Romantic
Free on site parking
Iron and board
Coffee Machine
Linen and towels
High Chair available
Books and GamesThese are experiences you can add at the point of booking, or contact Keepers Cottages to arrange for your stay.
Sandwich, Eastry
Heronden Cottage
Set in the heart of one of the most quietly rewarding corners of East Kent, Heronden Cottage is a handsome red brick house sitting in genuine seclusion, with open countryside rolling away on all sides and Deal and Sandwich both within easy reach. The drone shots don't lie: this is a house that has found itself a very fine piece of Kent to settle into. Inside, it has been decorated with a real eye and genuine warmth. Ochre and mustard walls, original wooden floors, rattan pendant lights and carefully chosen artwork give each room its own character. The kitchen is a particular delight: a dark green island anchors the space, while open shelving makes the room feel light and there is a lovely window seat looking out to the garden. Through to the dining room, a log burner crackles alongside the dining table, making this the natural heart of the house. The sitting room has floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lined with hundreds of books, which set the tone immediately. Cool and airy in summer, deeply cosy in winter, it is the sort of room that makes you extend your stay. Upstairs, three bedrooms each carry their own personality and the bathrooms have been done properly. A sleek walk-in shower on the ground floor, and upstairs a sage green bathroom with a freestanding roll top bath that deserves an evening entirely to itself. Outside, a garden table and chairs sit beneath open skies, with the Kentish countryside stretching out beyond the hedgerows. The village of Eastry is on the doorstep, and from here the coast, the Downs and Canterbury are all within easy reach - though on the evidence of Heronden Cottage itself, you may find you need rather less excuse than usual to stay put.
Facilities
Allocated Parking
Wifi
Garden
Open fire/log burner
Children Welcome
TV
Fridge
Freezer
Washing Machine
Hair Dryer
Dishwasher
Tumble dryerProperty Details
Kitchen / Dining Room
Open plan kitchen and dining room with gas hob, electric oven, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, Nespresso coffee machine and washing machine. Dining table with seating for 6, log burner.
Sitting Room
Separate sitting room with corner sofa, armchairs, Smart TV, log burner and open bookshelves.
Shower Room
Ground floor shower room with walk-in shower, WC and basin.
Bedroom One
Sleeps 2, with Kingsize bed, bedside tables and lamps, hanging rail, chest of drawers, original fireplace (decorative).
Bedroom Two
Sleeps 2, with two single beds, chest of drawers, hanging rail.
Bedroom Three
Sleeps 2, with two single beds, chest of drawers, built in cupboard.
Bathroom
Bathroom with freestanding roll top bath, WC and basin.
Garden with outdoor dining table and chairs, surrounded by open countryside.
Private parking available at the property.
The cottage is not suitable for those with restricted mobility as all bedrooms are upstairs on the first floor.
- Check in is from 4pm and check out 10am.
- Between the months of October and March, a starter pack of logs will be provided. You can also get logs locally from farmshops.
- Towels and linen are provided.
- Wi-Fi access throughout.
- Central heating at the cottage, plus two log burners.
- There is a washer/dryer in one of the bedrooms, no laundry tablets provided.
- The fridge is an under counter size, and has a small ice box.
- A starter pack of sundries such as toilet rolls, washing up liquid and hand soaps are provided to get you started, but you may wish to bring more for your self catering holiday - especially if staying for over a week.
- We would respectfully ask that the following house rules are adhered to, to avoid any damages to this beautiful home.
- Please note check out is 10am. Please ensure you vacate on time to allow our housekeepers to enter the property and prepare it for the next guests.
- Smoking and vaping are not permitted in the property at any time.
- Please note for insurance purposes the number of guests must not exceed the total occupancy of the house.
- For fire safety reasons please do not use any candles in the property.
- Please be respectful to neighbours. Quiet hours are between 11pm and 9am.
- Parties and loud music are not permitted.
