Glen Hill is a grand period home located on the outskirts of Deal in Kent with views to the rear overlooking one of the Queen Mother's favoured retreats, Walmer Castle and the sea beyond. Sleeping up to 16 people it offers the perfect holiday house for large groups or a couple of families with very flexible accommodation and plenty of living space so you don't feel at all crowded. It is traditionally furnished with a spacious regal drawing room with a large open fireplace and floor to ceiling windows and doors which open onto the elegant pavillion-style conservatory. The dining room has seating for 20 guests while a large kitchen/diner offers less formal dining along with an Aga cooker.
The beach is only a short stroll away and for those feeling particularly energetic there is a tennis court available for guests to use (summer only).
The Wing - always available throughout your stay for no extra charge.
The Wing offers 3 extra bedrooms and its own kitchen, dining room and sitting room. There are 2 good sized double bedrooms and one twin room. The bathroom is on the same floor and downstairs there is a small kitchen. The dining room is a lovely big room with a large table and then there is another sitting room. It has it's own front door or you can also access it so it is part of the main house.
Ground floor:
lobby area with a spacious interior hallway beyond.
Kitchen/diner with an AGA, seperate Rangemaster cooker with a 5 ring gas hob, microwave, small fridge, dishwasher and a breakfast table which seats 10. Please note that the Aga is turned off in the Summer.
There is a seperate utility room housing a large fridge/freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer and original walk-in pantry and a WC off the utility room.
Up 4 steps:
Drawing room, a large and elegant room with a working fireplace (some logs provided), TV/DVD player and a BT Box. French doors open onto the Conservatory.
Dining room, a large table seating up to 20 people, original fireplace with electric fire and French doors out onto the Conservatory. There is access to a music room/playroom through the dining room.
The Conservatory is furnished with wicker chairs and tables providing seating for up to 10 guests with views out over the grounds to the rear of Walmer Castle and towards the distant sea. Please note this room is not heated.
From the hallway, a grand oak staircase leads up to the first floor:
Twin bedroom, original fireplace and an en-suite bathroom with a hand held shower and an additional door so it can double up as a guest cloakroom.
Junior Master double with a King-size bed, TV, en-suite bathroom with a freestanding ball and claw roll-top bath and seperate shower.
Second floor:
Master Suite housing a super king-size double, French doors lead out onto the balcony at the rear of the house overlooking the grounds and Walmer Castle. En-suite shower room.
Twin bedroom, original fireplace, dolls house.
A further two beds are available to accommodate extra guests and can be put up in any of the bedrooms to suit your needs.
A cot and high chair are available upon request and Wifi is also available for guests use.
Outside:
The property is set in a spacious two acre plot with terraced areas for outside dining, lawns and a rudimentary tennis court (summer only).
BBQ is available upon request and there is garden furniture for up to 20 guests.
Off road parking for at least 5 cars.
The Area
Deal is steeped in history having not one but three castles built by Henry VIII, namely Deal, Walmer and Sandown. The first two are English Heritage sites and Sandown (only a few stones remain) is on the cycle path that follows the coast path. Deal has the town motto of 'Adjuvate Advenas' which for those not familiar with Latin is translated into " Befriend a Stranger" - perfect for those wanting to be made welcome on a self catering holiday to Deal or short break!
For the historians Deal is mentioned in the Doomsday book, but evidence suggests its history goes back much further. Julius Caesar is said to have landed upon the Deal & Walmer coast in 55 and 54 BC. Deal is one of the Cinque Ports and has been important in the defences of south east England throughout history. With a coastline that was permanently exposed to potential attack it was no wonder that Deal played such an important role.
There is something for everyone in Deal, fantastic and often quirky independent shops, markets, delicatessens, pubs, restaurants and cafes, together with a wonderful weekly bric-a-brac and food market. The actual town centre is pedestrianised which makes it an ideal place to wander and explore. Deal has a long Pier which was named Pier of the Year in 2008 and boasts an award-winning café and restaurant, whilst the beach is perfect for soaking up the coastal scenery. Deal is a true Georgian town with winding streets and lovely promenade.
Other things to do in Deal include the Time Ball Tower Museum, which is a Semaphore Tower and was used to pass messages along the East Coast to warn of smugglers. This museum contains many curious items and is well worth a visit. The Deal Maritime and Local History Museum is also very interesting as it tells the full historical story of this seaside town. The Deal Memorial Bandstand is a remembrance of the bombing of Deal's Royal Marines School of Music in 1989. The bandstand is in regular use and there are free concerts from May to September on Sunday afternoons.
Deal and Walmer have excellent bars, cafes and restaurants to choose from, including an award winning restaurant at the end of the pier. Within a 2 minute walk of the house is the best fish and chip shop in the country!
For golfers, try your skills on a links course and Deal has plenty to offer; Walmer and Kingsdown Golf Links, Royal St George's in Sandwich, and Royal Cinque Ports in Deal are all within an easy reach.
For sailing enthusiasts, the nearby Downs Sailing Club holds events suitable for novices and experienced sailors, throughout the season.
For swimmers who don't like the seawater, a visit with the family to Tides Leisure Centre, a minute's drive away, is a must, including numerous flumes, slides and Jacuzzi's.
Fishing need not just be nipping down to the beach front for the catch of the day off the local fisherman, why not bring your rod and bait and cast off from the pier or beach yourself?
Plus don't forget your passport! France can easily be seen on a clear day and via Dover, a day trip (21 miles) to our near neighbour is easily do-able!
Deal is a unique place, where coast meets country, country meets the town and England meets the Continent. Whatever the time of year, it's a great spot to savour some quality time and glimpse life from a bygone era.
You'll find a wealth of independent, quirky shops open all year round, and every Saturday, in the centre of town, a lively market with stalls selling everything from antiques through to cheese and wine.
For generations, artists, designers, writers and musicians have been inspired by the beautiful coastline, chalk cliffs, stunning countryside, smugglers' alleyways, historical heritage and nautical charisma.
There's an energetic arts scene with a host of independent galleries, exhibitions and events, whatever the time of year, there's always something exciting happening.
Regardless of whether you are after a casual bite or a full dining experience, Deal's choices of eateries will appeal to all tastes and appetites.
Dozens of pubs, cafes and restaurants are making the most of their prime location in the Garden of England using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients including fresh seafood from the surrounding shores.
