Surrounded by the High Weald National Landscape, this blissful couple’s bolthole offers the perfect balance of laid-back together-time and interesting day-trips. It sits on a leafy lane just outside Battle, with woodlands on the doorstep and a friendly inn just a mile away. Visit Battle’s abbey ruins and bustling town, then venture south to the seafront, castle ruins and Old Town of Hastings. Just 17 miles east, Rye is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in England; complete your history lessons with trips to the castles at Bodiam (11 miles), Herstmonceux (8 miles), and Pevensey (10.5 miles) – the latter was the landing place of William the Conqueror's army in 1066. Wine-lovers will enjoy a tasting session at Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard (6.6 miles); the sights and scents of the gardens at Great Dixter (14 miles), Sissinghurst (21 miles) and Pashley Manor (12 miles) are sure to excite other senses.
Park, carry your self-catering supplies across the pebbled courtyard, and an original stable door opens directly into the kitchen where the home-from-home convenience includes an air fryer and washing machine. Adjacent, the open-plan lounge/dining space has exposed beams and is full of light thanks to dual-aspect glazing. Stretch out on the comfortable sofa and you can catch up with your favourite movies on the Smart TV; a wood burner-effect electric heater will add a cosy glow after-dark. When it’s time to sleep, cuddle up in the super-king-size bed; sumptuous linens, pillows and throws complement the room’s country styling, while patio doors open onto the courtyard. Start your mornings with a refreshing power-shower – the shower room’s restricted headroom reflects the nature of the building.
To the front of this timber-clad bolthole, the prettily-planted courtyard garden comes complete with a bistro-style table, sun umbrellas and seating. You can also enjoy use of a second garden sanctuary – by arrangement with the owners – which includes an super-indulgent sauna, outdoor shower and stunning sheltered lounge/dining area.