Reviews
Jerome (January 2020)
"Incredible house. Great views surrounding too. Ideal for weekend away with groups."
Pete (December 2019)
"Edells is a special place. A rare gem to spend time creating life long memories. It provides a sincerely authentic large country house and countryside experience that is amazingly close to London (train station 10mins walk). The interior is richly textured with layer upon layer of successive generations of a family home. Something that cannot be contrived. The kitchen is well equipped, endless games, and hosts who gave us invaluable local tips. And a farm shop within 15mins walk! Worth every penny."
Nicole (December 2019)
"This house is a lovely find full of charm in the English countryside. Big enough to fit large groups comfortably and with space for everyone to sleep and spread out. We had 19 (10 adults and 9 kids ages 4-15!) gather for a family Christmas. The kitchen was warm and inviting with all the amenities needed to cook a full traditional Christmas dinner and even seat us all! The grounds around the house are beautiful as is the surrounding countryside. I can't even imagine what it would be like in the spring/summer. I want to come back again to see the roses in full bloom! The house is definitely a step back in time. There is history all over the walls in photos, stories, news clipping etc. We were fascinated reading all about this family and their adventures. Everyone loved the little library. Probably our favorite room in the house. Alan and Hugo were very friendly and available if we needed anything, but really the house was appointed so well that we didn't have to bother them for anything. There are many amenities, towns, villages, cultural sites, restaurants etc all scattered within a short drive. We even took the train to London; less than an hour each way!"
Duncan (December 2019)
"Excellent host in Alan, super friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Great space for entertaining and relaxing. Second time staying here and wouldn't hesitate to stay again."
Jacqueline (November 2019)
"The house is spectacular and exceptionally well equipped for entertaining. The hosting was helpful - our ocado order arrived before we did and it was received on our behalf and we needed to set up a screen to watch a big sports game and that was kindly arranged. We had a wonderful weekend!"
C (November 2019)
"Fantastic place in the countryside, can't recommend it enough for big gatherings of friends or family. We cooked at the house both nights and had plenty space to cook and eat. The house is incredible and so are the gardens. The train station is really close by so very easy to get to on a Friday afternoon and avoid London traffic. Alan and Hugo recommended local walks and pubs which was a great help for lunches too."
Louise (October 2019)
"There are no words to describe how much we enjoyed our stay at Edells. Such a beautiful country home on the English countryside with stunning architectural features, William Morris wallpaper, a lovely AGA, which made the kitchen so cozy and plenty space for everyone. The house was very clean, warm and with comfortable beds. The gardens and views are astounding. We were here for my daughter’s wedding, so would recommend a car for sure, if you rent this home. I would love to come back and have no hesitation recommending it to other guests. The owner was delightful and very helpful and kind to us, offering walking tips and advice on local attractions. So thankful to have found this lovely AirBnb!!"
Jane (September 2019)
"This house is perfect for large groups. Lots of bedrooms and bathrooms, tons of activities and games, well equipped kitchen and just lovely gardens. The Arts and Crafts decor and the history of the house are fascinating. Sparklingly clean and good wifi."
Miranda (August 2019)
"This house is wonderful. It is incredibly beautiful, stuffed full of charm and in a fantastic location. I cannot recommend it highly enough."
Nancy (July 2019)
"What a unique, enchanting home! Every inch is full of curiosities, beautiful views and fantastic position, lovely host - would 100% recommend. We stayed here for our first work night away as a start-up and it's one we will never forget!"
Caron (July 2019)
"If you want a house that feels like home... this is the house for you..amazing hosts, amazing house, amazing grounds."
Jennie (July 2019)
"This is quite possibly one of the most incredible places we have ever stayed. The house is amazing with so much history. The grounds are beautiful and very peaceful. Alan and his family were fabulous and accommodating hosts from beginning to end. An absolutely perfect spot to celebrate with family and friends!!"
Catherine (July 2019)
"This is an incredible house with the most outstanding grounds and gardens. The bedrooms are large, and the beds are comfortable, with plenty of bathrooms to accommodate our party of 18. The kitchen has everything you need, and there is ample space to all sit and eat together. The house is like a living museum, and there are so many interesting artifacts and books to look at. The owner was very responsive, friendly and helpful, thank you. If I have another large group to get together i'd definitely love to return to Edells!"
Bex (June 2019)
"What an absolute gem of an AirBnb with so much treasure inside. We had a lovely few days being cut off without a TV. Would definitely recommend!"
Charles (June 2019)
"Edells is the perfect place for a weekend within ear shot of London. Alan and Hugo were incredibly welcoming and made the weekend that extra bit special. I would highly recommend taking this place."
Jenny (May 2019)
"This house is incredible. I knew it would be great from the pictures but the feel of the house/atmosphere there is really quite special. I wish I’d had more time to look at all the treasures in each room. The trip was a surprise for my sister (who cried when she was walking (Website hidden by Airbnb) a good way!). Alan was very helpful and extremely accommodating, whilst allowing us privacy. It’s close to London but you feel miles away. Although we didn’t do much exploring in the local area, there was heaps of information available if we had wanted to. Thank you very much for sharing your home Alan - many of the girls are planning their next visit already!"
Rachel (April 2019)
"We had such a wonderful weekend. Alan gave us a very warm welcome and fascinating tour upon arrival. The house is absolutely beautiful and the perfect setting to celebrate a 30th- we couldn’t have asked for any better. It felt really special to be in a place that is so loved and cared for. We will be returning as soon as we can! Thank you!"
Helen (April 2019)
"Huge, comfortable and characterful house with beautiful views"
Julie (April 2019)
"House is delightful. Held a 60th birthday party for my husband. Perfect location. Special time. Many thanks indeed"
Ian (April 2019)
"what an amazing space!. it delivers charm, elegance, style and warmth in the form of a gorgeous, spacious, rambling home. and there are idyllic views of the rolling kent countryside for good measure the hosts were welcoming, and left us to celebrate a birthday uninterrupted i have no hesitation in recommending the destination or the wonderful hosts"
Bekkie (February 2019)
"This house is absolutely incredible. The decor is stunning and the whole thing feels beautiful. We went to celebrate a friends 30th and Edells made it such a special and great occasion. We cooked a big roast lunch and the kitchen had everything we needed. The bedrooms were pristine. There is so much character in this house! The hosts live next door so are on hand to help and we’re very accommodating! I definitely would recommend."
Susie (February 2019)
"Probably our best B&B stay so far! This house is perfect for large gatherings of families. The adults enjoyed the decor, the big spaces and the warmth (despite it being a huge house, it was really toasty). The children found it exciting and magical and spent hours playing hide and seek and also making up stories about the history of the house and who they thought the previous residents might have been. We are already discussing when we could book it again."
Leah (January 2019)
"We rented this house for my 30th birthday across new year’s eve. It was absolutely amazing! It’s a very special place with endless things to discover. Alan and Flora were brilliant answering all my questions and helping me work out how to cater for all the guests. I didn’t meet Alan but Flora was lovely and went above and beyond, helping my dad to organise a birthday surprise for me. All the guests were amazed at the house and everyone was very comfortable. You won’t regret booking this place for a big getaway - it’s truly special."
Svetlana (December 2018)
"We stayed over Christmas 2018 for a period of 2 nights and it was a truly marvellous stay. The kitchen is so well equipped it made cooking Christmas for 15 people a dream. The rooms were so clean and very spacious with lovely and comfortable beds. The house was wonderfully warm too! There are so many activities and games in the house it kept 4 children entertained throughout the duration of our stay. I would not hesitate to come back. It was a truly lovely Christmas and great experience."
Siobhan (December 2018)
"Edells is dreamy for any family or friend gathering! It’s like something from a storybook, which for our Christmas gathering, gave that extra bit of magic! The family are very friendly, kind and helpful, while also leaving you to settle in and make the place your own home for the duration. Perfect stay!"
Duncan (December 2018)
"If this is the style you are looking for then this place will only exceed your expectations. Brilliant space for entertaining in."
Rebecca (December 2018)
"We spent the weekend of our wedding staying at Edells and it was the perfect venue and setting. The house is so impressive and our guests loved their stayed. Would absolutely recommend!"
Thirza (November 2018)
"Myself and a group of friends stayed at Edells for my 30th Birthday and we had a great time. The house is amazing, even better than in the pictures. There is so much to explore and so much history it really is a special place. Alan was so helpful with everything, from giving us tips on good pubs to visit to making sure we had everything we needed when we got there. It's really easy to get to the house from the train station but there's also plenty of parking so we found it really easy. We had a lovely meal all together in the kitchen sat around the two tables. It's a really well stocked kitchen with two ovens and an Aga so it was really easy to prepare meals for the whole group. It was such a memorable weekend I'll definitely be coming back."
Gillian (November 2018)
"We had a great stay at this lovely house with our wonderful host! Very family friendly, beautiful surroundings, easy to access and everything you could need under one roof."
Rosalie (November 2018)
"Absolutely wonderful house in a beautiful location - we could not have had a better stay. The house is quirky, beautiful and very well equipped. Comfortable and warm throughout. Perfect for large groups. The garden and surrounding woodland are great for explorers both large and small. Alan and his family were kind and responsive but left us to our own devices. Highly recommended."
