Accommodation
After a successful trial In 2022, we opened our doors to guests in June 2023. From 2024, we will be open from April to September.
We offer stays of up to 6 nights, which are currently free of charge.
The accommodation is located in the heart of Deal town centre, a short walk from the train station, high street and beach. The site hosts a garden area which is made up of two levels; the top level has the “Rustic Lodge” and a garage with the lower level having the “Modern Lodge” and main house. A metal staircase joins these 2 levels which means regrettably that the site is not suitable for wheelchairs. We have an allotment area, and we encourage guests to help out and use the produce. There is no parking on site, although there is parking on the road 50m away and around the town.
The “Modern” Lodge
This is a purpose-built suite and has a large living area downstairs with a small kitchenette and an en-suite shower room. The bedroom is in a small mezzanine and is reached by climbing a ladder. If you would prefer, there is a sofa bed downstairs in the living area (both of the beds are doubles – 4 ft 6”). There are floor to ceiling windows in the living area allowing lots of natural light and views of the garden area and also a log burning stove in the main room.
The “Rustic” Lodge
This is a former Summer House that has been extensively extended and modified. It is fully insulated and double glazed. There is a small deck out the front. The main living room has a sofa, a chair and a log burner. There is a small double bed (4 ft), and a kitchenette area. The toilet and shower are located in a building, 5 metres away. The summer house was previously used by the owner when the main house was being built. It has been completely refurbished since then to provide a cozy and welcoming environment.
Guests can arrive from 4pm onwards on Sunday afternoon and departure is by 10am the following Saturday morning. Please note there is no parking on site, and guests are encouraged to use the train. Deal Station is less than 10 minutes’ walk away.
There is no charge for the accommodation, although guests may make a contribution to our running costs. There is no obligation to do this.
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How much will staying with you cost?We have made the decision not to charge for our facilities at the present moment.
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Can I leave a donation?Of course, we would gratefully receive any donation you are able to make. All donations will go to future years' operation costs.
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Can I help with anything?Help with the garden and allotment is always welcome.
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Do the rooms have TVs and radios?No, but you will have access to wifi, meaning you will be able to use any personal devices that you choose to bring.
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Is there wifi?Yes, both rooms have wifi.
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What cooking facilities are there?There is a two-ring electric hob in each room, as well as a fridge and a microwave.
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Is the accommodation suitable for wheelchairs?Unfortunately not, as the ground is on two levels with access via a flight of stairs.
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Are pets allowed?Sorry, unfortunately we do not allow pets on site.
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Can I bring the person I care for with me?No, sorry, we are not set up for this.
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Can I park my car on site?We are unable to offer on-site parking, but the nearest parking is approximately 100m away. We recommend travelling by train if you can; the local train station is 400m away from our property (and please ask us if you require a lift from the station).
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How far away is the train station?About 10 minutes' walk from the property. Please let us know if you would like a lift.
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What are the nearest shops to the property?There is an Aldi and a Sainsbury's about 10 minutes' walk away, by the train station, and Deal town centre is a little further. There are plenty of facilities in the local area and we encourage you to explore as part of your stay with us.
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How far from the sea are you?About 10 minutes' walk.
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Are there any other locations for The small Society?Not at the moment.
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Do the staff have any qualifications and training (other than food hygiene)?Our staff are solely on-site to support the running of the accommodation, although they will be happy to chat for a little while.
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Does The small Society provide any other assistance?Not at the moment. We will update the website and any other communications in the future if this changes.
History of the site
The site was obtained around 1780-1800 by the Chitty Family who owned several windmills in the local area. Wellington House (the big house on the main road) was built for them during this period. The milling business was extended in 1870 with the introduction of steam power and three additional pairs of stones.
As well as the steam mill, a managers house and 5 workers' cottages (known as Caledonian Cottages) were built in the Mill Yard, where the remains of these have been incorporated into the Outside House.
Before 1877 the original windmill had been demolished and by 1898 the steam mill had also ceased to function and was partially demolished. A stable, coach house and garage were built on the site for Wellington House, and there is some evidence that the site was then used as a small-holding, with livestock possibly grazing on the allotments. The Caledonian Cottages were demolished in the 1950's.
Apart from the boundary walls there was very little remaining of the original mill when Pete bought the site. The stable and coach house which are still standing and have been left pretty much untouched during current renovations.
The design of the Outside House is modern while trying to keep as many original features as possible. The guest accommodation sits on the same line as Caledonian Cottages and takes up approximately the space of two dwellings, where two families would have once lived.