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Swallows Return

Bilsington, Kent
holidaycottages.co.uk logo

This property is managed by holidaycottages.co.uk info_outline

Sleeps 6
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 2
Change Sat
Dogs welcome 1
4 star
Parking on site / nearby
Highchair available
Travel Cot available
Towels included
Tennis Court
Family friendly
Luxury
Internet access
EV Charging
Downstairs bathroom
Pub nearby
11 more

At a glance

  • Spacious converted barn with a clever mix of original features and contemporary design
  • Dual-aspect, open-plan, sociable layout designed with entertaining in mind
  • Choice of outdoor areas, including a beautiful Mediterranean garden

Property code: OC-EK745

Words really cannot describe this stunning barn conversion - if you are looking for a rural location but within easy reach of culture, wildlife and the seaside then simply look no further. Swallows Return is as relaxing and luxurious on the inside as it is on the outside.  The fabulous open plan living space has dual aspect windows and French doors - using natural fabrics and prints to reflect the garden and several outdoor seating areas to make the most of the abundant wildlife and birds.  There is a majestic olive tree in the Mediterranean garden providing shade to the side of the barn, a decked area to the rear with far reaching views over Romney Marsh.  The property has been furnished to an extremely high standard and comprehensively equipped to make your experience a real home from home.  The coastal town of Hythe is close by as is the miniature railway at Dymchurch and the wartime Martello Tower. Climb the Old Lighthouse at Dungeness, explore the castle at Dover or pack your bicycles and cycle to the beach.  The owners' beautifully designed garden is part of the National Garden Scheme and is open twice a year. The owners' are happy for guests to wander around their garden and enjoy and there is also use of a tennis court with owner's permission. Shop: 3 miles   Pub: 0.5 mile  Coast: 9 miles

Ground Floor:
Entrance to side into Open-Plan Sitting/Dining Room/Kitchen
Sitting Room is a fabulous large living space with rustic oak flooring throughout the ground floor, a magnificent center piece Italian leather sofa with matching footstool, a two seater sofa and armchair, rug, coffee table, occasional tables, a trunk with games, TV/DVD with Sky and Netflix and superfast WiFi and a high spec Bose music system
Dining Area has a wooden dining table, four contemporary chairs and a bench along one side
Kitchen Area is well equipped and fitted with lots of cupboard space and eye-catching wall tiles, a single oven and extractor fan, dishwasher, washing machine, fridge/freezer, microwave and a Nespresso machine with initial supply of pods
Shower Room has a tiled floor, with power shower, heated towel rail, fitted washbasin and w.c

Easy carpeted stairs with handrail...

First Floor:
Bedroom 1 is beautifully furnished with a wooden framed king-size bed, bedside tables, wall mounted reading lights, a radio, dressing table and mirror, filled wardrobe and shelving
En-Suite Shower Room is tiled with power shower, heated towel rail, fitted washbasin and w.c
Bedroom 2 has twin beds, bedside table and wall-mounted reading lights, small chest of drawers, mirror, cane chair, fitted wardrobe with shelving
Bedroom 3 has a double bed, bedside tables, wall-mounted reading lights, chair and fitted wardrobe 

Garden: A screened Mediterranean garden to the front of property with garden furniture and charcoal barbecue, a decked area to the rear with a fenced pond, garden furniture and finally a boardwalk leading from the decked area around to the other side of the barn - perfect for wildlife watching.  Use of owners' tennis court by arrangement.  The owners' garden has been described as incredible and magical and is part of the NGS and viewing is highly recommended - with owners' permission. Click on the Floorplan tab to view a plan of the homeowner's garden.
Parking: Private parking for 2 cars in front of property. Electric vehicle charging point in front of the barn which can be used during your stay for £49 per week
Heating: Electric central heating.
Pets:  1 small - Medium sized dog welcome.
Also Provided: Local free range eggs and a bottle of the owners' own apple juice.  There is storage for own bikes, a drying facility - particularly useful for families, walkers and cyclists.
Notes: There is a fenced pond at this property and children should be supervised at all times. No smoking permitted.

