The Weekenders - Search for weekend getaways around the UK.

Fostums - Aldington

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B&B with an Art Deco twist

Sometimes all it takes is a first glimpse at a place to know that it’s somewhere special - venture up the long, tree-lined drive to Fostums, and you’ll see what we mean. A bright white Art Deco building, with angles that are made even sharper by the rolling Kent countryside that surrounds them, and huge, Modernist curved windows - Fostums is a mecca to 1930s, Hercules-Poirot-style chic and the very definition of the term ‘wow factor’.

Originally designed by modernist architect Oliver Hill, Fostums is now owned by Emma and Fairfax Knox and their family, who have opened part of this extraordinary house as a B&B. Two en-suite bedrooms, simply decorated with a distinctly Art Deco theme, have comfy, duvet-ed beds and show-stopping views across Fostums’ 5 acres of grounds and the flats of Romney Marsh beyond. Stay in the summer for the best of the light, both bouncing off the white-washed walls outside and in the bedrooms themselves. Summer breakfasts are also a treat, as you sit in the house’ south-facing loggia, enjoying the scenery stretching out ahead - on a clear day it’s said that you keen see for over 20 miles.

Where is it?

Fostums sits just outside the village of Aldington, on the edge of Kent’s famous Romney Marsh. The marsh can be an eery place - 100 square miles of flat wetlands, much of which sits below sea level and used to be under water - but it has many hidden delights: small villages, their church’s spires sticking up into the vast, empty skies, miles of quiet, winding country lanes and a whole ark of wildlife, some of which can’t be found anywhere else in the UK, including the Hungarian laughing frog and, of course, the marsh mallow. But it’s cyclists that will adore the marsh the most - hours of deserted countryside biking that’s as flat as a pancake. Romney Cycles (Tel: 01797 362155) in New Romney, about 8 miles from Aldington, offers cycle hire and lots of advice on where to go once you’re bike-borne.

Fostums is also perfectly placed for a day at the seaside. While the ferry terminals and ‘70s architecture in Folkestone might not appeal, the stretch of coastline between Folkestone and Hastings is surprisingly lovely. The seaside village of Dymchurch is just 6 miles from Aldington and a great place for some sea air. Yes, there are amusement arcades, and yes, there are caravan parks, but the star attraction at Dymchurch - the sandy beach - stretches as far as the eye can see, and further than most of the Dymchurch donkey rides are prepared to travel. The resort is also home to the brilliant Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway (www.rhdr.org.uk Tel: 01797 362353), opened in 1927 as ‘The World’s Smallest Railway’ and now covering the 14 miles from Hythe to the lighthouse at Dungeness. The mini steam locomotives run on weekends throughout the year.

Further west along the coast and 16 miles from Aldington, is the beautiful and ancient port of Rye. The medieval fishing village that, in the 13th century, was made one of the famous Cinque Ports by the Plantagenets, has become a picturesque tourist haven - and for good reason. Rye’s cobbled streets, narrow alleys and higgledy-piggledy architecture are gorgeous. Climb the tower at St Mary’s Church for the best views of the medieval town centre, Romney Marsh and out to sea, then stop at the famous, 12th century Mermaid Inn (www.mermaidinn.com Tel: 01797 223065) for a pint next to the enormous, open fireplace.

For history on a grander scale, visit Canterbury, 18 miles north of Aldington. Its world famous Cathedral (www.canterbury-cathedral.org Tel: 01227 762862), a towering edifice of jumbled architectural styles with a jaw-dropping, cavernous interior, is one of the UK’s very few UNESCO World Heritage Sites, along with St Augustine’s Abbey (www.english-heritage.org.uk Tel: 01227 767345), the romantic ruins of the abbey built in 597AD and St Martin’s Church - England’s oldest parish church still in use (it’s believed to have been built in the 4th century). The latter sit just outside the old city walls. The city itself sits on the pretty River Stour, and is a jumble of period building styles, cobbled streets and modern shopping. The attractive heart of Canterbury can only be explored on foot, and it’s easy to while away a day wandering aimlessly, but if you really want to discover all of the city’s hidden gems, you’d do well to follow one of the city’s numerous guided tours. One of the best is a Canterbury River Tour (www.canterburyrivertours.co.uk Tel: 07790 534 744) - which operate from April to September. Enjoy being ‘chauffered’ (ie rowed) through town on the River Stour by one of the company’s young and enthusiastic crew and see some of the city’s most beautiful sights, including the cathedral, from a new angle.

Where can I eat?

We won’t beat around the bush - this corner of Kent is not the gastronomic capital of the world. But if you’re prepared to put the pedal to the metal, you’ll find some real gems more than worth the effort. The Wife of Bath (www.thewifeofbath.com Tel: 01233 812232) in pretty Wye, 8 miles from Aldington, is a gorgeous little restaurant, serving vibrant and fresh British food, made with local and seasonal ingredients. Their puddings alone will make you crave seconds.

For something totally different, The Watering Hole (www.totallywild.net Tel: 01303 234190) is the new luxury restaurant at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, 3 miles from Fostums. On selected summer evenings, you can enjoy a sunset safari through the park, then enjoy your evening meal watching the giraffe, zebra and rhino roaming in front of you. It might sound like Serengheti Disney-land, but the park takes its wildlife conservation very seriously, and The Watering Hole takes its mouthwatering, fine-dining menu seriously too.

Take a trip into Canterbury for a big selection of great restaurants. The Goods Shed (Tel: 01227 459153) - a small, permanent farmer’s market in an old railway goods shed, with a rustic restaurant attached. Lunches and dinners are cooked using only ingredients from the market that day, so your fish will be as fresh as if you’d just caught it and your bread will have just been baked 30ft from your table. It’s totally fantastic (and the market’s perfect for picnickers too). For something a little more spangly, the city-centre Abode Hotel is home to Michael Caines Restaurant (www.michaelcaines.com Tel: 01227 826684) - a chic dining room with a vibrant Modern British Menu. Head Chef, Mark Rossi, under the guidance of Michael Caine himself (the award-winning chef, rather than glasses-wearing Brit icon), uses lots of local Kent ingredients, including Whitstable seafood and Romney Marsh lamb, in his dishes - while the restaurant’s tasting menu is fantastic. Oh, and words can’t describe the puddings on offer.

Of course, you could just pop down to the seaside and enjoy fish and chips while watching the sun go down...

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Sometimes all it takes is a first glimpse at a place to know that it’s somewhere special - venture up the long, tree-lined drive to Art Deco Fostums, and you’ll see what we mean.