The Darling Buds farm is celebrating a ‘perfick’ year after attracting a constant stream of guests and winning a top award.

Bethersden’s idyllic farmhouse, made famous by the Darling Buds of May hit TV programme, has won a five star award from the AA for its self-catering accommodation following an inspection in which it scored a full 120 marks.

Businessman Simon Coulson, a fan of the 90s’ show, wanted to keep memories of the loveable Larkin family alive and purchased the farmhouse.

The antics of David Jason, who popularised the catchphrase ‘perfick’, Pam Ferris and Catherine Zeta Jones, in the ITV adaptation of H E Bates’ novel, won the hearts of the nation. Legions of fans made their way to the rambling beauty spot long after the show ended in 1993.

Mr Coulson snapped up the plot when it came on the market in 2013 for £1.35m and battled against objections from neighbours for a year before getting planning permission.

He then lovingly restored the faded farmhouse, its rambling outbuildings and iconic oast in a one-year project.

The AA’s website describes the criteria for five-star self-catering accommodation as offering “exceptional and outstanding levels of comfort throughout, with an excellent range of items. High quality furniture with striking interior design; an excellent range of kitchen appliances, cookware, crockery, cutlery and utensils, all in pristine condition.”

Visitors can now stay in the Darling Buds farmhouse, the home of Ma and Pop Larkin, which can accommodate up to 10 people; the oast house seen in the opening title sequence of the show, which has four double ensuite rooms, or the two-bedroom Cart Lodge.

The farmhouse has been furnished in 1950s style, featuring vintage furniture and floral wallpapers, and is set in 35 acres of grounds, surrounded by open countryside.