Kate (October 2018)
"Amazing and quirky venue for our offsite. Very quick responses and so flexible to meet our needs. If you suffer from allergies, or are sensitive to dust take some puritan as it's an old house, but such an amazing location."
Helena (September 2018)
"Absolute perfection! From watching the sunrise over the fields in the beautiful grounds, to a hilarious game of sardines in all the fascinating nooks and crannies of this characterful home, we really had the perfect weekend. I booked Edells for a group of friends in their mid 20s and they all wanted to book it again for their own gatherings. The house has everything you will need (crockery/cutlery/condiments/spare bedding/ storage space etc) and was an ideal base for a long walk to Penshurst via Hever and Chiddingstone, stopping off for a yummy lunch at the Castle Inn. We didn’t need the log burners in the end as the house was cosy enough (end of September) but there was plenty of logs and kindling available if we’d have wanted a snuggly evening by the fire too. Alan was the perfect host, answering all my questions in great detail and popping in to say hello when we arrived. I will be back in a heartbeat if I ever have the opportunity!"
Delyan (September 2018)
"The Edells cottage is a very special place. The house is full of history and every room has a story to tell. We came as a group of 16 for a scientific retreat and had a great time. The house is perfectly equipped to host a large group of people and can facilitate all sorts of professional/leisure meetings and gatherings. The garden is beautiful and there is plenty to see and do in the surrounding area on good day! Our whole party enjoyed the stay and will be happy to come back!"
Jane (September 2018)
"I booked Edells as the venue for a writers' retreat - and it couldn't have been more perfect. The house is amazing: it's atmospheric and comfortable, full of curios with historical photos and family memorabilia dripping from every wall. It's a home from home too, with a kitchen full of every piece of equipment you could need, plenty of hot water and open fires to cuddle round. As a group of writers we had plenty of space and peace when solitude was needed, as the house and garden are both full of cosy nooks and private corners. We enjoyed getting out and about - the beautiful setting and location offers plenty of walk options - as well as coming together to socialise, whether around the enormous kitchen table or spread out in the sitting room. Our writing tutor used the little library for one-to-one feedback, and there was even a flip-chart on hand for our workshop sessions. After long days of writing, talking, eating and drinking, retiring to bed brought the extra pleasures of dark night skies, countryside silence and crisp white bedding - so everyone slept well. Edells is a truly superb house - and we all hope to return!"
Andy (August 2018)
"This was the perfect location for a large family meet up with dogs. The house suits young children right through to grandparents and if you are into history there is a lot to soak up."
Chana (August 2018)
"This is a fantastic and very spacious house with an interesting history, lots of books, beautiful art and stunning views. Three generations of our family enjoyed exploring the many rooms and games, as well as the walking paths in the woods. There is such a lovely positive family atmosphere in this house. We loved every minutes."
Ian (June 2018)
"We’re just back from a truly wonderful weekend at Edells for my 40th birthday celebrations. We had 17 adults and 6 babies/ toddlers and the house was the right size for us. The communication from Alan and Hugo was fantastic - as was the welcome when we arrived. The house itself has been in the family for 160+ years apparently, and it has very homely feel. Each room is an absolute trove full of interesting items built up over the years. The surrounding garden is immaculate. Highly recommended."
Annie (June 2018)
"Edells is such quirky interesting house and is only surpassed by the rambling roses, perfect croquet lawn and grounds"
Julia (May 2018)
"Fantastic stay, beautiful charming house with spectacular views and Alan was such a kind host."
Danae (May 2018)
"Stunning house, beautiful gardens, the cutest Greek cafe on the premises and absolutely incredible hosts!!!! Had the best time. Will be coming back!!!"
Suzy (May 2018)
"This is a magical house for a family get together. Comfortable rooms, beautiful views and a perfect kitchen to cook and eat in. We were blessed with sunny weather so spent our evening spilled out on to the lawn watching a herd of deer feeding in the garden. Classy, comfortable with a touch of magic, you feel like you’ve booked into another works when you stay at Edels. I can’t recommend it enough. 16 of us stayed comfortably and there was room for more!"
Nick (April 2018)
"Edells is a magical place. We enjoyed a mid-week visit, just the two of us. It was very special to have the whole house to ourselves - you won't find a more peaceful and romantic spot! The house is a rare treat for lovers of art and history. The views over the garden, fields and hills beyond are stunning. There are wonderful walks either directly from the house or a short drive away in Ashdown Forest. The hosts are warm and welcoming, and everything is provided for a comfortable and relaxed stay. Highly recommended!"
Will (February 2018)
"Fantastic house in a beautiful location. We were a party of 19 and there was ample room. Alan had the fires lit for when we arrived and it all felt very homely. Would definitely come back."
Cherie (February 2018)
"10/10. A fantastic house and perfect location for a weekend away from London. The kitchen was generous in size and had everything we needed. Fantastic hosts, I would highly recommend."
Kellie (February 2018)
"best place to host a weekend away - we worked with 18ppl all weekend for an off-site, and it was perfect"
Katy (January 2018)
"Lots of space for big groups in lovely countryside setting"
John (December 2017)
"We had a most wonderful Christmas at Edells. This was a very special occasion as we had family visiting from both Australia and the US, making 20 of us in all including 6 children, plus one small dog. The house was perfect, with all the family agreeing that it helped to make our family gathering so memorable and successful. We stayed three nights in all, arriving on Christmas Eve. Preparing the main Christmas meal went remarkably well, helped by the brilliant kitchen. We had two turkeys, one in each of the electric ovens and all four of the Aga ovens / warming spaces in use as well. (The only minor problem was that the potatoes were a bit slow to cook in the Aga!) Our hosts (Hugo and Alan) were very helpful and quick to respond to any queries, and were happy to arrange for a visit beforehand which was very helpful in planning who would sleep where, etc. One point to mention is that the main house has plenty of refrigerator space, but only a small freezer. Based on our earlier visit we had planned to use the chest freezer in the Outbuilding / Storeroom as well, but getting this unlocked at Christmas proved impossible despite Hugo’s helpful phone calls! Hugo and Allen were also very helpful in agreeing for some of us to start arriving earlier in the afternoon on Christmas Eve, which meant the Australian party could arrive by train and walk up the hill to the house in daylight (all part of the big adventure for them!). The house is full of interesting history with a great variety of games and books. The large drawing room / dining room tends to be the main gathering place, with a splendid fireplace to make it feel very cosy. And if you want to escape to somewhere quieter there is the choice of the library or the study. Even in mid-winter, the extensive gardens and the local countryside walks were very enjoyable. There is a screen and projector available which we used with a laptop computer to show some children’s films, although note that you also need a speaker to give adequate audio. In summary, we highly recommend Edells for a large family event such as this."
David (December 2017)
"The venue looked very good on the internet but in truth it outstripped all expectations! The place oozes character, class, intrigue and history. On Hugo's suggestion (Hugo is a great host), we sought the services of Max Nevile to cater for us on one evening. Max did a wonderful job catering for a large party; fabulous food, excellent service and very good communication at the planning stage. Our party comprised adults and kids of a variety of ages and the venue was loved by all. There is no shortage of toys and games for the kids (and even the grown ups too if they feel the urge to move from a cozy chair by a roaring fire!). I would definitely love to return one day!"
Hannah (December 2017)
"As you can tell by all the other rave reviews, Edells is a pretty special place. A beautiful country house, kept up to date with a historical sensitivity and equipped with all the things you need for a special gathering of family or friends. It was the perfect escape for us, with the kids occupied with toys and exploring and us adults left to relax by the fire. There are some great walks nearby so you can work up an appetite for a feast and then a well stocked kitchen with lots of fridge and freezer space, an Aga, a induction hob and an oven. There is a very easy set up for recycling and a boot room that was perfect for all the muddy post-walk clothes. The bedrooms are spacious and nicely spaced out so you never feel like you are on top of each other. Most of them look out onto the wonderful view across the lawn and passed the Ha Ha. And if you need a bit of peace and quiet, you can find an unoccupied room and dip into some of the wonderful reading material you'll find in the many bookshelves. And the wallpaper, oh the wallpaper...! Hugo and Alan made the booking and organizing totally stress free and were delightful to deal with. We were made to feel like we had the place to ourselves but that help wasn't too far away if we needed it. I have already recommended Edells to a few friends, although I should probably keep quiet as I want the house to be free next time I want my own country retreat!"
Matthew (November 2017)
"18 of us comprised of 4 family units. House perfectly accommodated us for 3 nights in all aspects (cooking, dining, lounging, sleeping, bathing). Books, Games and plenty of space if weather is bad or are in for the evening. Garden is huge and great to stroll or play in. A nice pub a short walk away as is the train station if you want to easily get in to London. Locally, can even walk to a castle within 45 minutes if you want. Definitely recommend for large groups!"
Hugo (November 2017)
"Edells is genuinely one of the most beautiful places I have ever had the privilege to stay. It's both a stunning house and a warm welcoming home - the perfect place to have hosted twenty friends for a quiet countryside birthday weekend. Hugo and Alan were both extremely helpful and were on hand at a moments notice throughout the stay. Couldn't recommend it more!"
