Deal, Kent

Kent's Most Quietly Irresistible Retreat

Where centuries-old stone, open fires, and a chef's inspired table conspire to keep you forever.

Tucked into the rolling Kent countryside just a short drive from the shingle shores of Deal, Updown Farmhouse is the kind of place that makes you wonder why you ever board a plane. This beautifully restored 17th-century farmhouse wears its history lightly — original bones and timeworn charm sit in easy harmony with a distinctly modern sensibility. Rooms are quietly luxurious, the conservatory catches the afternoon light in the most flattering way, and on warmer days, the outdoor pool transforms the whole property into something that feels rather more Provence than peninsula.

The real draw, however, is chef Oli's kitchen. Gather around the open fire as seasonal dishes emerge with quiet confidence — this is cooking that champions the Garden of England in the most delicious sense. The set menu changes with the land and the larder, and with vineyards practically on the doorstep, the wine list feels as local and considered as everything else. Service throughout is immaculate without ever tipping into stiffness; the kind of attentiveness that makes you feel genuinely looked after rather than merely processed.

Updown Farmhouse is perfectly pitched for couples seeking a restorative escape, devoted foodies chasing a brilliant table, and garden lovers who want beauty at every turn. It is not the grandest property in Kent, nor does it try to be — and that, frankly, is much of its appeal. Book a long weekend, bring someone you love, and let Oli do the rest.

Notable Features

What Sets It Apart

Outdoor pool
Open fire kitchen
Conservatory dining
Vineyards
Immaculate service

Gallery

Inside & Out

Updown Farmhouse — interior and exterior view 1

Updown Farmhouse — interior and exterior view 2

Updown Farmhouse — interior and exterior view 3

Updown Farmhouse — interior and exterior view 4

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Updown Farmhouse — interior and exterior view 7

Updown Farmhouse — interior and exterior view 8

Updown Farmhouse — interior and exterior view 9

Updown Farmhouse — interior and exterior view 10

Updown Farmhouse — interior and exterior view 11

Updown Farmhouse — interior and exterior view 12

Updown Farmhouse — interior and exterior view 13

Updown Farmhouse — interior and exterior view 14

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Updown Farmhouse — interior and exterior view 17

Updown Farmhouse — interior and exterior view 18

Updown Farmhouse — interior and exterior view 19

Guest Voices

What They Say

“Such a lovely and relaxing place to be! The room was very spacious and warm, and the library and other sitting areas were wonderful too. Staff were very friendly. The food in the restaurant is superb, the focaccia, the ribollita, the puddings, all wonderful. The BA is also a great bright space for a drink. Would highly recommend, and would love to come back, thank you for a fab few days!”

ninette fernandes5/5

“We had a truly lovely evening at the restaurant celebrating a family occasion. The service was excellent throughout – Jade(with a G she'll know who I am), our server, was both very pleasant and highly professional, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The food was beautifully cooked with great presentation, and the complimentary drinks were a very thoughtful touch. The desserts were absolutely beautiful as well. Overall, a fantastic experience and I would highly recommend this restaurant.”

Stewart Pritchard4/5

“We stayed a night at Updown and ate at the restaurant. Our room was beautiful and the bed extremely comfortable. The whole house is exquisitely designed & there are lots of cosy, peaceful areas to sit throughout the house. Service was really friendly. The food & drinks delicious. The only aspect that stopped this from being a completely ideal stay is that it was uncomfortably hot throughout the house & restaurant (in January).”

Alanna Henderson4/5

“Such a beautiful location. The restaurant was lovely with a clear view of the kitchen, which is quite cool. The staff were friendly and so welcoming. The food was excellent. It was Wednesday Steak night. We had the set menu and it was delicious. We went up to house to prepare our own drinks, before dinner. Beautiful rooms to lounge in with your drink and there was jazz playing on the sound system. Beautiful ambience. Highly recommend 😍👌🙌”

Morne Gabriels5/5

“I came here yesterday for a lovely lunch with a good friend & it was a beautiful experience. Our service by Brooke & Zulay was nice and they were attentive & relaxed, helped us with the wine choice. The food was tasty, well balanced, fresh & the rice pudding a pure joy. The quince cocktail my friend had was also very very good!! Thank you chefs and front of house! I can’t wait to come back again! Thank you Updown! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️”

Jools Moore5/5