Sue Thompson Archives - Got My Reservations

Sometimes things just happen, and then sometimes things happen for a reason. In July 2011, we had planned to spend a week in a self-catering cottage in southeast England. It was a wonderful find, but it fell through. Thankfully, we found Sissinghurst Castle Farmhouse, and it was the perfect place for our holiday.

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I’m not usually the type of person who writes Trip Advisor reviews; in fact, we generally read these reviews with a wary eye. Often the reviewer has had a bad experience and wants to complain, or the effusive nature of the review makes one wonder if it was written by a relative or even the hotelier himself. In my case, the review I wrote was 100% accurate and I hope it brings more customers to Sissinghurst Castle Farmhouse. This B&B is that good.

Image credit: Got My Reservations

The Victorian farmhouse on the Elizabethan-era property has served as home to the tenant farmer and as a bed and breakfast. It was renovated by the National Trust two years ago and has modern plumbing, electricity, and a lift. It retains its Victorian charm through the combined efforts of the Trust and its charming hosts, Sue and Frazer Thompson.

Image credit: Got My Reservations

Entering through the beautiful wooden double doors, guests are likely to encounter the resident black labrador, Inca. She is polite and sedate, and seems to love everyone who visits. The visitor is enchanted with Inca, but the next view of the entry hall is even more fabulous. It’s everything (and more) the web site and the reviewers said it would be.

Image credit: Got My Reservations

The public rooms are tastefully decorated and comfortable. We spent time reading and connecting on the internet while in the parlor, and Sue serves tea in the late afternoon while guests are arriving. It’s a nice place to meet the people from around the world and make new friends. We also enjoyed a full English breakfast every morning in the dining room.

Image credit: Got My Reservations

Breakfast is served in antique Spode china and Sue puts fresh flowers everywhere. The gardens around the farmhouse are charming and show Sue’s decorating style. Even the shed by the car park area is pretty.

Image credit: Got My Reservations

Each bedroom suite is different and each is carved out of available space in the old farmhouse. Sue and Frazer live on the third floor of the home in their own suite. Sue recommended that we book the largest room, the Sissinghurst Bedroom, for our extended eleven day stay. It was beautiful, with quality linens and toiletries, and a very comfortable bed.

Image credit: Got My Reservations

I have rarely had a vacation where everything seemed to come together in a perfect whole. Sissinghurst Castle Farmhouse provided a warm home for us as we toured all over southeastern England and I highly recommend it — if you can get a booking! Plan ahead. Its location between several small cities is convenient for day trips, or you can just stay on the property and immerse yourself in one of the world’s finest gardens. More on Sissinghurst Castle Gardens and its inhabitants on another day. Keep reading!

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