The Best Gardens for Summer

A converted flint stone barn, Bowden Lodge sits in the middle of rolling fields and is just a short walk from the beach in Kingsdown. The gardens span the entire length of the property and offer a swimming pool, outdoor seating, huge grass areas and pretty patio spaces. Accommodating up to 12 guests, this is the ultimate choice for a bigger group of friends or family – everything from the games room to the gas-fired BBQ grill makes it a perfect space for special celebrations.

If you want quintessential English charm, this is where you’ll find it. St Mary’s House sits in a pretty village called Worth (near Deal) and has a huge grass lawn planted with established fruit trees and lavender. There is also a summerhouse perfect for holing up with a good book, and like in all good fairytales, there is a small stream running along the bottom of the garden.

Whitecliff is a storied cliffside property built in the 19th century for the Victorian elite who were starting to take doctors’ orders on the benefits of sea air. It is a bungalow, but to call it such does a disservice to its vaulted ceilings, spacious rooms and signature ‘tower’ which looks out over the water. Outside, there is a large lawn with endless sea views and a raised terrace with seating – there’s also a sunroom-style addition to the back of the building so that you can still feel like you’re outside on wet weather or cooler days.

If you lust after the settings of the Jilly Cooper Rivals adaptation, Stone Hall Farmhouse offers a fabulous taste of the finer things in life with beautiful gardens, a tennis court, an outdoor dining space beneath a wooden pergola, and beautiful blooms filling every corner. The beauty continues inside, too, with tasteful decor that effortlessly blends heritage character with contemporary comfort.

Perched just behind the Walmer Castle Gardens, Glen Hill is a sprawling Victorian abode with striking original features and a glasshouse veranda. Outside, guests can enjoy grass tennis courts, a huge lawn with a croquet set, and multiple terraces with quaint corners for alfresco dining. This eight-bedroomed property is perfect for families and groups of friends, and is just the setting for an elegant English summer break.

Another quaint countryside escape, Moat Farm House is a romantic’s dream. A lovingly-restored Tudor farmhouse with wizened wood beams, huge fireplaces and deliciously wonky walls, it’s impossibly charming. The gardens are exactly as you’d expect with walled sections, pretty patio spaces, fragrant flower beds and a little pond at the heart of it all – if you’ve ever wanted to step inside your favourite fairytale, we think this might just be the closest thing.

Put simply, Dolphin’s Leap is out of this world – and the grounds here quite literally feel like a film set. Perched atop the cliffs at St Margaret’s Bay, this charming house sits beside an old stone lighthouse and has spectacular views – France is visible across the water on a clear day. Akin to a Nancy Meyers movie, the house is airy yet enchanting, while the meandering gardens feature a choice of relaxing and dining spaces, equipped with a Green Egg BBQ, sauna and hot tub.

Downs Cottage has a truly singular character that marks the spot where fishing shack meets boutique hotel – the gardens are no exception! Just a stone’s throw from Kingsdown beach, this glorious coastal home features an outdoor area with rolling lawns, a children’s play area, a Green Egg BBQ, sauna and gym. What’s more, the beach is just a short stroll from the front door. 

At Undercliffe, which sits in the sought-after area beside Kingsdown beach, the shoreline is practically your front garden. To the rear of the property, there’s also a pizza oven, dining patio and a lovely lawn for playing games with children or friends. The views from many of the rooms are simply spectacular (especially at sunrise!), and you simply must sit awhile in one of the charming window seats to take it all in.

Although it’s a Victorian townhouse, West Cliff has a beautiful blend of indoor-outdoor living, thanks to the generous bifolding door that opens between the kitchen-dining space and the lush, long garden teeming with greenery. Ideal for families, this four-bedroomed abode is packed with toys, books, games and even has a games room for the grown-ups to enjoy, too.

Carmel Cottage brings a touch of the Malibu bluffs to Kent with its beautiful firepit, floor cushions and laidback-luxe surf shack style. Occupying a secluded spot above St Margaret’s Bay, the Californian-esque beach house boasts gorgeous sea views, a fire pit for cosy summer nights and a spacious deck with an outdoor dining set. When night falls, make sure to cast your eyes skyward for a starry treat.