Nicky (October 2017)
"I was allowed a full tour of the property before we hired it and was given full information about everything. We were even given assistance over the phone on arrival. Was such a great venue to use for my birthday."
Rachael (October 2017)
"My family and I booked this lovely property for our parents' 50th wedding anniversary and we were not disappointed. The kitchen and larder are a country cook's heaven. The main living area is warm and elegant, with the many rooms around the house allowing us all to spread out as an extended family. The garden also provided a great staging ground for family games. And the views really are lovely. Arranging things with Hugo was clear and easy. We even organised to have someone come in and cook a celebratory meal for our Saturday night at his recommendation. Overall, if you're looking for a spacious period home for a family get together, look no further. Much enjoyed by ours."
Debbie (October 2017)
"Edells House is absolutely magical. We went for a team away-day and it couldn't have been a better choice. Lots of space in the house, well-stocked kitchen for group meals, and Hugo & Alan couldn't have been friendlier hosts. Highly recommended - hope we get to come back!"
Pete (September 2017)
"Edells is wonderful, and the owners delightful. Cannot recommend it highly enough."
Luke (August 2017)
"Edells takes you back in time. It's a true British countryside experience with everything you could want or need. Hugo and Allan are incredibly helpful and will do their utmost to make sure you make the most of your time. There are plenty of great walks and pubs to visit in the vicinity. Highly recommend."
Kate (August 2017)
"We cannot convey enough how much we loved our stay at Edells. Our expectations were understandably sky high, following the glorious photos and description of the house, and we're happy to say that all of those expectations were surpassed. From the moment we booked, Alan and Hugo made kept in contact with us and were superbly helpful in answering all of our questions while we were organising our small family event. As soon as we arrived they made us feel incredibly welcome. The property is enriched with a local history, which our lovely hosts were very knowledgable of, and passionate about. Our hosts happily allowed us privacy for our get together, although we'd have happily had them join us as they are absolutely delightful. Our family absolutely loved every moment of our stay and we would love to return again some day. We couldn't recommend Edells highly enough"
Tony (August 2017)
"Hugo was a great host. Incredibly flexible, welcoming and flexible. The house is gorgeous and surroundings are stunning. We had a fantastic weekend !"
Judy (July 2017)
"Such a comfortable characterful place. So much of interest to look at all over the house. Very comfortable beds. Wonderful memories of childhood."
Alexios (July 2017)
"Edells is one of the most special places I've ever been. I booked it for my 30th b'day and went there with 17 friends (including babies and dogs) and it was perfect. A very special place, full of history and good taste! Very spacious, but still cosy with a stunning garden. Very good vibes! And Hugo and his uncle were so great in accommodating us and making sure we had everything we needed. I couldn't recommend it more especially to people who are looking for special and unique places."
Alix (July 2017)
"Edells house and its garden are just amazing and the surrounding countryside is wonderful. We comfortably had 20 people in the house and it didn't feel crowded at all. The house is just perfect to fully enjoy a weekend getaway!"
Olivier (June 2017)
"Excellent communication, very accommodating as we were in the area with staff and allowed us to have a successful business trip. The grounds are great, the property easy to find."
Peter (June 2017)
"We had such an amazing time at Edells - the house is incredible and needs to be seen to be believed, but for a big group you won't be able to beat it - there's loads of outdoor space, rooms everywhere and all the amenities you could want. The rooms are beautiful and comfortable. Hugo the host was amazing and answered all my queries really quickly. If you're celebrating a birthday or have a big group, this is the perfect place."
Bethan (May 2017)
"Edells house is just amazing, the location is wonderful, the house is amazing. It has everything you could want in the kitchen, and we comfortably had 21 people in the house and it didn't feel crowded at all. Hugo and Alan were amazing with helping us out with questions before we arrived and recommending places to eat out. We all had a fantastic weekend. Now trying to find an excuse to return!!!"
Shannon (May 2017)
"The property is incredible and Hugo was really helpful. There's some really nice local walks and pubs, would definitely recommend."
Marijana (April 2017)
"We rented Edells for our corporate retreat and couldn't have asked for a better property or host! Hugo was a delight to communicate with, and very helpful in trying to meet all of our needs for our time there. The house is lovely with an interesting history to it, and we made the most of the beautiful garden and setting. The property is very well connected and is near many great pubs and places that offer fun activities. I would wholeheartedly recommend for getaways of any kind!"
Alexis (April 2017)
"Excellent! really recommended! a perfect celebration venue, with lovely views and the best host ever!"
Katerina (April 2017)
"...the most amazing place I've been! Its so much better than the pictures. I hired the place to celebrate my 40th birthday and I couldn't have wished for a better place to do so! Its so well equipped with everything that you need, the vibe of the house and Hugo himself are so welcoming and all my guests were in awe of the place. The communication was perfect with Hugo and all I can say is that Hugo has thought of everything that you might need as a guest."
Alan (March 2017)
"The most characterful house we have ever stayed in. Plenty of space for 20 people plus dogs to feel comfortable in, every room full of Arts and Crafts charm. Landscaped gardens to get lost in, and a lovely walk to a great local pub. Great communication with the host too. Cannot recommend highly enough."
Sophia (March 2017)
"The whole booking and enquiry stage made (what was quite a daunting task of planning my 30th) a seamless and easy process. The house and grounds are simply beautiful, you are so well equipped for large parties that it made all our meals so easy to prepare and dine for. We also had LOTS of fun with the dressing up cupboard! My 30th birthday weekend was beyond my expectations and one I will never forget. We all had such a fabulous weekend."
Sophie (March 2017)
"There are countless things we loved but specific things to mention are the staggering location and views from the house, the beautiful William Morris wallpaper, the many curiosities that you find around the house, the incredibly well equipped kitchen AND the host. Hugo was extremely helpful and went out of his way to ensure we had a good weekend. We had a beautiful catered meal which was cooked by Jess who was recommended by Hugo. This was incredibly good and 21 of us were able to eat together in a candlelit room-it was really special. We walked straight from the house and really enjoyed the surroundings. We had pub grub which was good at the Kentish horse pub. Thank you again! We will be back."
Suzy (February 2017)
"This house is simply magical! I was looking for a location for my 30th birthday party for a themed dinner party and Edells was the perfect setting. It is a treasure trove! Every room has its own character and everywhere you look you see something new and interesting. The bedrooms are comfortable and whilst it is a big old house which you might expect to be cold in the winter, there is everything you need to make it really cosy, including real log fires. The house is lived in so it is easy to feel at home. The bathrooms are a real treat with roll top baths and rain forest style shower. We cooked a meal for 20 with ease during our stay, the kitchen has everything you could need and the range was a delight to cook with. Hugo was a very accommodating host and gave us a tour of the house when we checked in so we knew where everything was. The grounds are very well maintained and looked very picturesque in the snow. We had an absolutely perfect weekend and could have easily stayed!"
Jan (February 2017)
"Incredible."
Charlotte (January 2017)
"Edells is an absolute dream. The countryside surrounding the house is stunning and perfect for long walks. The house itself is beautiful; old and characterful with heaps of space for dinners and relaxing. Lots of lovely fireplaces too which really added to the overall feel. Hugo and his uncle were fantastic hosts, incredibly helpful at every stage and happy to leave us to our own devices once they'd shown us around. I cannot recommend this place enough. Thanks again!"
Jo (January 2017)
"Edells is a truly excellent place to stay - we came with around 16 friends, 5 babies and 2 dogs and had a brilliant time! It's a huge house with a beautiful garden. The house is extremely characterful and very comfortable. Beautiful wall paper, antique furnishings, and a lovely bohemian original feel. We couldn't fault it at all. Most of all Hugo was such a brilliant host - going over and above the call of duty to enable us to have a good time; he had various suggestions including a chef, yoga, and local band that we could get to improve our weekend. We did the yoga class in the main sitting room on Sunday morning and it was heavenly. I cannot recommend Edells more highly!! 10/10 for house and communication."
Samantha (January 2017)
"Edells is beautiful and full of charm and character. This is the perfect place for a large group of friends to stay. The log fires, countryside, and ambience made our stay unforgettable. We loved every minute and Hugo is such a wonderful host. We want Edells to do well in future, but realistically we want to keep it our little secret!! We will be coming back.."
Sandie (December 2016)
"I had another dream Christmas at Edells, last year with my family of 10 and this year for 1 week with my In-laws, four generations x 20 and not a cross word said! There is so much space, things to do, places to go and equipped with everything you might need. It was great to see the changes and sympathetic updates that Hugo has made to the house since Christmas 2015...obviously wants to keep this special place very special...We'll be back for a Summer weekend for sure."
Caitlin (December 2016)
"The house is amazing, full of history with such a warm family feel. The kitchen has everything & we cook several big meals for 20 with no problems! The surrounding area is so beautiful & it's only a 10 min walk from the train station- we had no car & had no problems! We had such an amazing weekend for my friends 30th! The house was perfect for everything we needed- no complaints!"
Ania (November 2016)
"Perfect. We went with a large group of friends for a weekend celebrating my 30th. It is a gorgeous house with so many amazing features. Ideal for long walks and dinners with friends, lounging by the fire with a glass of wine. Relaxing and very special (amazing William Morris wallpaper!)"
