Auberge De Campagne De Caractère Du XVI Ie Siècle

This 17th century country inn, full of traditional character and charm, has been reimagined into a warm yet inviting pub with boutique feel lodgings.

Architecture and interior
Quietly confident and deeply characterful, The Lantern is a 17th-century country inn that has been re-imagined as a destination venue without losing its soul. Exposed timbers, original brickwork and open fireplaces set the tone, while thoughtful, high-quality refurbishment brings a sense of cohesion and calm throughout.

The principal bar is warm and inviting, anchored by a copper-topped bar, log burner and stripped timber floors, flowing naturally into a snug and a private dining room—three distinct yet connected spaces that allow the building to flex effortlessly from intimate lunches to lively evenings.

Behind the scenes, two fully equipped trade kitchens support the operation with professional ease, while cellars, stores and service areas are discreetly integrated. Upstairs, the two-bedroom owner’s or letting accommodation feels indulgent rather than functional—rich textures, layered fabrics and a subtle Victorian influence create a boutique-style retreat that mirrors the care taken throughout the rest of the building.

Outside, the inn truly comes into its own. Tiered gardens unfold to reveal expansive seating, mature planting, outdoor structures and a letting yurt, all designed to feel organic rather than over-worked. Every element has been considered, invested in and curated, resulting in a property that feels complete, established and ready to continue its story.

History
Acquired in 2016 as a tired village pub, The Lantern has undergone a remarkable transformation. What followed was not a cosmetic refurbishment, but a long-term commitment to quality, authenticity and reinvestment. Profits were consistently channelled back into the fabric, fittings and feel of the building, resulting in a venue that now operates at a level far beyond its origins.

This careful stewardship has allowed the inn to evolve naturally into a high-end destination, respected for its attention to detail and quietly confident offering. The recent introduction of exclusive-use weddings is a natural extension of this journey—an opportunity recognised but not yet fully exploited, leaving genuine scope for further growth under new ownership.

Positioned along the popular Skylark Trail, this truly benefits from strong seasonal footfall, with a steady flow of cyclists and visitors throughout spring, summer and autumn, ensuring consistent passing trade. It is also perfectly suited to and has hosted a range of events, including weddings, private parties, corporate functions and special celebrations. The business comes extremely highly rated on Google, reflecting its outstanding reputation, and further information can be found at [hidden information]

In the neighbourhood
Set within the hamlet of Martin, The Lantern occupies a rare position—rural and peaceful yet firmly connected to some of East Kent’s most celebrated landscapes and destinations. The surrounding countryside is defined by rolling farmland, coastal paths and open skies, while nearby beaches and cliff walks draw visitors year-round.

The property sits within easy reach of Deal, Dover and St Margaret’s Bay, with cultural, historical and gastronomic attractions all close at hand. Championship golf courses, including Royal St George’s, Princes and Royal Cinque Ports, bring a steady flow of weekend visitors, while landmarks such as Dover Castle, Samphire Hoe and Canterbury provide enduring appeal for tourists and locals alike.

Despite its tranquil setting, The Lantern has become a focal point for the area a place people travel to rather than stumble upon—valued for its atmosphere as much as its food and hospitality.

Transport and connections
While rural in character, The Lantern is exceptionally well connected. Martin Mill station lies on the high-speed rail line, placing London St Pancras within little more than an hour and making the venue highly accessible for day-trippers and weekend visitors.

Road connections are equally strong, with the A2 and M20 providing direct access across Kent and the wider southeast. This balance of seclusion and connectivity underpins the property’s success—remote enough to feel like an escape, yet close enough to remain commercially vibrant and resilient.