ELMLEY NATURE RESERVE Isle of Sheppey, Kent

It’s not easy unplugging from the noise and hubbub of the swirling world around us these days. But a weekend at warm and welcoming Kingshill Farmhouse, on the family- owned 3,300 acre Elmley Nature Reserve, is a good place to start.

Overnight accommodation is either in the beautifully renovated and thoughtfully extended 17th- century farmhouse or in one of eight cleverly and comfortably fitted- out huts and cabins, some of which have outside rolltop baths so you can enjoy a starlit soak after a day’s birdwatching.

In the main farmhouse, luxuriously designed by Francesca Rowan Plowden, we booked The Lookout and The Nest on the top floor. Dressed with a mixture of antiques and bespoke furniture, sheepskin rugs and pure wool throws, not to mention the incredible views, this brace of rooms is wonderfully spacious and feels like an exclusive apartment. At night, guests are lulled by the soporific sound of the wind whistling down the chimney – the only noise in this otherworldly place.

One of the key USPs of Kingshill Farmhouse is that, from the moment guests walk through the front door, they feel just like they’re at home: you can sit in one of the three snug sitting rooms, make yourself a cup of tea or order something stronger from the friendly staff, and relax with a book or magazine, before heading through to the dining room for a delicious, hearty meal featuring local ingredients. Breakfast, meanwhile, is enjoyed in the bright kitchen, where flaky croissants and granola and yogurt are served at the large farmhouse table with a glorious backdrop of the estate viewed through floor-to- ceiling windows.

During the day you are free to explore the reserve and take in its wonderful birds and wildlife, either on your own or with a guide. elmleynaturereserve.co.uk

ABOVE, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Beautifully renovated Kingshill Farmhouse sits in the middle of the family- owned Elmley Nature Reserve; one of the elegant sitting rooms in the farmhouse where you can relax in comfort; enjoy a delicious breakfast in the light- filled, homely kitchen.