Andrew (November 2016)
"We had a great time celebrating my 70th birthday with my brothers, sister, nephews, niece from Malaysia, son from Japan and my children and relatives from UK. The place was great and huge with so many rooms....lovely place for our reunion. Very quiet and peaceful with plenty of grounds for walks. Hever castle is nearby and we had a great time walking there. I would recommend this place for large group of people who wants to have a reunion or celebrations."
Lizzie (November 2016)
"This was the perfect house for our big family get together, good for Granny, Aunts and Uncles, all the cousins and the dog. We all really enjoyed our weekend and were made very welcome...Perfect for games of sardines, lots of playing in the beautiful garden, a great walk to Hever Castle and made very welcome for lunch at the local pub. A beautiful house, all hoping to go back next year."
Victoria (November 2016)
"We couldn't have been made to feel more welcome or have a more comfortable stay at Edells. Edells really is a very special country house and is as gorgeous as the pictures suggest. The setting is speculator and the views of the Kent countryside are stunning. If you like walking, you are in for a treat! Edells is a proper English country house, with open fires, a wonderful Aga but with the the added bonus of an excellent heating system so we were never cold (despite the weather being freezing). I highly recommend Edells as the perfect place for a large gathering. We're already trying to work out a reason to go back."
Andrei (October 2016)
"The house is truly amazing and the surroundings are very peaceful and green. It was a great weekend and I highly recommend it."
Fiona (October 2016)
"I am loathed to write this as I want to lie.... I don't want anyone else to discover this heavenly haven! The house, garden and surrounding countryside are just beautiful and I cannot express how much we loved our stay at Edells. I visited with a group of friends for a chance to catch up and spend some quality time together and our needs were met in spades. We arrived to Hugo's warm welcome and a thorough and fascinating tour of the house and garden. We passed the weekend with food, laughter, games, walks, a lovely meal at a pub in Penshurst, even lovelier meals at the house and probably far too much wine...This house is not for you if you like shiny floors, polished metal, 65" TVs and nespresso machines. It is warm, comfortable, rough round the edges and full of centuries of memories as a well-loved family home. We did not want to leave! Words cannot describe our weekend at Edells... Except perhaps - too brief!! A truly magical place."
Katelin (October 2016)
"I absolutely loved staying at Edells...The location is fabulous being close to escape London and I really enjoyed the walks in the countryside. I'll definitely be returning."
Linda (October 2016)
"We have just got back from a lovely family weekend at Edells. We were a party of 16 and 4 dogs whose ages ranged from 84 years to 12 week and the house was just perfect for us all...There was so much space in the house for our party and so many things to do, we played croquet, table tennis, pool, played games, went for walks to the local pub, explored Edenbridge and one day some of us went on a circular walk which we found in one of the many information folders. The house was well equipped with everything that you need for a large party, we ordered takeaways from Edenbridge, but also cooked breakfast and a large family roast dinner without any problem and were all able to sit around the large table to eat together, it was wonderful. We would definitely recommend Edells to anyone wanting to book a large family home for a large party."
Roz (September 2016)
"The location couldn't have been more peaceful or beautiful with great walks from the house, lovely gardens to wander in...it felt private and we weren't at all disturbed. We were a party of 19 and the house comfortably fitted us all and made for a really great characterful space to celebrate. I'd highly recommend staying here if you are looking for somewhere to mark a special occasion, it had everything we needed and is easily accessible from local stations."
Rebecca (September 2016)
"The house itself is absolutely stunning and housed all of our large group very comfortably with lots of space for the big dinner party we planned. The kitchen is very well stocked for this with 3 fridges, lots of oven space and plenty of crockery & cutlery. The grounds are also impressive and welcoming...Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their stay in this arts and crafts period house, it really is an incredible place and I wouldn't hesitate in returning for the next big birthday gathering!"
Chloe (September 2016)
"Edell's was everything we imagined and more. We organised a get reunion of 20 people and Hugo and Edell's made this stress free. There are others houses close by but we felt that the garden and areas were our's to use. Very close to the station (walking uphill) and an easy commute out of London. The house is more ornate but not fussy and the living area is larger than the pictures make it appear. There is a beautiful walk that starts just by the house. Hugo was accommodating, relaxed and responded quickly to all queries. We can't wait to visit next year. Highly recommend a visit to ALL!"
James (May 2016)
"We had an absolutely fantastic 3 nights in Edells...it was really exciting to be in a place with so much history. The house was full of quirks and charms, and everything we needed for a great stay in the countryside - nice walks, local pubs and lots of garden games! Highly recommended for any large group of any age!"
Babette (May 2016)
"Edells is a fantastic place, like a fairytale. We spend two days and three nights in this house full of history, it was both our sleeping accommodation and location for a Photoshooting of a fashion Catalogue. Our expectations have been exceeded in every way, Edells is so beautiful and has been perfect for us in every way. Hugo is a true gentleman and an amazing host, warm, helpful and a great person. It was two days full of joy and almost sad to leave. I hope to come back soon."
Sasha (May 2016)
"It's all true, Hugo really is a super host. Everyone had the best weekend in this idyllic setting. I almost don't want to rave too much for fear that it'll be forever booked. This wonderful place will be locked in my memory bank forever."
Carola (May 2016)
“…we had our annual holiday at Edells this year. My word, were we pleasantly surprised! After having had a quick looking around the house we all came to the same conclusion: after 18 years of renting cottages in the UK for our hols together, this was the one!”
Anna (January 2016)
"We had such a wonderful stay at this stunning home. Edells is a truly beautiful place to stay, full of character and charm, the photos don't do justice to how special it is. We loved having candlelit dinners and for small children there are some delightful and well loved toys to discover. And no need to bring a book, there are several libraries along with board games to enjoy. I've already been recommending to friends so hoping that Edells doesn't get so busy I can't come back...I feel like everything had been thought of"
Dave (December 2015)
“We had a lovely long weekend in an incredibly homely venue. The pool table and table tennis were a big hit and kept the kids busy.”
Claire (November 2015)
“It's beautifully furnished and decorated and despite being such a large house, has a very welcoming and cosy feel and was perfect for our large family gathering.”
Samuel (November 2015)
“The house is AMAZING, so much character and very comfortable.”
Danny (November 2015)
“Edells is a beautiful old house, absolutely massive, with beautiful grounds and surrounding countryside.”
Nick (November 2015)
“House has a incredible amount of character which made our stay. Loved the history of the house.”
Francesca (October 2015)
“This is a very special place to stay if you like unusual characterful places, it was really clean so the wear just made it even more homely.”
Bea (September 2015)
“Absolutely stunning property. Seriously warm friendly and full of charm. Beautiful views and a great ambience, felt like home straight away!”
Joly (September 2015)
"I can only agree with what everyone's already said about the experience. The house is charming in its current form. It is like stepping back time. Shame that it was only 4 of us, would be great for a group of friends or family gather together. Hever Castle and garden was very nice which is close to the house. We also went for a morning walk, and saw deer running free in the fields. Hugo was extremely helpful, not only took time to show us all about the house, but also found us an old walking map which was useful. Highly recommended."
Branwen (August 2015)
“The house is completely magical and wonderful. We loved every room and every part of it.”
Lynne (August 2015)
"I can only second everything that has been said about Edells. Hugo met the advance party of our family group and gave us a tour of the fascinating house (still haven't got over the ship's boiler in the cellar...) and the beautiful gardens, then left us to enjoy it for an all-too-short weekend. Once the final family members had arrived from the London train at the very handy and charming Cowden station the weekend began - with appropriately named Hugo cocktails and dinner in the kitchen which was very much the centre of the house for our whole weekend.
We did venture out to the Henry VIII theme park, Hever Castle, (very busy for a jousting weekend) which was a lot of fun. But we were soon back to enjoy the peace and beauty of Edells, with more Hugo cocktails and boules in the garden. We had unexpectedly lovely weather, but even without it there is a lot to do very close by.
A few members of the party managed to spook themselves at night, being unused to the quiet, remoteness and size of the house (and having watched too many horror films) but the only things going bump in the night were the jackdaws who appeared to be having a roller skating party on the roof over my bedroom one morning...
Hugo gives a very fair and accurate description of the house on the website, and in subsequent messages, so we knew what to expect. We felt very privileged to stay in such a special place and found it hard to tear ourselves away on Sunday morning."
Nat (August 2015)
“The house is absolutely wonderful, full of charm and personality - very homely, and all the better for it.”
Lucy (July 2015)
“House was fantastic, so unique and full of character. We loved spending time in the kitchen around the Aga.”
Lee (July 2015)
“The long driveway got us immediately excited and the house is grand, spacious and full of character. The gardens were very well kept and the views from the bedrooms/garden are spectacular. If you want somewhere to completely relax and forget about lifes everyday hustle then this is the place.”
Holy (July 2015)
“The house itself is beautiful, and has a wealth of rare original features as you can see in the photos. We loved being able to explore rooms like the library, and found the place very comfortable.”
Claire (June 2015)
“The view from the back of the house is stunning and we would sit with our morning coffee out on the bench just enjoying it and watching the wildlife. The garden is truly wonderful and the house utterly charming.”
Jeddah (June 2015)
“The location is stunning, as are the gardens, and as we arrived on a hot sunny day, my children were delighted and scampered about gleefully.”
