• Home-min
  • A bride smiles outside the Manor House after marrying in the Great Hall
  • A bride smiles outside the Manor House after marrying in the Great Hall
  • Stay-with-us
  • Barn6
  • The-Gardens12
  • About-us-scaled
  • Home-min
  • Home-min
  • Home-min
Image-min-1-scaled

A cosy country cottage to rent in Kent

A peaceful, two-bedroom
retreat for short breaks

Book your stay
Image-min-1-scaled

A cosy country cottage to rent in Kent

A peaceful, two-bedroom
retreat for short breaks

Book your stay

Escape to the country at Dovecote Cottage

Looking for a peaceful cottage to rent in Kent for a short break or a special occasion? Just a short stroll from the Manor House, Dovecote Cottage is private but not remote. It forms part of Solton Manor’s collection of luxury self-catering accommodation, and can be booked independently or as part of a wider estate stay. 

 

The dining room in the Dovecote Cottage at Solton Manor in Kent

Dovecote Cottage is a lovingly restored two-bedroom property that offers everything you could need for a relaxed cottage stay. Originally built as a traditional dovecote, the building has been thoughtfully converted into a contemporary country cottage with two floors. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend with your partner or a week-long break with your friends, our idyllic country cottage is ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life. 

The dining room in the Dovecote Cottage at Solton Manor in Kent

Charming Kent holiday cottage to hire

Set away from the main manor house, Dovecote Cottage enjoys a peaceful setting beside the lily moat and ornamental wildlife pond.

Inside, you’ll find two cosy bedrooms sleeping up to four guests, a stylish shower room, and an open-plan living and dining area for those slow mornings and lazy evenings. Every detail has been carefully considered to create a welcoming space that feels both relaxed and refined.

The sitting room in the Dovecote Cottage at Solton Manor in Kent

Start your morning with a coffee in the summer house next to the ornamental pond as the ducks glide across the water, then head out for a scenic walk through the estate’s idyllic grounds. Afternoons are perfect for leisurely picnics, reading in the garden, or visiting the nearby coastal towns and castles. As the sun sets, retreat to your private hot tub for a relaxed evening under the stars. The perfect way to truly unwind and reconnect with your loved ones.

The sitting room in the Dovecote Cottage at Solton Manor in Kent

A historic hideaway in the Kent countryside

Solton Manor is a Grade II-listed estate, with roots that stretch back to the Domesday Book of 1086. Tucked just to the left of the main house lies one of its quiet historical treasures: the Dovecote Cottage.

 

The property was originally built to house pigeons and doves, and was a symbol of self-sufficiency and status on English Tudor estates. Pigeons provided a reliable source of food, eggs, and fertiliser, and, in a more surprising twist, their droppings played a vital role in the tanning of leather. Once home to dozens of birds, the interior would have been lined with rows of nesting niches set into the thick brick walls.

By the late 20th Century, the dovecote had fallen into disuse, so we began its careful restoration in 1991. We carefully preserved its period features such as the brickwork and solid oak door, and discreetly modernised the interior to include heating, lighting, and plumbing. We also added a Juliet balcony to frame the spectacular views over the old moat, the Ponte Vecchio Bridge, and gardens. The Dovecote Cottage is now a standout feature of this very special estate.

What’s included when you rent Dovecote Cottage?

Sleeps up to 4 across 2 cosy bedrooms
Optional extra accommodation in the manor house (sleeps 24 with an additional hot tub)
Open plan kitchen, living, and dining space
Bed linen, towels, and tableware provided
Stylish modern shower room
Fully equipped self-catering kitchen
Beautiful views of the moat and ornamental pond
Charming countryside setting on a secure private estate
Cots and highchairs available on request
Private garden with a luxury outdoor hot tub
Juliet balcony
Ample private parking
Private chef hire available
Pet-friendly

Things to do during your stay

If you fancy a fun-filled day out, why not visit one of these popular spots in Kent:

  • The renowned White Cliffs of Dover and South Foreland Lighthouse 
  • Historic castles like Dover Castle and Walmer Castle 
  • Pretty coastal towns such as Deal, Whitstable, and Folkestone 
  • Local beaches, including St Margaret’s Bay and Sandwich Bay
  • The historic city of Canterbury, with its impressive Cathedral 
  • Drive across to Europe on the Euro Tunnel or hop on the Dover-Calais ferry and experience a slice of France!
An AI Generated Taxi next to the White Cliffs of Dover
An AI Generated Taxi next to the White Cliffs of Dover

Perfectly placed to explore the garden of England

St Margaret's Bay, near Dover, Kent
St Margaret’s Bay
Sat on the 160-mile Saxon Shore Way, this shingle beach offers glorious views and an excuse to visit the historic South Foreland Lighthouse
nationaltrust.org.uk
Dover Castle
Dover Castle
Discover 2,000 years of history and enjoy modern-day reenactments of all the key periods
english-heritage.org.uk
Dover-Transport-Museum
Dover Transport Museum
Step back in time and marvel at the vintage transport and vintage shop fronts on display
dovertransportmuseum.org.uk
Travel-to-France
Travel to France
The Dover-Calais ferry takes just one and a half hours making it an easy day trip from Solton Manor
0ab8fb_85c90d888f5f4cf9840ecba94f3ffa66mv2
Dover Sea Safari
For a sea safari experience that takes you closer to Kent's wildlife and dramatic coastline
Dover Sea Safari
Sandwich bay
Stop off at Sandwich
Once described as ‘the most complete medieval town in England’, this charming location is home to a number of independent shops
visitkent.co.uk

    A relaxing midweek break at Dovecote Cottage

    The Dovecote Cottage is the perfect get away fro couple for a romantic weekend away for an anniversary, birthday, and more.

    Here’s what a typical midweek 2-night stay at Dovecote Cottage might look like:

    Tuesday PM

    • Check in from 4 pm and settle into your private cottage
    • Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the estate’s grounds
    • Prepare something delicious in the kitchen or enjoy a hearty meal at one of the nearby country or seaside pubs 

    Wednesday

    • Wake up to the sounds of birdsong
    • Enjoy a slow breakfast in the garden or summer house
    • Explore the stunning medieval Dover Castle, just a 10-minute drive away
    • Walk the White Cliffs of Dover to South Foreland Lighthouse
    • Return to the estate and relax with drinks beside the pond
    • Soak under the stars in the luxury hot tub

    Thursday AM

    • Sip on your morning coffee overlooking the lily moat
    • Check out feeling relaxed and refreshed
    The Dovecote Cottage is the perfect get away fro couple for a romantic weekend away for an anniversary, birthday, and more.

    Your own country cottage for the weekend

    The Dovecote Cottage from the Ponte Vecchio Bridge in Kent

    Is a weekend away calling to you? Dovecote Cottage provides the perfect base for your relaxing Kent escape – here’s our suggested weekend itinerary:

    Friday PM

    • Check in from 4 pm and unpack
    • Unwind with a glass of wine in the garden
    • Settle in for a cosy evening dinner

    Saturday

    • Enjoy a well-deserved lie-in
    • Tuck into an al fresco breakfast in the garden
    • Visit Walmer Castle or the charming seaside town of Deal
    • Dine out at a local gastropub or book a private chef to cook for you
    • Relax and unwind with your favourite drink in the hot tub 

    Sunday AM

    • Take your morning slow with fresh pastries and coffee
    • Enjoy one last stroll through the estate’s grounds
    • Head home with a fresh spring in your step

    Whether you’re planning a 2-night weekend stay or a midweek refresh, Dovecote Cottage is an excellent choice for your next short break in Kent.

    The Dovecote Cottage from the Ponte Vecchio Bridge in Kent
    Lauren-Daniel-35

    Book your stay at Dovecote Cottage

    Start planning your escape
    Call: 01304 448844
    Email: info@soltonmanor.com