Leeds Castle, located near Maidstone, Kent, has opened four new luxury Lakeside Lodges, offering an exclusive escape for guests seeking a serene getaway surrounded by nature.
Accessed via a private walkway that meanders through the captivating Lady Baillie Mediterranean Garden Terraces, the Lakeside Lodges enable guests to enjoy direct entry to the historic Grade I listed Leeds Castle, steeped in over 900 years of history and its extensive range of amenities and facilities.
Guests will be immersed in nature as they relax on their private deck while appreciating the melodious bird songs, offering glimpses of Blue Tits, robins, and Goldcrests darting among the trees, and swans, ducks, and wildfowl gliding along the Great Water. A picturesque scene to enjoy while having a soak in the luxurious outdoor sleek black bathtub —a truly idyllic retreat.
Equipped with binoculars, the Lakeside Lodges provide a floor-to-ceiling window through which to observe wildlife across the expansive Great Water. Guests can enjoy watching the mist rising from the water’s surface on crisp, frosty mornings and, come nightfall, admiring the night sky through the stargazing roof-light directly above guests’ beds.
Luxurious facilities in each lodge include a walk-in shower, fluffy robes and slippers, Noble Isle toiletries and a hairdryer, as well as complimentary snacks, tea and coffee-making facilities.
Although guests will undoubtedly be captivated by their environment, each lodge is equipped with all of life’s mod cons, including a TV and free Wi-Fi, for those moments when Netflix calls, or you wish to connect with the wider world.
Each Lakeside Lodge has been named after an influential figure with links to the castle and county, including Ian Fleming, author of the James Bond series, who referenced Leeds Castle in The Moonraker and was also a frequent guest of Lady Baillie’s at Leeds Castle; actor, playwright and composer Noel Coward, once a guest at Leeds Castle and has links to Kent – both Noel and Ian Fleming owned a house on St Margaret’s seafront; writer Dame Daphne du Maurier who once stayed at Leeds Castle and allegedly declared she needed binoculars to see the other side of her room; and actress, singer and dancer Gertrude Lawrence who visited Leeds Castle with Noel Coward – it was also rumoured she had a relationship with Daphne du Maurier.
Together, Leeds Castle’s seamstress and local artist, Petronella Hall, have crafted distinctive soft furnishings adorned with an exclusive design by Petronella Hall, inspired by the enchanting local wildlife residing within the castle grounds, offering a truly one-of-a-kind design in the lodges.
“We are proud to unveil our latest addition to the Leeds Castle estate. The contemporary Lakeside Lodges are nestled within over 500 acres of historic and seasonal parkland, providing guests with an exciting opportunity to relish in a luxurious stay immersed in nature, amongst 900 years of history,” said Helen Bonser-Wilton, Chief Executive of the Leeds Castle Foundation.
“The lodges have been meticulously crafted to seamlessly integrate modern comforts while providing awe-inspiring views of the scenic Great Water and Leeds Castle estate. We are certain that our guests will be captivated by the unrivalled panoramas and impeccable hospitality, ensuring a truly remarkable and memorable stay.”
Designed by Koto, the lodges feature sculptural forms that maximise natural light, connecting guests with the outside world. Sustainability takes the lead in both the design and production of the lodges. Built using UK-grown timber and home-grown charred larch to minimise carbon footprint, carbon dioxide is captured in the fabric of the building and actively removed from the atmosphere, creating a carbon-neutral space.
Leeds Castle’s dedication to sustainability extends beyond the cabins with a biodiversity and landscape strategy that nurtures thriving habitats for nature within the castle’s grounds. This includes the area under and around cabins and the water’s edge to be managed to maximise its biodiversity and to protect and be of value to local wildlife populations. Once complete, the area will be home to bird nests and bat boxes, as well as a reptile refuge.
Stays at the Lakeside Lodges are priced from £245 per night for two adults on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
For more information, please visit https://leeds-castle.com/stay/lakeside-lodges/, call 01622 765 400 or email [email protected].
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