"Incredible house. Great views surrounding too. Ideal for weekend away with groups."
Pete (December 2019)
"Edells is a special place. A rare gem to spend time creating life long memories. It provides a sincerely authentic large country house and countryside experience that is amazingly close to London (train station 10mins walk). The interior is richly textured with layer upon layer of successive generations of a family home. Something that cannot be contrived. The kitchen is well equipped, endless games, and hosts who gave us invaluable local tips. And a farm shop within 15mins walk! Worth every penny."
Nicole (December 2019)
"This house is a lovely find full of charm in the English countryside. Big enough to fit large groups comfortably and with space for everyone to sleep and spread out. We had 19 (10 adults and 9 kids ages 4-15!) gather for a family Christmas. The kitchen was warm and inviting with all the amenities needed to cook a full traditional Christmas dinner and even seat us all! The grounds around the house are beautiful as is the surrounding countryside. I can't even imagine what it would be like in the spring/summer. I want to come back again to see the roses in full bloom! The house is definitely a step back in time. There is history all over the walls in photos, stories, news clipping etc. We were fascinated reading all about this family and their adventures. Everyone loved the little library. Probably our favorite room in the house. Alan and Hugo were very friendly and available if we needed anything, but really the house was appointed so well that we didn't have to bother them for anything. There are many amenities, towns, villages, cultural sites, restaurants etc all scattered within a short drive. We even took the train to London; less than an hour each way!"
Duncan (December 2019)
"Excellent host in Alan, super friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Great space for entertaining and relaxing. Second time staying here and wouldn't hesitate to stay again."
Jacqueline (November 2019)
"The house is spectacular and exceptionally well equipped for entertaining. The hosting was helpful - our ocado order arrived before we did and it was received on our behalf and we needed to set up a screen to watch a big sports game and that was kindly arranged. We had a wonderful weekend!"
C (November 2019)
"Fantastic place in the countryside, can't recommend it enough for big gatherings of friends or family. We cooked at the house both nights and had plenty space to cook and eat. The house is incredible and so are the gardens. The train station is really close by so very easy to get to on a Friday afternoon and avoid London traffic. Alan and Hugo recommended local walks and pubs which was a great help for lunches too."
Louise (October 2019)
"There are no words to describe how much we enjoyed our stay at Edells. Such a beautiful country home on the English countryside with stunning architectural features, William Morris wallpaper, a lovely AGA, which made the kitchen so cozy and plenty space for everyone. The house was very clean, warm and with comfortable beds. The gardens and views are astounding. We were here for my daughter’s wedding, so would recommend a car for sure, if you rent this home. I would love to come back and have no hesitation recommending it to other guests. The owner was delightful and very helpful and kind to us, offering walking tips and advice on local attractions. So thankful to have found this lovely AirBnb!!"
Jane (September 2019)
"This house is perfect for large groups. Lots of bedrooms and bathrooms, tons of activities and games, well equipped kitchen and just lovely gardens. The Arts and Crafts decor and the history of the house are fascinating. Sparklingly clean and good wifi."
Miranda (August 2019)
"This house is wonderful. It is incredibly beautiful, stuffed full of charm and in a fantastic location. I cannot recommend it highly enough."
Nancy (July 2019)
"What a unique, enchanting home! Every inch is full of curiosities, beautiful views and fantastic position, lovely host - would 100% recommend. We stayed here for our first work night away as a start-up and it's one we will never forget!"
Caron (July 2019)
"If you want a house that feels like home... this is the house for you..amazing hosts, amazing house, amazing grounds."
Jennie (July 2019)
"This is quite possibly one of the most incredible places we have ever stayed. The house is amazing with so much history. The grounds are beautiful and very peaceful. Alan and his family were fabulous and accommodating hosts from beginning to end. An absolutely perfect spot to celebrate with family and friends!!"
Catherine (July 2019)
"This is an incredible house with the most outstanding grounds and gardens. The bedrooms are large, and the beds are comfortable, with plenty of bathrooms to accommodate our party of 18. The kitchen has everything you need, and there is ample space to all sit and eat together. The house is like a living museum, and there are so many interesting artifacts and books to look at. The owner was very responsive, friendly and helpful, thank you. If I have another large group to get together i'd definitely love to return to Edells!"
Bex (June 2019)
"What an absolute gem of an AirBnb with so much treasure inside. We had a lovely few days being cut off without a TV. Would definitely recommend!"
Charles (June 2019)
"Edells is the perfect place for a weekend within ear shot of London. Alan and Hugo were incredibly welcoming and made the weekend that extra bit special. I would highly recommend taking this place."
Jenny (May 2019)
"This house is incredible. I knew it would be great from the pictures but the feel of the house/atmosphere there is really quite special. I wish I’d had more time to look at all the treasures in each room. The trip was a surprise for my sister (who cried when she was walking (Website hidden by Airbnb) a good way!). Alan was very helpful and extremely accommodating, whilst allowing us privacy. It’s close to London but you feel miles away. Although we didn’t do much exploring in the local area, there was heaps of information available if we had wanted to. Thank you very much for sharing your home Alan - many of the girls are planning their next visit already!"
Rachel (April 2019)
"We had such a wonderful weekend. Alan gave us a very warm welcome and fascinating tour upon arrival. The house is absolutely beautiful and the perfect setting to celebrate a 30th- we couldn’t have asked for any better. It felt really special to be in a place that is so loved and cared for. We will be returning as soon as we can! Thank you!"
Helen (April 2019)
"Huge, comfortable and characterful house with beautiful views"
Julie (April 2019)
"House is delightful. Held a 60th birthday party for my husband. Perfect location. Special time. Many thanks indeed"
Ian (April 2019)
"what an amazing space!. it delivers charm, elegance, style and warmth in the form of a gorgeous, spacious, rambling home. and there are idyllic views of the rolling kent countryside for good measure the hosts were welcoming, and left us to celebrate a birthday uninterrupted i have no hesitation in recommending the destination or the wonderful hosts"
Bekkie (February 2019)
"This house is absolutely incredible. The decor is stunning and the whole thing feels beautiful. We went to celebrate a friends 30th and Edells made it such a special and great occasion. We cooked a big roast lunch and the kitchen had everything we needed. The bedrooms were pristine. There is so much character in this house! The hosts live next door so are on hand to help and we’re very accommodating! I definitely would recommend."
Susie (February 2019)
"Probably our best B&B stay so far! This house is perfect for large gatherings of families. The adults enjoyed the decor, the big spaces and the warmth (despite it being a huge house, it was really toasty). The children found it exciting and magical and spent hours playing hide and seek and also making up stories about the history of the house and who they thought the previous residents might have been. We are already discussing when we could book it again."
Leah (January 2019)
"We rented this house for my 30th birthday across new year’s eve. It was absolutely amazing! It’s a very special place with endless things to discover. Alan and Flora were brilliant answering all my questions and helping me work out how to cater for all the guests. I didn’t meet Alan but Flora was lovely and went above and beyond, helping my dad to organise a birthday surprise for me. All the guests were amazed at the house and everyone was very comfortable. You won’t regret booking this place for a big getaway - it’s truly special."
Svetlana (December 2018)
"We stayed over Christmas 2018 for a period of 2 nights and it was a truly marvellous stay. The kitchen is so well equipped it made cooking Christmas for 15 people a dream. The rooms were so clean and very spacious with lovely and comfortable beds. The house was wonderfully warm too! There are so many activities and games in the house it kept 4 children entertained throughout the duration of our stay. I would not hesitate to come back. It was a truly lovely Christmas and great experience."
Siobhan (December 2018)
"Edells is dreamy for any family or friend gathering! It’s like something from a storybook, which for our Christmas gathering, gave that extra bit of magic! The family are very friendly, kind and helpful, while also leaving you to settle in and make the place your own home for the duration. Perfect stay!"
Duncan (December 2018)
"If this is the style you are looking for then this place will only exceed your expectations. Brilliant space for entertaining in."
Rebecca (December 2018)
"We spent the weekend of our wedding staying at Edells and it was the perfect venue and setting. The house is so impressive and our guests loved their stayed. Would absolutely recommend!"
Thirza (November 2018)
"Myself and a group of friends stayed at Edells for my 30th Birthday and we had a great time. The house is amazing, even better than in the pictures. There is so much to explore and so much history it really is a special place. Alan was so helpful with everything, from giving us tips on good pubs to visit to making sure we had everything we needed when we got there. It's really easy to get to the house from the train station but there's also plenty of parking so we found it really easy. We had a lovely meal all together in the kitchen sat around the two tables. It's a really well stocked kitchen with two ovens and an Aga so it was really easy to prepare meals for the whole group. It was such a memorable weekend I'll definitely be coming back."
Gillian (November 2018)
"We had a great stay at this lovely house with our wonderful host! Very family friendly, beautiful surroundings, easy to access and everything you could need under one roof."
Rosalie (November 2018)
"Absolutely wonderful house in a beautiful location - we could not have had a better stay. The house is quirky, beautiful and very well equipped. Comfortable and warm throughout. Perfect for large groups. The garden and surrounding woodland are great for explorers both large and small. Alan and his family were kind and responsive but left us to our own devices. Highly recommended."