Availability
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Total Price
Contact us for prices
Frequently Asked Questions
Whitemills Wake & Aqua Park is just 10 minutes from the house and is a fantastic day out for children and teenagers. Set around a private lake, it offers wakeboarding, an inflatable aqua park, and a range of watersports. Also just 10 minutes away is Betteshanger Country Park, where you will find cycling trails, adventure play areas, and activities for children of all ages. For family-friendly days exploring Kents history, both Walmer Castle and Gardens and Dover Castle are within easy reach, with Dover Castles famous Secret Wartime Tunnels proving especially popular with children.
Yes, both the Griffins Head and Fitzwalter Arms are accessible via public footpaths.
Sandwich Bay is the closest beach, around 15 minutes away by car. It's a peaceful stretch of coastline backed by dunes and a nature reserve, making it ideal for long walks, wildlife spotting and escaping the crowds. It is family friendly and the tide goes right out, perfect for picnics on the beach.
The cottage has a lovely garden surrounded by open countryside, providing plenty of space to relax and dine outdoors. As the property enjoys a rural setting, the garden is not fully enclosed, so guests with young children should supervise them outside.
Reviews
Sandwich
Pull on your boots before you even get in the car - two wonderful local pubs are accessible directly on foot from the cottage: The Griffins Head and the newly opened Fitzwalter Arms, both reachable via footpaths through the surrounding countryside. Deal is the obvious first port of call, and rightly so. Voted one of the best high streets in England, its mix of independent shops, restaurants, art galleries and a proper Saturday market makes it the kind of place where a quick browse turns into an entire morning. The seafront is unspoilt and genuinely beautiful, with pastel-coloured houses lining the front. For food, The Rose Hotel has long been the local favourite for seasonal cooking, while sister restaurant The Blue Pelican is a must visit with its Japanese inspired cuisine. If you're looking for something special closer to home, Updown Farmhouse is a beautifully restored 17th-century farmhouse just ten minutes away which has quietly become one of the most talked-about restaurants in East Kent, with a wood-fired, seasonal menu and a setting that's worth the trip in itself. For provisions, Gibsons Farm Shop is excellent, and only 10 minutes from the cottage. They sell their own beef, which is delicious. Algar Lodge Farm Shop on the Sandwich Road between Deal and the cottage is well stocked with a café, butchery, deli and bakery all under one roof. Delf Farm Shop on the Deal Road into Sandwich is another, stocking home grown fruit and vegetables from the same family for over fifty years. Sandwich itself is a town of considerable charm, medieval streets and timber-framed buildings. It is also, for golfers, something close to a pilgrimage destination. Royal St George's, host to fifteen Open Championships and the only course in the south east of England on the current rota, sits just outside the town in the duneland of Sandwich Bay. Prince's and Royal Cinque Ports at Deal are both within minutes, making this stretch of the Kent coast one of the finest concentrations of links golf anywhere in the country. Just outside of Canterbury, is a fantastic circular walk from Bishopsbourne - you can start or end at Gilda, who do dlicious pastries too. The Pig at Bridge Place is also well worth a visit, even if just for one of their pizzas in the walled garden - a lovely setting and great value.
Around the area
Golf courses in Kent
Kent boasts championship links golf at Royal St George’s, host of The Open, alongside Prince’s Golf Club, Walmer & Kingsdown and Royal Cinque Ports, offering world-class coastal courses and sweeping sea views.
Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust
Located within Sandwich Bay National Nature Reserve, the Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust is a leading ornithology and conservation centre, offering guided walks, coastal habitats and seasonal migratory birdwatching in one of Kent’s premier wildlife destinations.
Sandwich Bay
A peaceful stretch of coastline backed by dunes and nature reserve, Sandwich Bay offers wide sandy beaches and quiet walking routes, which is ideal for escaping the crowds and enjoying uninterrupted sea views.
