening repast, sharing some of our favourite moments of the weekend over a bottle of sparkle – the perfect setting for a Sunday roast with all the trimmings.
We spent the remainder of the day soaking up the joy of Great Budds Oast, from gathering around the grand piano to savouring espresso martinis in the games room, where we enjoyed hours of light-hearted fun. As the evening drew to a close, we curled up on the sofa and encased ourselves in snug blankets, sipping full-flavoured tipples and relishing the serenity of our dreamy dwelling as we found a wholesome comedy on the TV to complete our cosy paradise.
Feeling well rested after our final nights sleep, we were sad to pack up and bid farewell to our wonderful weekend in Kent. We had one last frosty morning walk around the grounds, and with the sun shining, it was the perfect end to our perfect weekend away.
Great Budds Oast makes for a fantastic escape to the country, and the location is a dream for multi-generational stays and celebratory staycations, with stunning interiors, extensive grounds to explore and a heated outdoor swimming pool for endless fun in the warmer months.
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