Kate (October 2018)
"Amazing and quirky venue for our offsite. Very quick responses and so flexible to meet our needs. If you suffer from allergies, or are sensitive to dust take some puritan as it's an old house, but such an amazing location."
Helena (September 2018)
"Absolute perfection! From watching the sunrise over the fields in the beautiful grounds, to a hilarious game of sardines in all the fascinating nooks and crannies of this characterful home, we really had the perfect weekend. I booked Edells for a group of friends in their mid 20s and they all wanted to book it again for their own gatherings. The house has everything you will need (crockery/cutlery/condiments/spare bedding/ storage space etc) and was an ideal base for a long walk to Penshurst via Hever and Chiddingstone, stopping off for a yummy lunch at the Castle Inn. We didn’t need the log burners in the end as the house was cosy enough (end of September) but there was plenty of logs and kindling available if we’d have wanted a snuggly evening by the fire too. Alan was the perfect host, answering all my questions in great detail and popping in to say hello when we arrived. I will be back in a heartbeat if I ever have the opportunity!"
Delyan (September 2018)
"The Edells cottage is a very special place. The house is full of history and every room has a story to tell. We came as a group of 16 for a scientific retreat and had a great time. The house is perfectly equipped to host a large group of people and can facilitate all sorts of professional/leisure meetings and gatherings. The garden is beautiful and there is plenty to see and do in the surrounding area on good day! Our whole party enjoyed the stay and will be happy to come back!"
Jane (September 2018)
"I booked Edells as the venue for a writers' retreat - and it couldn't have been more perfect. The house is amazing: it's atmospheric and comfortable, full of curios with historical photos and family memorabilia dripping from every wall. It's a home from home too, with a kitchen full of every piece of equipment you could need, plenty of hot water and open fires to cuddle round. As a group of writers we had plenty of space and peace when solitude was needed, as the house and garden are both full of cosy nooks and private corners. We enjoyed getting out and about - the beautiful setting and location offers plenty of walk options - as well as coming together to socialise, whether around the enormous kitchen table or spread out in the sitting room. Our writing tutor used the little library for one-to-one feedback, and there was even a flip-chart on hand for our workshop sessions. After long days of writing, talking, eating and drinking, retiring to bed brought the extra pleasures of dark night skies, countryside silence and crisp white bedding - so everyone slept well. Edells is a truly superb house - and we all hope to return!"
Andy (August 2018)
"This was the perfect location for a large family meet up with dogs. The house suits young children right through to grandparents and if you are into history there is a lot to soak up."
Chana (August 2018)
"This is a fantastic and very spacious house with an interesting history, lots of books, beautiful art and stunning views. Three generations of our family enjoyed exploring the many rooms and games, as well as the walking paths in the woods. There is such a lovely positive family atmosphere in this house. We loved every minutes."
Ian (June 2018)
"We’re just back from a truly wonderful weekend at Edells for my 40th birthday celebrations. We had 17 adults and 6 babies/ toddlers and the house was the right size for us. The communication from Alan and Hugo was fantastic - as was the welcome when we arrived. The house itself has been in the family for 160+ years apparently, and it has very homely feel. Each room is an absolute trove full of interesting items built up over the years. The surrounding garden is immaculate. Highly recommended."
Annie (June 2018)
"Edells is such quirky interesting house and is only surpassed by the rambling roses, perfect croquet lawn and grounds"
Julia (May 2018)
"Fantastic stay, beautiful charming house with spectacular views and Alan was such a kind host."
Danae (May 2018)
"Stunning house, beautiful gardens, the cutest Greek cafe on the premises and absolutely incredible hosts!!!! Had the best time. Will be coming back!!!"
Suzy (May 2018)
"This is a magical house for a family get together. Comfortable rooms, beautiful views and a perfect kitchen to cook and eat in. We were blessed with sunny weather so spent our evening spilled out on to the lawn watching a herd of deer feeding in the garden. Classy, comfortable with a touch of magic, you feel like you’ve booked into another works when you stay at Edels. I can’t recommend it enough. 16 of us stayed comfortably and there was room for more!"
Nick (April 2018)
"Edells is a magical place. We enjoyed a mid-week visit, just the two of us. It was very special to have the whole house to ourselves - you won't find a more peaceful and romantic spot! The house is a rare treat for lovers of art and history. The views over the garden, fields and hills beyond are stunning. There are wonderful walks either directly from the house or a short drive away in Ashdown Forest. The hosts are warm and welcoming, and everything is provided for a comfortable and relaxed stay. Highly recommended!"
Will (February 2018)
"Fantastic house in a beautiful location. We were a party of 19 and there was ample room. Alan had the fires lit for when we arrived and it all felt very homely. Would definitely come back."
Cherie (February 2018)
"10/10. A fantastic house and perfect location for a weekend away from London. The kitchen was generous in size and had everything we needed. Fantastic hosts, I would highly recommend."
Kellie (February 2018)
"best place to host a weekend away - we worked with 18ppl all weekend for an off-site, and it was perfect"
Katy (January 2018)
"Lots of space for big groups in lovely countryside setting"
John (December 2017)
"We had a most wonderful Christmas at Edells. This was a very special occasion as we had family visiting from both Australia and the US, making 20 of us in all including 6 children, plus one small dog. The house was perfect, with all the family agreeing that it helped to make our family gathering so memorable and successful. We stayed three nights in all, arriving on Christmas Eve. Preparing the main Christmas meal went remarkably well, helped by the brilliant kitchen. We had two turkeys, one in each of the electric ovens and all four of the Aga ovens / warming spaces in use as well. (The only minor problem was that the potatoes were a bit slow to cook in the Aga!) Our hosts (Hugo and Alan) were very helpful and quick to respond to any queries, and were happy to arrange for a visit beforehand which was very helpful in planning who would sleep where, etc. One point to mention is that the main house has plenty of refrigerator space, but only a small freezer. Based on our earlier visit we had planned to use the chest freezer in the Outbuilding / Storeroom as well, but getting this unlocked at Christmas proved impossible despite Hugo’s helpful phone calls! Hugo and Allen were also very helpful in agreeing for some of us to start arriving earlier in the afternoon on Christmas Eve, which meant the Australian party could arrive by train and walk up the hill to the house in daylight (all part of the big adventure for them!). The house is full of interesting history with a great variety of games and books. The large drawing room / dining room tends to be the main gathering place, with a splendid fireplace to make it feel very cosy. And if you want to escape to somewhere quieter there is the choice of the library or the study. Even in mid-winter, the extensive gardens and the local countryside walks were very enjoyable. There is a screen and projector available which we used with a laptop computer to show some children’s films, although note that you also need a speaker to give adequate audio. In summary, we highly recommend Edells for a large family event such as this."
David (December 2017)
"The venue looked very good on the internet but in truth it outstripped all expectations! The place oozes character, class, intrigue and history. On Hugo's suggestion (Hugo is a great host), we sought the services of Max Nevile to cater for us on one evening. Max did a wonderful job catering for a large party; fabulous food, excellent service and very good communication at the planning stage. Our party comprised adults and kids of a variety of ages and the venue was loved by all. There is no shortage of toys and games for the kids (and even the grown ups too if they feel the urge to move from a cozy chair by a roaring fire!). I would definitely love to return one day!"
Hannah (December 2017)
"As you can tell by all the other rave reviews, Edells is a pretty special place. A beautiful country house, kept up to date with a historical sensitivity and equipped with all the things you need for a special gathering of family or friends. It was the perfect escape for us, with the kids occupied with toys and exploring and us adults left to relax by the fire. There are some great walks nearby so you can work up an appetite for a feast and then a well stocked kitchen with lots of fridge and freezer space, an Aga, a induction hob and an oven. There is a very easy set up for recycling and a boot room that was perfect for all the muddy post-walk clothes. The bedrooms are spacious and nicely spaced out so you never feel like you are on top of each other. Most of them look out onto the wonderful view across the lawn and passed the Ha Ha. And if you need a bit of peace and quiet, you can find an unoccupied room and dip into some of the wonderful reading material you'll find in the many bookshelves. And the wallpaper, oh the wallpaper...! Hugo and Alan made the booking and organizing totally stress free and were delightful to deal with. We were made to feel like we had the place to ourselves but that help wasn't too far away if we needed it. I have already recommended Edells to a few friends, although I should probably keep quiet as I want the house to be free next time I want my own country retreat!"
Matthew (November 2017)
"18 of us comprised of 4 family units. House perfectly accommodated us for 3 nights in all aspects (cooking, dining, lounging, sleeping, bathing). Books, Games and plenty of space if weather is bad or are in for the evening. Garden is huge and great to stroll or play in. A nice pub a short walk away as is the train station if you want to easily get in to London. Locally, can even walk to a castle within 45 minutes if you want. Definitely recommend for large groups!"
Hugo (November 2017)
"Edells is genuinely one of the most beautiful places I have ever had the privilege to stay. It's both a stunning house and a warm welcoming home - the perfect place to have hosted twenty friends for a quiet countryside birthday weekend. Hugo and Alan were both extremely helpful and were on hand at a moments notice throughout the stay. Couldn't recommend it more!"
Nicky (October 2017)
"I was allowed a full tour of the property before we hired it and was given full information about everything. We were even given assistance over the phone on arrival. Was such a great venue to use for my birthday."
