When we go on holiday, one of the things we really love is new experiences that we wouldn't get the opportunity to try at home. Staying at an inspiring property is one of those things and if it is a house that is particular to an area, it adds authenticity to your holiday and makes you feel that you have really found something special.
The oast houses of Kent and Sussex, which were originally used for drying hops from the nearby fields, are the perfect example of such properties. Now mostly redundant and converted into houses, they hold a unique appeal to those who are lucky enough to stay in one.
What is an oast house?
Easily recognisable by their roundels with white tops, you will find some oast houses have just one single kiln and some have multiple kilns. The first oasts were introduced to this country in the early 16th century, firstly rectangular in shape, progressing to square and then early in the 19th century, round oasts appeared which are the ones we tend to think of when we hear the term 'oast house'.
They are the perfect place to stay when visiting the glorious counties of Kent and Sussex, so read on to see which is the perfect one for you. Alternatively, browse our full collection of holiday cottages in Kent and Sussex by clicking the button below.
Kent and Sussex cottages
The Hop Pickers Oast – Appledore, Kent
Sleeps 16 + 4 dogs
This beautifully refurbished Grade II-listed oast house has been decorated to provide a boutique hotel feel while retaining the sense of a country house. Situated in the charming Kent village of Appledore, it is within easy reach of many beautiful villages, historic towns and Kent coastal walks.
Set in its own grounds with a boating lake, huge terrace and gardens, this is one of our favourite oast houses in Kent for a family holiday or a get-together with a large group of friends. A large entrance hall awaits your arrival and invites you to explore the rest of the house without delay. Choose from the large kitchen with its huge table for 17, the gorgeous lounge with cosy open fire or one of the seven bedrooms on the first and second floors.
The highlight of this beautiful house, however, has to be the amazing outside area. The huge terrace overlooking the pond is not only furnished with a banquet-style table and chairs for 17 but it also has the sweetest little patio area with an original pizza oven in the shape of twin oast houses.
A games room annexe with mezzanine snug is great for teenagers and a wooden adventure playground under a huge weeping willow tree is perfect for little ones. The jewel in the crown has to be the fully fenced lake with its own boat - messing about on the water and feeding the resident fish can only add to the charm of staying in this wonderful property.
Why we love it:
- Large living spaces for an unforgettable get-together
- Huge terrace with pizza oven, perfect for parties
- Games room and playground will be a big hit with young kids (and big kids!)
- Lake with a boat - a unique touch at this stunning property
Book Hop Pickers Oast
Bourne Farm Oast, Sandhurst, Kent
Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Nestled in the heart of the countryside in the tiny village of Sandhurst, this is one of our most stylish hop houses in Kent, offering a breathtaking blend of old and new, all set in an idyllic rural location. Surrounded by farmland and open fields, with two friendly resident donkeys awaiting you in an adjoining field, this 16th-century oast has a spacious farmhouse feel, yet is modern enough for you to feel a sense of luxury, especially in the master bedroom which has a magnificent four-poster bed and chandelier.
Set in one of the oast’s roundels, it really is an extra special place to spend the night. An elegant roll-top bath adds to the sumptuous feel and if you want a more modern experience, the second roundel has a wet room with an overhead shower.
The second bedroom is in the second roundel, so nobody should feel left out of the wonderful sleeping experience that an oast house offers! Only a few miles away from the breathtaking Bodiam Castle and the various beautiful gardens and vineyards of the area, this is one of our top oast houses to rent in kent for a countryside holiday.
Why we love it:
- Elegant accommodation with luxurious, modern-day touches
- Surrounded by countryside with donkeys as your neighbours
- Livery available, so bring your horse along for a holiday
- Close to Bodiam Castle and vineyards
Book Bourne Farm Oast
West Hoy Oast - Smarden, Kent
Sleeps 10 + 2 dogs
Set in the stunning Kentish countryside, this beautifully restored oast house boasts country-style accommodation with sophisticated, modern features. A muted colour scheme creates a sense of calm and tranquillity, making it the perfect setting for a relaxing countryside break with loved ones.
Situated in the picture-perfect village of Smarden, the property is within easy reach of local pubs and restaurants, while also being only 8 miles from the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. However, you may find it hard to drag yourself away from the property.
Inside, you'll discover ample living accommodation with a high-end feel. Grown-ups can relax in the lounge in front of the wood burner while the kids entertain themselves in the games room, with table football, table tennis and a games console.
A real feature of the house is the unique circular en-suite shower, housed in the oast tower. The outside space is also a delight, with a large garden and a gas BBQ setting the scene for summer parties. However, the real finishing touch to this spectacular property is the outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, which will delight all members of the group.
Why we love it:
- Relaxing yet luxurious interiors
- Games room so kids can have their own space
- Outdoor swimming pool and hot tub
- Close to local pubs and beautiful countryside
Book West Hoy Oast
Methersham Oast Barn, Beckley, Sussex
Sleeps 6
A beautiful oast house in Sussex with a fantastic pond just outside, this is a perfect retreat for larger families and groups who wish to celebrate a special occasion in style. This elegant property is set in the High Wealds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is just 9 miles from the old town of Rye and the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.
The charming lounge and the kitchen/diner both overlook the garden where a picnic bench waits for al fresco feasts. A wonderful, free-standing, roll-top bath is a peaceful place to relax and, along with one of the bedrooms, it's set in the eaves of the property with characterful sloped ceilings.
Best of all, outside there is a magical pond and treehouse with a boat, so you can enjoy a short sail and maybe picnic on the water. This outdoor space is very special and is an idyllic spot for families to make memories together.
Why we love it:
- Thoughtfully modernised with lovely glass windows and French doors
- Treehouse and boating pond create a magical outdoor space
- Delightful courtyard and views perfect for al fresco dining
- Close to beautiful Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and the coast
Book Methersham Oast Barn
South Downs Hop House Hideaway, Hampshire (nr. Sussex)
Sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
An enchanting, luxury oast house just outside of Sussex, South Downs Hop House Hideaway is just the place for a romantic getaway with your partner, boasting beautiful interiors reflecting its wonderful heritage and access to fantastic outside spaces too.
You can explore the Hartley Wine Estate’s 80 acres of vineyards, woodland, farmland and scenic fishing lakes during your stay, and the animals you can meet on site include a wonderful family of peacocks, rare breed chickens and a flock of sheep.
Inside, a wealth of luxuries make this holiday escape a real treat for romance and relaxation. After countryside adventures, soak away your troubles in the fantastic Jacuzzi-style bath or relax on the wonderful curved sofa which matches the curving walls of this old oast property. With underfloor heating throughout, you'll quickly make yourself at home in this excellent oast house retreat.
Why we love it:
- Stunning architectural interior with curved, exposed stone walls and elegant furnishings
- Situated on an incredible 80 acres of vineyard, woodland, farmland and fishing lakes
- Unwind in the luxurious Jacuzzi-style bath with dragon tap
- French doors onto a pretty patio with seating and rural views to admire
Book South Downs Hop House Hideaway
Holidays in Kent and Sussex
Oast house holidays are a great way to explore the beautiful Kent and Sussex countryside, while also connecting with the two counties' histories and culture.
Close to many significant sites and some of the UK's most spectacular natural environments, Kent and Sussex are great choices for a memorable and traditional holiday. Find a wide selection of oast houses, cottages, lodges and boltholes through our range of accommodation in Kent and Sussex.
Kent and Sussex cottages