Holiday cabins at Leeds Castle near Hollingbourne, Maidstone open

Waterside holiday lodges have opened at a Kent landmark almost a year after the plans were first submitted.

Leeds Castle bosses revealed plans to build four timber lodgings within its grounds near Hollingbourne in February last year.

Permission was granted in June and now the getaway retreats, situated along the banks of the Great Water Lakes, are open to visitors.

The four lodges have all been named after a key figure within the county: author Ian Fleming, composer Neil Coward, writer Dame Daphne De Maurier, and triple-threat actress Gertrude Lawrence.

Each one is designed with a floor-to-ceiling window and comes with a set of binoculars while also boasting a private deck, a walk-in shower, tea and coffee-making facilities, a TV, and free wi-fi.

All furnishings have been designed by the Castle’s seamstress, Petronella Hall, who took inspiration from the wildlife that calls the grounds of Leeds Castle its home.

Helen Bonser-Wilton, chief executive of the Leeds Castle Foundation said: "We are proud to unveil our latest addition to the Leeds Castle estate.

“The contemporary Lakeside Lodges are nestled within over 500 acres of historic and seasonal parkland, providing guests with an exciting opportunity to relish in a luxurious stay immersed in nature, amongst 900 years of history.

“The lodges have been meticulously crafted to seamlessly integrate modern comforts while providing awe-inspiring views of the scenic Great Water and Leeds Castle estate.

“We are certain that our guests will be captivated by the unrivalled panoramas and impeccable hospitality ensuring a truly remarkable and memorable stay."

The lodges have been built using UK-grown timber and home-grown charred larch to minimise the carbon footprint.

Carbon dioxide is captured in the fabric of the building and actively removed from the atmosphere, creating a carbon-neutral space.

The land surrounding the cabins is also being turned into a natural habitat which, when complete, would become the home for birds and reptiles known to the area.

A stay will set you back £245 per night per two adults on a bed and breakfast basis.