Happy Easter Everyone! With the gloomy day today, it reminded me of the time I spent an Easter holiday in England. Scott and I traveled out to London, then drove a couple hours southeast to Kent to stay with his family for an Easter/Double Birthday celebration Weekend holiday. This was so fun because his uncle rented a converted Victorian Oast house to vacation home, Finchcocks Oast, and it fit the group of at least 20 of us, but the house can accommodate up to 42 people.

Upon turning onto the main lane that leads up to the house, we immediately spotted the “cowls” which are the white tips of the oasts (kilns), and these kilns had been used to dry hops. The oast spans back 300 hundred years, deeply engrained as apart of English agriculture history, and at the heart of Kent’s Hop harvest. The oast was purchased in 1863 (with origins beginning in the late 17th century as assessed by a historic building expert) by the family that owns the lands and ultimately inherited by James Denning in 2006, and renovated in 2011. The entire restoration process was featured on the tv show, The Restoration Man - which really dives into the history of the oast as well as seeing the full transformation (my favorite part)!. Since I got to stay there, it was fascinating seeing the before on the tv show and after in real life.

The property, still surrounded by hop gardens, is located on the peaceful countryside of the Weald of Kent, less than 2 miles away from the Georgian manor house (Music Museum) that looks like it’s straight out of a Jane Austen novel, and on the outskirts of Goudhurst - a pretty and charming picturesque village. One of the evenings during our stay, we all walked to a nearby pub, Green Cross Inn; so I got to enjoy taking in the nature walk (seeing the sheep is my fave).

I would have never taken a trip like this if it weren’t for Scott’s family, it’s nifty to get to experience a bit of English history. It was such a joyous occasion and the perfect place for all of us to gather. There was more than enough room for us in the common areas like the kitchen and living room without feeling cramped whatsoever. I liked that every bedroom had an en suite and that a majority of the bedrooms were on one floor. The house is fully stocked with basic amenities like wifi, kitchen goods, tvs, games and bathroom toiletries. There are plenty of activities to do, and if not, just being in such as tranquil place is enjoyable - on several occasions I made tea and sipped it by the window sill in my bedroom.

This house would be a great vacation spot during the warmer months, there’s a beautiful pool and tennis courts outside and I would love to take in the scenery when the sun is shining. We still had a great time, and there’s everything that you need at the house - the caretaker is nearby in case the house guests need assistance. I would highly recommend staying out here if you want a charming, English countryside experience. Finchcocks Oast is also a great location for wedding receptions! Family members and wedding party can easily be accommodated at the house during wedding festivities and the surrounding lands make for great photo backdrops. From pictures that I’ve seen of past weddings, it looks like a sweet spot for guest count is 46, but if you’d like everyone to be able to stay in the home following the reception, then cap the total guest count including couple at 42. Looks like many couples had their legal ceremony take place at The Mansion House in Tunbridge Wells. I was wondering whether receptions could take place outside, as I’ve only seen photos of receptions taking place in the living room area (closest access to the kitchen). See a house tour here:

Easter in Kent at Finchcocks Oast House