Sandwich Guildhall Museum
Recently reimagined, Sandwich Guildhall Museum (home to the town’s Roman collection) brings the area’s rich Roman and medieval history to life through interactive exhibits, artefacts and stories from one of England’s best-preserved historic towns.
Prince’s Golf Club
Set along the Sandwich Bay coastline, Prince’s Golf Club features 27 holes of championship links golf with sweeping sea views. A challenging yet welcoming course popular with both visiting golfers and seasoned players.
Royal St George’s Golf Club
One of England’s most prestigious links courses and host of The Open Championship, Royal St George’s Golf Club offers world-class coastal golf with dramatic dunes and sea views. A bucket-list experience for serious golf enthusiasts.
Extras & Experiences
The Beach Sommelier
Add a little something extra to your stay. Paola, The Beach Sommelier, brings her private tastings straight to your cottage. Wines chosen with real knowledge, poured with warmth. From bronze to gold, plus a cheese board if you fancy it. Perfect for a slow evening in.
Lucy, Wild Goose
Lucy, from Wild Goose Food, is a trusted local caterer known for vibrant, flavour-led dishes and relaxed, generous dining. Alongside private catering, she is also introducing frozen ready meals for guests, perfect for easy, delicious dining during your stay. The Keepers team have used Lucy on several occasions and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her!
Pilates by Alice
Pilates by Alice offers tailored, feel-good sessions designed to strengthen, restore and energise. Whether you’re looking for a gentle reset or a more dynamic workout, enjoy expert-led Pilates in a relaxed, supportive setting during your stay.
Wine Garden of England
We work closely with Wine Garden of England to offer our guests private tours and in-house wine tasting of Kent’s finest vineyards and award-winning wine producers. To find out more, please contact the Wine Garden of England team here.
Daoist Internal Arts
Dave Willis, who trained under Bruce Frantzis, is offering lessons in Tai Chi, Qigong, Daoist meditation and breathwork. With over 20 years experience, including 21 years teaching Tai Chi for NHS chronic pain management, this is the perfect way to embrace relaxation during your stay.
Olivia, Just One Cook
Enjoy a bespoke dining experience with Olivia from Just One Cook, a private chef creating fresh, seasonal menus tailored to your tastes. Perfect for special occasions or relaxed evenings, Olivia brings friendly, elegant and restaurant-quality dining to the comfort of your cottage.
Wellness Experiences
Offering wellness treatments such as private sound baths, yoga sessions and reiki treatments, local practitioner Crystal can help you relax, unwind and elevate your stay with a unique wellness experience. All equipment, incluidng mats, blankets and eye pillows can be provided. Email [email protected] or call to book, on 07712267200
Max Nevile
Max Nevile offers friendly & locally made private dining experiences tailored to your stay, from elegant multi-course meals to relaxed, seasonal menus. He also provides a popular fridge-filling service, so you can arrive to beautifully prepared dishes ready to enjoy from the second you arrive.
Fern and Farrow
Fern & Farrow, event chefs, are a fantastic, family-run local catering business based in Bishopsbourne. Known for beautifully prepared, seasonal dishes and a warm, personal approach. Their food celebrates the best of local produce, perfect for relaxed, memorable dining during your stay.
Dinner with Cal
Callum Grundon, from Dinner With Cal, creates beautifully crafted private dining experiences, with bespoke menus designed around your stay. Expect seasonal and very local ingredients, creative dishes and a warm, personal approach that brings restaurant-quality dining into your cottage.
Lucy, The Aligned Studio
Lucy at The Aligned Studio offers expert-led Pilates and movement sessions designed to strengthen, lengthen and restore. She is based in Deal and with a thoughtful, personalised approach, her classes are perfect for resetting and re-energising during your stay.
Jake Normal
Jake has been cooking for over a decade in UK, France and Mexico. Cutting his teeth in some of London’s best restaurants (Ottolenghi, St John, Sabor and Bubala to name a few) he is now in the kitchen at the Updown Farmhouse in Deal. His food shares both a love for traditional of English, Spanish […]
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