Skip to main content

Historic Country Pub Unveils New Accommodation Offer

Posted: 27th February 2016

For the first time in its 400-year-history, the FitzWalter Arms in Goodnestone near Canterbury is now offering guest accommodation.

Named after the FitzWalter family who live in the nearby Goodnestone Park estate, the pub has been run by husband and wife team Jeannette and Bob Todd for just over a year.
 
Dating back to 1589, the traditional pub is the only pub in the picturesque village, and boasts many original features, including oak-beamed ceilings and lattice windows, along with cosy open log fires. It has a large garden, and Jeannette and Bob have converted a large barn at the back of the pub, previously used for storage, into a function room.
 
In response to customer demand, Jeannette and Bob have also converted some of their private living quarters on the first floor into three large ensuite double bedrooms. Every room is named after its colour theme: Green, Burgundy and Blue, and decorated in a charming rustic style, with brand new bathroom facilities. Free wi-fi internet access will be available to all guests, along with digital TV and tea and coffee making facilities.
 
Jeannette, 53, said:

The pub is in an amazing village location, next to the 12th century Holy Cross church and close to Goodnestone Park Gardens, and surrounded by miles of beautiful countryside. It is a real haven for walkers and cyclists, and lots of customers have asked whether we have accommodation. We had so much space on the first floor, we decided to make use of it by creating these bedrooms.

The FitzWalter Arms Goodnestone Exterior

The FitzWalter Arms Goodnestone Bob and Jeannette Todd
The FitzWalter Arms Goodnestone B&B Blue Room

Bob and Jeanette previously ran Shepherd Neame’s Market Inn in Sandwich for three and a half years, and before that spent eight years living in Portugal, where they offered self-catering holidays at one of their properties.

Jeanette said:

We will offer all guests a home cooked full English or Continental-style breakfast, and are confident that they will enjoy their stay with us. We hope that our new accommodation offer will make the FitzWalter Arms the perfect Kentish countryside retreat.

Prices range from £50 to £80 per room. For more information visit the pubs's website or give the team a call on 01304 840303.