The setting

Gardens, wildlife and room to breathe

A peaceful place near Minster where days unfold around open countryside, changing skies and the gentle rhythm of the grounds.

Honey Bee Lodge and its timber deck in warm evening light — The little home that started everything

Our story

From an overgrown paddock to Honey Bee Lodge

During the lockdown of 2020, we took a gamble: we sold our house and bought an old, overgrown paddock. Knowing our dream home would take years to build, we created a cosy, well-insulated off-grid cabin that felt like a proper home from the beginning.

We started keeping bees and chickens, planted fruit trees and embraced our version of “the good life”. Two years in, we followed the Grand Designs formula rather too closely — falling pregnant and running out of money for the house build.

By 2025 the main house was complete enough for us to move in. After four years of family life in the cabin, we simply could not bring ourselves to remove the place that had given us so many happy memories. Instead, we made it Honey Bee Lodge.

Gardens and countryside On-property parking Starlink Wi-Fi

What it means to us

Filled with love, fun and adventure

Honey Bee Lodge is where some of our happiest memories were made. It remains a peaceful haven, at one with nature, where guests can switch off from the noise of the world and take time to breathe.

A family home first

Built for comfort rather than as a basic holiday cabin, with the warmth and practical details that helped our family feel at home for four years.

Views with a little magic

The drive opens to far-reaching views towards Pegwell Bay, Sandwich and the Canterbury villages. Through the trees, ships travelling between Dover and Calais can appear to float across the sky.

Space to slow down

Gardens, fruit trees, changing skies and the sounds of wildlife create a gentle rhythm that feels a world away from everyday noise.

Path through the lodge garden — Gardens to wander

Brahma chickens in the garden — Friendly chickens

Buttercup meadow and mature tree — Open countryside

Sunset framed by foliage — Changing evening skies

Wildlife at the lodge

Regular visitors, residents and tiny surprises

We share the paddock with an extraordinary variety of wildlife. Some guests arrive quietly, others announce themselves, and there is nearly always something to spot.

Look to the skies

A barn owl and a family of little owls live nearby. Swallows and house martins return each year, while buzzards, sparrowhawks and the occasional red kite circle above. Bright green parakeets often surprise first-time visitors.

Life in the gardens

Dragonflies, butterflies, bumblebees, honey bees, lizards, grasshoppers, hummingbird hawk-moths, frogs and newts are among the smaller residents. In 2026, we also began releasing rehabilitated hedgehogs here.

Meet the Brahmas

Our large, friendly Brahma chickens live in a run in front of the lodge. Guests are welcome to say hello and use the corn we leave out — shake the container and they come running in their magnificent “baggy trousers”.

Family days

A little magic for younger guests

We created the gardens as a place for our own children to explore, with logs, trees, a playhouse and woodland adventures. Guests pass our resident fairy’s house on the drive and are very welcome to visit.

For easier family stays, we can provide a travel cot, highchair and age-appropriate toys. We may even be able to help with a spare child car seat if arranged in advance.

Useful baby equipment Fairy house and play Chickens to visit

The lodge's friendly Brahma chickens in their garden setting

Ready to relax?

Plan your stay at Honey Bee Lodge in Minster, Kent.

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