  • 3 bedrooms – 1 king-size, 1 double, 1 twin
  • 2 shower rooms with showers and WCs (1 is en-suite)
  • Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, Nespresso coffee machine (with initial supply of pods), dishwasher, washing machine
  • Welcome pack (including local free-range eggs and a bottle of the owner’s homemade apple juice)
  • Travel cot and highchair available
  • SkyTV and Bose music system in lounge, radio in king-size bedroom
  • Mediterranean garden to the front of the property with outdoor furniture and BBQ, decked area to the rear with outdoor furniture, sun loungers, fenced pond, and boardwalk. Guests also have access to the owner’s garden, by arrangement
  • Private parking for 2 cars. 
  • Electric vehicle charging point in front of the barn which can be used during your stay for £49 per week
  • Storage for bikes
  • Drying facility for outdoor gear
  • Use of the owner’s tennis court by prior arrangement
  • Shop 3 miles, pub 0.5 miles, beach 9 miles
  • The bedrooms have sloping ceilings and you may experience restricted head room
  • There is a fenced pond in the grounds and children should be supervised at all times
  • Electric vehicle charging on site
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00
  • 1 dog allowed. Additional charges may apply

Carol Thompson

This property is personally managed by Carol.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 12 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 stars5
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 5 starsOverall equipment 5 starsOverall equipment 5 starsOverall equipment 5 starsOverall equipment 5 stars5
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 stars4.9
Overall location
Overall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 stars4.9

Reviewed by Denise 7th May 2025

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Amazing cottage in great location. The gardens are wonderful and it was very generous of our hosts to allow us to wander round them whenever we wanted. The sunsets were beautiful behind the pond area. Loved all the birdsong. Would come again to see more of the area. Hosts were very welcoming and lovely to chat to. Well recommended.

Reviewed by Dara 19th February 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

This holiday home is beautiful. It was a pleasure for me and my family to stay there. We all thoroughly enjoyed our time at this property.

Reviewed by Mark 21st October 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Swallows Return is a spacious and very comfortable cottage with access to a magical garden.

Reviewed by Ben 8th September 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

A lovely place to stay in a great location for exploring Kent and East Sussex. Made to feel very welcome by our hosts and loved being able to explore the hosts garden and use their tennis court. Very clean and well appointed property. Had everything we needed for a holiday with a young family.

Reviewed by Joanne 9th May 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

What a stunning setting, the cottage is beautifully presented and is surrounded by a lovely garden and wider peaceful landscape. Thank you to the owners for the privilege of walking through their wider garden which is delightful. I would definitely recommend a stay.

Reviewed by Kathleen 26th March 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

This cottage has everything you need for a perfect holiday. Facilities, location and a very high standard of cleanliness and comfort. Can't fault it.

Reviewed by Krishnawtee 23rd February 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The cottage was very spacious and very comfortable. There was everything we needed and it was perfect for our family. We had a wonderful time there. The owners were very helpful when our car broke down, such a caring and wonderful people. We will certainly return hopefully when it's a bit warm so we can enjoy the massive beautiful garden and the teRead morennis court. The white horse pub just a mile away serve an absolutely delicious meal specially the Sunday roast. The walk to the pub was very scenic. Thank you to the owners. Great people. Hide

Reviewed by Jenny 2nd October 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Lovely house and amazing garden. Very quiet location, easy access to coast,NT properties etc. Possibly one of the best self catering properties we have stayed in

Reviewed by Margot 18th September 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Swallows Return was a fabulous place to stay for a week in the beautiful Kent countryside. The owners are wonderful hosts , who have created a wildlife haven , just 15 minutes from the coast. We had the most relaxing week in this wonderful, comfortable and well positioned property. The gardens are truly magical , a different view from each turn. Read more We were lucky enough to be there during THE hot week in September, but I'd imagine that it looks stunning in every season. Hide

Reviewed by Darren 16th September 2023

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Had a lovely week at Swallows Return. The barn is in a peaceful location & we were able to relax & enjoy the peace & quiet of the Kent countryside. Ashford was less than 15 minutes drive & has everything you need including supermarket & gym (essential for me)! The owners were wonderful hosts & went out of their way to ensure our stay was comfortaRead moreble. They welcomed us to share the 2 acres of beautiful garden so that we could walk our dog. The garden is full of fruit trees so we easily managed our 5-a-day. Scrumping was actively encouraged. With the provisions provided on our arrival the owners left some homemade apple juice & upon leaving presented us with some Victoria plum jam. On our star rating wed rate the accommodation & hosts with their hospitality 5 out of 5 Hide

Reviewed by Melissa 1st September 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Magnus 23rd July 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Swallows Return is a great place. The cottage is spacious and well equipped, the outdoor area is nice and the garden is great. The owners checked up on us a few times to see if there was anything missing or if they could help us out in any way. Swallows Return is highly recommended. We have rented a few cottages over the years and Swallows return iRead mores among the best, if not the best, we have rented Hide

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Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
The Travel Chapter Limited trading as Original Cottages is an appointed representative of ITC Compliance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (their registration number is 313486) and which is permitted to advise on and arrange general insurance contracts as an intermediary.
The Travel Chapter Limited trading as Original Cottages | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House Gammaton Road Bideford EX39 4DF Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.