insideKENT Magazine Issue 31 - October 2014 | Page 105

GETAWAYS Rooms at the Winery Over the last few years, the UK wine making market has made a fine name for itself across the world, and the wines from Terlingham Vineyard and Winery near Folkestone are no exception. The flavours are light and fruity, and hints of elderflower, lavender, and even litchi all make their presence known. Whether you try the refreshing still wines, or the delicious white or pink sparkling varieties, you’ll immediately know you are tasting something just that little bit special. BY LISAMARIE LAMB But there is more to Terlingham Vineyard than fabulous wines. The owners, Lorna and Graham, offer a luxurious escape from the ordinary in their Rooms at the Winery bed and breakfast. Just a quick trip on the high-speed from London, minutes from Eurotunnel, and near to other beautiful East Kent towns such as Canterbury, this really is the perfect spot to indulge in a little ‘me’ time. Arriving at Terlingham Vineyard, I was impressed by how picturesque it was. Accessed by a winding, narrow country lane and surrounded by lush fields and spectacular views of the English Channel beyond, this seemed to me to be the perfect place for some good old fashion indulgence; learning about wine, and exploring the local countryside and towns. I was happily welcomed into the light, bright Rooms at the Winery and I immediately felt at home. This is the kind of place where the owners like to treat guests as family. I was given a brief rundown of the local activities, as well as being assured that if I did want to do any wine tasting (I did – I definitely did) then I just needed to ask and it could be arranged. There are three rooms to choose from, each one slightly different to the last, but each one magnificently presented and with all the amenities anyone could want when staying away from home. I stayed in Saxon Shore, a spacious, airy room on the lower floor. With one other room on the same floor, and a larger room up above (ideal for use as a honeymoon suite), it is a cosy r etreat, and with so few guests it really is possible to be pampered and feel special whilst having as much privacy as you wish. My room offered up the most luxurious king size bed, complete with fluffy pillows and a thick, comforting duvet. There was an LCD flat screen TV and a fancy push-button tea and coffee making machine – which is my idea of heaven – but to add to the bliss, the towels were fresh and soft, the robes were gorgeously comfortable, the shower was huge, the bathroom floors were heated, and the complimentary luxury toiletries were a wonderful treat. As a bonus surprise, there was even a bottle of Terlingham Sparkling Wine to welcome me to the vineyard, and to whet my appetite for more. What more could I ask for? It was very tempting to snuggle up and stay in my tastefully decorated room for as long as I possibly could, but there were places