Rachael (October 2017)
"My family and I booked this lovely property for our parents' 50th wedding anniversary and we were not disappointed. The kitchen and larder are a country cook's heaven. The main living area is warm and elegant, with the many rooms around the house allowing us all to spread out as an extended family. The garden also provided a great staging ground for family games. And the views really are lovely. Arranging things with Hugo was clear and easy. We even organised to have someone come in and cook a celebratory meal for our Saturday night at his recommendation. Overall, if you're looking for a spacious period home for a family get together, look no further. Much enjoyed by ours."
Debbie (October 2017)
"Edells House is absolutely magical. We went for a team away-day and it couldn't have been a better choice. Lots of space in the house, well-stocked kitchen for group meals, and Hugo & Alan couldn't have been friendlier hosts. Highly recommended - hope we get to come back!"
Pete (September 2017)
"Edells is wonderful, and the owners delightful. Cannot recommend it highly enough."
Luke (August 2017)
"Edells takes you back in time. It's a true British countryside experience with everything you could want or need. Hugo and Allan are incredibly helpful and will do their utmost to make sure you make the most of your time. There are plenty of great walks and pubs to visit in the vicinity. Highly recommend."
Kate (August 2017)
"We cannot convey enough how much we loved our stay at Edells. Our expectations were understandably sky high, following the glorious photos and description of the house, and we're happy to say that all of those expectations were surpassed. From the moment we booked, Alan and Hugo made kept in contact with us and were superbly helpful in answering all of our questions while we were organising our small family event. As soon as we arrived they made us feel incredibly welcome. The property is enriched with a local history, which our lovely hosts were very knowledgable of, and passionate about. Our hosts happily allowed us privacy for our get together, although we'd have happily had them join us as they are absolutely delightful. Our family absolutely loved every moment of our stay and we would love to return again some day. We couldn't recommend Edells highly enough"
Tony (August 2017)
"Hugo was a great host. Incredibly flexible, welcoming and flexible. The house is gorgeous and surroundings are stunning. We had a fantastic weekend !"
Judy (July 2017)
"Such a comfortable characterful place. So much of interest to look at all over the house. Very comfortable beds. Wonderful memories of childhood."
Alexios (July 2017)
"Edells is one of the most special places I've ever been. I booked it for my 30th b'day and went there with 17 friends (including babies and dogs) and it was perfect. A very special place, full of history and good taste! Very spacious, but still cosy with a stunning garden. Very good vibes! And Hugo and his uncle were so great in accommodating us and making sure we had everything we needed. I couldn't recommend it more especially to people who are looking for special and unique places."
Alix (July 2017)
"Edells house and its garden are just amazing and the surrounding countryside is wonderful. We comfortably had 20 people in the house and it didn't feel crowded at all. The house is just perfect to fully enjoy a weekend getaway!"
Olivier (June 2017)
"Excellent communication, very accommodating as we were in the area with staff and allowed us to have a successful business trip. The grounds are great, the property easy to find."
Peter (June 2017)
"We had such an amazing time at Edells - the house is incredible and needs to be seen to be believed, but for a big group you won't be able to beat it - there's loads of outdoor space, rooms everywhere and all the amenities you could want. The rooms are beautiful and comfortable. Hugo the host was amazing and answered all my queries really quickly. If you're celebrating a birthday or have a big group, this is the perfect place."
Bethan (May 2017)
"Edells house is just amazing, the location is wonderful, the house is amazing. It has everything you could want in the kitchen, and we comfortably had 21 people in the house and it didn't feel crowded at all. Hugo and Alan were amazing with helping us out with questions before we arrived and recommending places to eat out. We all had a fantastic weekend. Now trying to find an excuse to return!!!"
Shannon (May 2017)
"The property is incredible and Hugo was really helpful. There's some really nice local walks and pubs, would definitely recommend."
Marijana (April 2017)
"We rented Edells for our corporate retreat and couldn't have asked for a better property or host! Hugo was a delight to communicate with, and very helpful in trying to meet all of our needs for our time there. The house is lovely with an interesting history to it, and we made the most of the beautiful garden and setting. The property is very well connected and is near many great pubs and places that offer fun activities. I would wholeheartedly recommend for getaways of any kind!"
Alexis (April 2017)
"Excellent! really recommended! a perfect celebration venue, with lovely views and the best host ever!"
Katerina (April 2017)
"...the most amazing place I've been! Its so much better than the pictures. I hired the place to celebrate my 40th birthday and I couldn't have wished for a better place to do so! Its so well equipped with everything that you need, the vibe of the house and Hugo himself are so welcoming and all my guests were in awe of the place. The communication was perfect with Hugo and all I can say is that Hugo has thought of everything that you might need as a guest."
Alan (March 2017)
"The most characterful house we have ever stayed in. Plenty of space for 20 people plus dogs to feel comfortable in, every room full of Arts and Crafts charm. Landscaped gardens to get lost in, and a lovely walk to a great local pub. Great communication with the host too. Cannot recommend highly enough."
Sophia (March 2017)
"The whole booking and enquiry stage made (what was quite a daunting task of planning my 30th) a seamless and easy process. The house and grounds are simply beautiful, you are so well equipped for large parties that it made all our meals so easy to prepare and dine for. We also had LOTS of fun with the dressing up cupboard! My 30th birthday weekend was beyond my expectations and one I will never forget. We all had such a fabulous weekend."
Sophie (March 2017)
"There are countless things we loved but specific things to mention are the staggering location and views from the house, the beautiful William Morris wallpaper, the many curiosities that you find around the house, the incredibly well equipped kitchen AND the host. Hugo was extremely helpful and went out of his way to ensure we had a good weekend. We had a beautiful catered meal which was cooked by Jess who was recommended by Hugo. This was incredibly good and 21 of us were able to eat together in a candlelit room-it was really special. We walked straight from the house and really enjoyed the surroundings. We had pub grub which was good at the Kentish horse pub. Thank you again! We will be back."
Suzy (February 2017)
"This house is simply magical! I was looking for a location for my 30th birthday party for a themed dinner party and Edells was the perfect setting. It is a treasure trove! Every room has its own character and everywhere you look you see something new and interesting. The bedrooms are comfortable and whilst it is a big old house which you might expect to be cold in the winter, there is everything you need to make it really cosy, including real log fires. The house is lived in so it is easy to feel at home. The bathrooms are a real treat with roll top baths and rain forest style shower. We cooked a meal for 20 with ease during our stay, the kitchen has everything you could need and the range was a delight to cook with. Hugo was a very accommodating host and gave us a tour of the house when we checked in so we knew where everything was. The grounds are very well maintained and looked very picturesque in the snow. We had an absolutely perfect weekend and could have easily stayed!"
Jan (February 2017)
"Incredible."
Charlotte (January 2017)
"Edells is an absolute dream. The countryside surrounding the house is stunning and perfect for long walks. The house itself is beautiful; old and characterful with heaps of space for dinners and relaxing. Lots of lovely fireplaces too which really added to the overall feel. Hugo and his uncle were fantastic hosts, incredibly helpful at every stage and happy to leave us to our own devices once they'd shown us around. I cannot recommend this place enough. Thanks again!"
Jo (January 2017)
"Edells is a truly excellent place to stay - we came with around 16 friends, 5 babies and 2 dogs and had a brilliant time! It's a huge house with a beautiful garden. The house is extremely characterful and very comfortable. Beautiful wall paper, antique furnishings, and a lovely bohemian original feel. We couldn't fault it at all. Most of all Hugo was such a brilliant host - going over and above the call of duty to enable us to have a good time; he had various suggestions including a chef, yoga, and local band that we could get to improve our weekend. We did the yoga class in the main sitting room on Sunday morning and it was heavenly. I cannot recommend Edells more highly!! 10/10 for house and communication."
Samantha (January 2017)
"Edells is beautiful and full of charm and character. This is the perfect place for a large group of friends to stay. The log fires, countryside, and ambience made our stay unforgettable. We loved every minute and Hugo is such a wonderful host. We want Edells to do well in future, but realistically we want to keep it our little secret!! We will be coming back.."
Sandie (December 2016)
"I had another dream Christmas at Edells, last year with my family of 10 and this year for 1 week with my In-laws, four generations x 20 and not a cross word said! There is so much space, things to do, places to go and equipped with everything you might need. It was great to see the changes and sympathetic updates that Hugo has made to the house since Christmas 2015...obviously wants to keep this special place very special...We'll be back for a Summer weekend for sure."
Caitlin (December 2016)
"The house is amazing, full of history with such a warm family feel. The kitchen has everything & we cook several big meals for 20 with no problems! The surrounding area is so beautiful & it's only a 10 min walk from the train station- we had no car & had no problems! We had such an amazing weekend for my friends 30th! The house was perfect for everything we needed- no complaints!"
Ania (November 2016)
"Perfect. We went with a large group of friends for a weekend celebrating my 30th. It is a gorgeous house with so many amazing features. Ideal for long walks and dinners with friends, lounging by the fire with a glass of wine. Relaxing and very special (amazing William Morris wallpaper!)"
