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Bethersden farm where Darling Buds of May was filmed transformed into holiday accommodation and wedding venue

10:00, 26 September 2014

The TV antics of the loveable Larkins and their ‘perfick’ life on an idyllic Kent farm once captivated a nation.

Now legions of Darling Buds of May enthusiasts can get their personal fix – because they can stay at the Bethersden farm where the hit 1990s series was filmed and even get married at the beauty spot.

Darling Buds of May fan Simon Coulson snapped up the property when it went on sale for £1.35 million.

Catherine Zeta Jones in The Darling Buds of May. Picture: ITV
Catherine Zeta Jones in The Darling Buds of May. Picture: ITV

He has transformed the farm buildings into holiday accommodation and a wedding venue.

The entrepreneur spotted a chance to convert the farm after learning from its previous owners, the Holmes family, that show devotees had been making pilgrimages to the location where stars David Jason, Pam Ferris and Catherine Zeta Jones brought the plots to life.

Based on the novel by H.E. Bates, the series showed life in 1950s Kent through the eyes of the endearing Larkin family. At its head was Pop Larkin (played by David Jason), whose catchphrase was ‘perfick’.

Owner Simon Coulson outside Buss Farm, Bethersden. Picture: Gary Browne
Owner Simon Coulson outside Buss Farm, Bethersden. Picture: Gary Browne

Mr Coulson’s labour of love has resulted in the conversion of the oasthouse seen in the title sequence of the show.

The building at the heart of the farmyard can sleep eight people and has its own garden with decking, for outdoor dining as enjoyed by Ma and Pa Larkin.

The old Cart Lodge can sleep up to four people, while Pop Larkin’s farmhouse, which will sleep 10, is due to open soon.

Buss Farm, which has been re-named Darling Buds Farm, is set in 35 acres and surrounded by open countryside.

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