Maison Blanche
Ripple, Deal, Kent, UK
Graceful, fun and confident but without losing sight of tradition, if Maison Blanche were a person, they would be the most charismatic in the room. A joy for all the senses, intoxicating lavender drifts through the open blush pink front door of this luxury self-catering cottage near coastal Deal in Kent, while velvet cushions and their merry pompoms scattered on sink-into beds invite long lie-ins to the sweet soundtrack of birdsong outside.
Introduction
As though a manifestation of motherhood into bricks and mortar, Maison Blanche is as soft as it is strong. A luxury self-catering Grade II listed cottage which has stood the test of time since 1647, each corner breathes harmony and cheer into the everyday with subtle pops of pattern, colourful embellishments and a generous dose of cool pastel hues. Outside it’s all about life’s simplest pleasures; a tree swing slowly sways from the branch of a giant sycamore, apple trees blossom and fruit with the seasons and a hot tub bubbles under twinkling, cloudless skies.
Inside
After being welcomed by the bumble bee knocker on the stable door (an ode to author F.W.L Sladen who once lived on the estate), drop bags by the stairs and sink into this Victorian retreat with a modern twist. Bright and comforting, vintage furnishings sit alongside Maison Blanche’s original 17th century features, while artworks reflecting the natural world adorn the walls across all three floors. A satisfyingly colour-coded book wall offers guests the opportunity to delve into other worlds, along with the perfect spot for working from home.
Outside
Hidden within the Ripple Court estate’s twelve acres of grounds, Maison Blanche’s private gardens are a wild retreat where butterflies happily glide between the blooms. Just three miles away is the pretty seaside town of Deal (touted by The Times as one of the best places to live in the UK), where Georgian town houses are adorned with overflowing flower baskets, maritime history abounds and a pier, typical of the Great British seaside, stretches out to sea. Once home, crack open the fizz and sink into the al fresco hot tub before dining together beneath the floating leaves of the willow tree.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 6 guests
From £1,650 per week, £1,250 per short break - Alternative group optionsUp to 2 or up to 4 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsOn the first floor are two bedrooms, one with king-size bed and one with twin beds, and a family bathroom with bath and shower. In the pitched roof attic floor, accessed via steep stairs and through a small door, one bedroom with double bed and one family bathroom with a bath and shower attachment.
View bedrooms - FeaturesWood-fired hot tub
- PetsTwo medium well-behaved dogs are welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyYes, children are very welcome. A cot and highchair are available.
- PracticalitiesThere is ample parking for up to five cars on the private drive. The kitchen and adjoining utility includes an electric oven, large fridge-freezer, dishwasher, washer-dryer, microwave, kettle and toaster. Due to the age and nature of the cottage, some ceilings and doorways are a little lower than modern houses; please mind your head. There is an artist´s easel if guests wish to get creative. For those with discerning hounds in tow, the garden is partially enclosed with the drive open. If arriving by air, helicopters are welcome to land on the grounds.
- Homestay includesLuxury welcome hamper of local produce, Smart TV, internet, luxury bed linen and towels, board games, Jaques croquet set, recipe books...House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more
- Private cateringSeeking a celebratory dinner or fully catered escape? Our recommended caterers will work with you to create personalised menus for your stay. Details are shared through our house book on confirming your booking.
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questions
Prices & Availability
Deal
Closer to Calais than it is to London, Deal´s motto of "adjuvate advenas", meaning "befriend a stranger" says everything you need to know. Bohemian in spirit and soul, the mish-mash of styles and events which span this coastal town´s streets are not to be missed.
Getting there
- On the Map Maison Blanche is situated just outside of the coastal town of Deal, Kent.
- By Car The property is just a two hour drive from central London.
- By Train Martin Mill is five minutes away by car. There are regular trains from St Pancras with Southeastern, with a journey time of one-and-a-half hours.
- By Air Gatwick Airport, London Stansted and Heathrow Airport are all within a two hour drive from the cottage. Helicopters are welcome to land on the grounds of Maison Blanche.
From the owner
“The path to the front door is lined with lavender that attracts bees and butterflies throughout the summer while the abundant wildlife in the garden and surrounding areas provides a wonderful backdrop.”
Maison Blanche is part of the small estate of Ripple Court, set apart from the main house, with its own private driveway. We have tried to make it as restful and restorative a sanctuary as possible so that you can tuck yourselves up in the countryside away from the stresses of life.
One of the earliest owners of the main house was a gentleman by the name of F.W.L Sladen, who's work, 'The Humble Bee´ is still the preeminent literature on the raising and domesticating of bees today. We have tried to honour this in the abundance of pollinator-friendly flowers and the beautiful bee knocker on the front door.
Without a doubt my favourite part of the house is the attic suite. You will need to climb the staircase and duck to get in, but it is so worth it. Once inside it is the epitome of calm. Enjoy the morning sun streaming in through the bedroom windows with views out over the fields and in the evening, as the sun sets, the light falls across the freestanding bath where you can relax with a glass of wine. There is a well-stocked library in the hallway, feel free to grab a book and relax in the bath, in the garden or by the hot tub.
Francesca
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Deal with an insider’s perspective.
To See
Wildwood Trust, Herne Common
Set in 40 acres of ancient woodland, the Wildwood Trust brings visitors nose-to-nose with British wildlife. With a focus on conservation, Wildwood engages all ages with the natural world which is prevalent all around them.
To Eat
The Pop up Café, Deal
With arguably the best coffee in Kent, pick a pew on Deal High Street from which to indulge in delicious cakes and a vegetarian menu to die for. Highly recommended are the supper clubs, where meze made from locally sourced ingredients are the name of the game.
To Do
Viking Beach, Broadstairs
A sweeping horseshoe-shaped stretch of sand showcases the very best of the Great British seaside in Broadstairs. Think rock pooling, children´s rides and surf lessons for those with energy to spare, or lounging on deck chairs for those with a penchant for reclination.
To Do
Chapel Down Winery
One for wine-lovers, the excellent Chapel Down Winery is based in Tenterden and is home to the largest producer of English Wines. Book in for a 60-minute tour and tasting session, followed by lunch at the Swan at Chapel Down.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
We absolutely loved our stay at Maison Blanche, it was magical arriving and walking up the lavender-lined path to the property. Seeing our children enjoy the beautiful outdoor space was a highlight and discovering the gorgeously designed rooms inside. The food hamper and local produce were a lovely touch. We were sad to leave and ready to move in!
The house was beautifully decorated inside and out and the young people enjoyed the hot tub! We often rent houses and we were very impressed with how clean the house was! It was a peaceful location and the secure garden was really good as we had an 18month grandson and our dog with us.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Maison Blanche and Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
complete an image bank request
Rural retreat
25 Beautiful Homes
July 2023Bright outlook
Country Homes & Interiors
May 2022The best Christmas cottages in the UK
The Times
November 2021Snow white
Country Homes & Interiors
December 2024The UK´s cosiest boltholes for Christmas
The Times
December 2024Natural beauty
25 Beautiful Homes
December 202425 of the best autumn getaways
The Times
November 2024Good manors
Condé Nast Traveller
November 2024
Collections > Dog-Friendly Escapes > UK > Kent > Deal > Maison Blanche
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Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.
