Jeake’s House

Swathed with creepers and bedecked with flowers, this wildly atmospheric B&B stands on a cobbled street in a medieval citadel with views over Romney Marsh. Combining a wool store built in 1689 by merchant, minister and alchemist Samuel Jeake, and a Quaker meeting house-turned chapel, it was once home to American novelist Conrad Aiken. Steep stairs lead to bedrooms named after writers, artists and reformers who visited the property. The four-poster suite Malcolm Lowry has drapes of English toile, a roll-top bath and walk-in shower. In the parlour you will find a warming fire in winter, board games and a piano. A well-supplied honesty bar is furnished with pews from the galleried chapel, now the dining room, where the breakfast menu includes everything from devilled kidneys and smoked haddock to Rye rarebit on walnut bread, a full English, vegetarian or vegan, and French toast with warm spiced fruit and crème fraîche. ‘Very helpful hosts, delightful room and delicious breakfast,’ reads one of this year’s endorsements. Parking is a real bonus at peak tourist times. (Tim Halstead, JG and others)