My Story
I’m Paula, and I live at Washington in the beautiful village of Smeeth, near Ashford in Kent, with my son Barnaby. We’ve called Washington home since 2014, alongside my retired parents who live next door at “Little Washington.”
When we first discovered Washington, we instantly saw something special beneath the years of neglect — a place filled with peace, character and potential. As a family, we lovingly restored the house and grounds together, bringing life back to a home that had been waiting to be cherished again.
Family has always been at the heart of everything we do, and we feel incredibly fortunate to share over 10 acres of wildlife-rich countryside with the people we love — and now, with our guests too.
By day, I work as a civil engineer and project manager on large-scale infrastructure projects, often in fast-paced and demanding environments. Coming home to the calmness of Washington has always felt like a true escape from the noise of everyday life, and over time I realised it was something too special not to share.
Back in 2018, with a little help from my wonderful father 😉, I decided to build our very first Shepherd’s Hut. A few months later, Buckhurst was born.
Buckhurst was named after the very first cottage I owned — a beautiful period property that I lovingly restored back to its former glory. In many ways, the Shepherd’s Huts became an extension of that same passion: creating warm, characterful spaces that feel both luxurious and deeply comforting.
Having travelled extensively through work over the years, I developed a clear understanding of what truly makes a stay memorable. For me, it’s always the thoughtful little touches — soft luxury bed linen, beautiful bathroom products, endless Nespresso coffee, generous breakfast hampers, cosy interiors and that elusive “home from home” feeling.
That vision became the foundation of our huts.
In 2019 we joined Airbnb, never imagining quite how warmly Buckhurst would be received. The support and kindness from our guests has honestly been overwhelming. We’ve been incredibly proud to achieve Superhost status, consistent 5-star reviews, and to welcome returning guests who now feel more like friends than visitors.
Following the success of Buckhurst, I decided to create a second hut in 2021 — Mountbatten.
The name Mountbatten has a special connection to Washington, which once formed part of the historic Brabourne Estate owned by the Mountbatten family, who share ties with the late Queen and Royal Family. Since opening, Mountbatten has also achieved full 5-star reviews, Superhost status and Airbnb “Guest Favourite” recognition — something we are hugely grateful for.
More than anything, we simply hope our guests feel the same sense of peace here that we do.
Washington is a place to slow down. To breathe deeply. To reconnect with nature, with loved ones, and with yourself.
The surrounding countryside is full of life and beauty. Keen wildlife watchers may spot kestrels, buzzards and hawks circling overhead, alongside kingfishers, herons, egrets and cormorants near the water. Early mornings and dusky evenings often bring sightings of rabbits, hares, pheasants and ducks across the meadows, while dragonflies and butterflies dance around the stream and lake during the warmer months.
You may even meet Dotty, our wonderfully excitable Labrador Retriever.
When I’m home, I’m always happy to help with recommendations for local places to explore, eat or visit — although we equally respect the privacy and tranquillity our guests come here to enjoy. Families are always warmly welcomed too, and if your children happen to spot Barnaby and his cousins playing football or cricket in the garden, they are more than welcome to join in.
Washington has given our family so many special memories over the years, and it truly means the world to be able to share a little piece of it with others.
Warmest wishes,
Paula x