Andrew (November 2016)
"We had a great time celebrating my 70th birthday with my brothers, sister, nephews, niece from Malaysia, son from Japan and my children and relatives from UK. The place was great and huge with so many rooms....lovely place for our reunion. Very quiet and peaceful with plenty of grounds for walks. Hever castle is nearby and we had a great time walking there. I would recommend this place for large group of people who wants to have a reunion or celebrations."
Lizzie (November 2016)
"This was the perfect house for our big family get together, good for Granny, Aunts and Uncles, all the cousins and the dog. We all really enjoyed our weekend and were made very welcome...Perfect for games of sardines, lots of playing in the beautiful garden, a great walk to Hever Castle and made very welcome for lunch at the local pub. A beautiful house, all hoping to go back next year."
Victoria (November 2016)
"We couldn't have been made to feel more welcome or have a more comfortable stay at Edells. Edells really is a very special country house and is as gorgeous as the pictures suggest. The setting is speculator and the views of the Kent countryside are stunning. If you like walking, you are in for a treat! Edells is a proper English country house, with open fires, a wonderful Aga but with the the added bonus of an excellent heating system so we were never cold (despite the weather being freezing). I highly recommend Edells as the perfect place for a large gathering. We're already trying to work out a reason to go back."
Andrei (October 2016)
"The house is truly amazing and the surroundings are very peaceful and green. It was a great weekend and I highly recommend it."
Fiona (October 2016)
"I am loathed to write this as I want to lie.... I don't want anyone else to discover this heavenly haven! The house, garden and surrounding countryside are just beautiful and I cannot express how much we loved our stay at Edells. I visited with a group of friends for a chance to catch up and spend some quality time together and our needs were met in spades. We arrived to Hugo's warm welcome and a thorough and fascinating tour of the house and garden. We passed the weekend with food, laughter, games, walks, a lovely meal at a pub in Penshurst, even lovelier meals at the house and probably far too much wine...This house is not for you if you like shiny floors, polished metal, 65" TVs and nespresso machines. It is warm, comfortable, rough round the edges and full of centuries of memories as a well-loved family home. We did not want to leave! Words cannot describe our weekend at Edells... Except perhaps - too brief!! A truly magical place."
Katelin (October 2016)
"I absolutely loved staying at Edells...The location is fabulous being close to escape London and I really enjoyed the walks in the countryside. I'll definitely be returning."
Linda (October 2016)
"We have just got back from a lovely family weekend at Edells. We were a party of 16 and 4 dogs whose ages ranged from 84 years to 12 week and the house was just perfect for us all...There was so much space in the house for our party and so many things to do, we played croquet, table tennis, pool, played games, went for walks to the local pub, explored Edenbridge and one day some of us went on a circular walk which we found in one of the many information folders. The house was well equipped with everything that you need for a large party, we ordered takeaways from Edenbridge, but also cooked breakfast and a large family roast dinner without any problem and were all able to sit around the large table to eat together, it was wonderful. We would definitely recommend Edells to anyone wanting to book a large family home for a large party."
Roz (September 2016)
"The location couldn't have been more peaceful or beautiful with great walks from the house, lovely gardens to wander in...it felt private and we weren't at all disturbed. We were a party of 19 and the house comfortably fitted us all and made for a really great characterful space to celebrate. I'd highly recommend staying here if you are looking for somewhere to mark a special occasion, it had everything we needed and is easily accessible from local stations."
Rebecca (September 2016)
"The house itself is absolutely stunning and housed all of our large group very comfortably with lots of space for the big dinner party we planned. The kitchen is very well stocked for this with 3 fridges, lots of oven space and plenty of crockery & cutlery. The grounds are also impressive and welcoming...Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their stay in this arts and crafts period house, it really is an incredible place and I wouldn't hesitate in returning for the next big birthday gathering!"
Chloe (September 2016)
"Edell's was everything we imagined and more. We organised a get reunion of 20 people and Hugo and Edell's made this stress free. There are others houses close by but we felt that the garden and areas were our's to use. Very close to the station (walking uphill) and an easy commute out of London. The house is more ornate but not fussy and the living area is larger than the pictures make it appear. There is a beautiful walk that starts just by the house. Hugo was accommodating, relaxed and responded quickly to all queries. We can't wait to visit next year. Highly recommend a visit to ALL!"
James (May 2016)
"We had an absolutely fantastic 3 nights in Edells...it was really exciting to be in a place with so much history. The house was full of quirks and charms, and everything we needed for a great stay in the countryside - nice walks, local pubs and lots of garden games! Highly recommended for any large group of any age!"
Babette (May 2016)
"Edells is a fantastic place, like a fairytale. We spend two days and three nights in this house full of history, it was both our sleeping accommodation and location for a Photoshooting of a fashion Catalogue. Our expectations have been exceeded in every way, Edells is so beautiful and has been perfect for us in every way. Hugo is a true gentleman and an amazing host, warm, helpful and a great person. It was two days full of joy and almost sad to leave. I hope to come back soon."
Sasha (May 2016)
"It's all true, Hugo really is a super host. Everyone had the best weekend in this idyllic setting. I almost don't want to rave too much for fear that it'll be forever booked. This wonderful place will be locked in my memory bank forever."
Carola (May 2016)
“…we had our annual holiday at Edells this year. My word, were we pleasantly surprised! After having had a quick looking around the house we all came to the same conclusion: after 18 years of renting cottages in the UK for our hols together, this was the one!”
Anna (January 2016)
"We had such a wonderful stay at this stunning home. Edells is a truly beautiful place to stay, full of character and charm, the photos don't do justice to how special it is. We loved having candlelit dinners and for small children there are some delightful and well loved toys to discover. And no need to bring a book, there are several libraries along with board games to enjoy. I've already been recommending to friends so hoping that Edells doesn't get so busy I can't come back...I feel like everything had been thought of"
Dave (December 2015)
“We had a lovely long weekend in an incredibly homely venue. The pool table and table tennis were a big hit and kept the kids busy.”
Claire (November 2015)
“It's beautifully furnished and decorated and despite being such a large house, has a very welcoming and cosy feel and was perfect for our large family gathering.”
Samuel (November 2015)
“The house is AMAZING, so much character and very comfortable.”
Danny (November 2015)
“Edells is a beautiful old house, absolutely massive, with beautiful grounds and surrounding countryside.”
Nick (November 2015)
“House has a incredible amount of character which made our stay. Loved the history of the house.”
Francesca (October 2015)
“This is a very special place to stay if you like unusual characterful places, it was really clean so the wear just made it even more homely.”
Bea (September 2015)
“Absolutely stunning property. Seriously warm friendly and full of charm. Beautiful views and a great ambience, felt like home straight away!”
Joly (September 2015)
"I can only agree with what everyone's already said about the experience. The house is charming in its current form. It is like stepping back time. Shame that it was only 4 of us, would be great for a group of friends or family gather together. Hever Castle and garden was very nice which is close to the house. We also went for a morning walk, and saw deer running free in the fields. Hugo was extremely helpful, not only took time to show us all about the house, but also found us an old walking map which was useful. Highly recommended."
Branwen (August 2015)
“The house is completely magical and wonderful. We loved every room and every part of it.”
Lynne (August 2015)
"I can only second everything that has been said about Edells. Hugo met the advance party of our family group and gave us a tour of the fascinating house (still haven't got over the ship's boiler in the cellar...) and the beautiful gardens, then left us to enjoy it for an all-too-short weekend. Once the final family members had arrived from the London train at the very handy and charming Cowden station the weekend began - with appropriately named Hugo cocktails and dinner in the kitchen which was very much the centre of the house for our whole weekend.
We did venture out to the Henry VIII theme park, Hever Castle, (very busy for a jousting weekend) which was a lot of fun. But we were soon back to enjoy the peace and beauty of Edells, with more Hugo cocktails and boules in the garden. We had unexpectedly lovely weather, but even without it there is a lot to do very close by.
A few members of the party managed to spook themselves at night, being unused to the quiet, remoteness and size of the house (and having watched too many horror films) but the only things going bump in the night were the jackdaws who appeared to be having a roller skating party on the roof over my bedroom one morning...
Hugo gives a very fair and accurate description of the house on the website, and in subsequent messages, so we knew what to expect. We felt very privileged to stay in such a special place and found it hard to tear ourselves away on Sunday morning."
Nat (August 2015)
“The house is absolutely wonderful, full of charm and personality - very homely, and all the better for it.”
Lucy (July 2015)
“House was fantastic, so unique and full of character. We loved spending time in the kitchen around the Aga.”
Lee (July 2015)
“The long driveway got us immediately excited and the house is grand, spacious and full of character. The gardens were very well kept and the views from the bedrooms/garden are spectacular. If you want somewhere to completely relax and forget about lifes everyday hustle then this is the place.”
Holy (July 2015)
“The house itself is beautiful, and has a wealth of rare original features as you can see in the photos. We loved being able to explore rooms like the library, and found the place very comfortable.”
Claire (June 2015)
“The view from the back of the house is stunning and we would sit with our morning coffee out on the bench just enjoying it and watching the wildlife. The garden is truly wonderful and the house utterly charming.”
Jeddah (June 2015)
“The location is stunning, as are the gardens, and as we arrived on a hot sunny day, my children were delighted and scampered about gleefully.”
