14 & 15 Love Lane

Backing onto the lovely one-bedroom 7 Longport B&B and owned by the same people, these next-door-to-each-other early-Victorian terraced cottages are ideal for exploring Canterbury from, if you're looking for a self-catering base in the city centre. Beautifully restored and decorated in a fresh, modern style, they're furnished with an effective combination of old and new, and the walls are adorned with original artwork.

Each cottage has three bedrooms and sleeps five. On the first floor, you'll find a large kingsize and a single overlooking the grounds, plus a modern bathroom with a bath and shower. Tucked up in the attic space is a double (No.15) and twin (No.14) – for the taller guests out there, it's worth noting headroom is limited in the latter. Mattresses are handmade and uber-comfy and bed linen is top quality. Downstairs, the sitting rooms are cosy and the kitchens are well equipped with an oven, a hob, fridge-freezer, microwave, dishwasher and washing machine, and provided with a supply of basics like tea, coffee, oil and salt. No. 14 is home to a separate dining area, while No. 15 has a kitchen-diner.

They have WiFi throughout, a Freeview TV, digital radio, Bluetooth speaker and DVD player, plus pretty wisteria- and magnolia-filled courtyard gardens with a BBQ for al fresco meals. And the nice thing is, you can either use the properties as B&B accommodation or self-cater. With the former, enjoy a scrumptious breakfast each morning, including local fruit and juice and delights like pancakes.

The city is on your doorstep, as is the north Kent coastline – for a scenic day out, walk the Crab and Winkle Way which follows the old railway line from Canterbury to Whitstable (just over seven miles in all). Foodies may want to check out the Dog at Wingham gastropub, the Bridge Arms, or for something fancier, the Michelin-starred Fordwich Arms – all are reachable within 15 minutes by car. Or, why not wander to The Goods Shed, a first-rate restaurant and farmers' market? If you're unsure where to head, amiable owner Ursula is on hand to advise on all things Kent and Canterbury. All in all, the vibe is cool, relaxed and comfortable – it's hard to think of a better place to stay in the city centre at this price.