The Hovel at Housedean

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Lewes, East Sussex

Stunning contemporary hideaway for 2, in the heart of South Downs National Park

1 Bedroom

1 Bathroom

Child friendly

Eco conscious

Parking

Private garden

Walk to a pub

Walk to a shop

WiFi

Woodburner

Space & setting.

It’s hard to decide which is the best eye candy at this cool little timber-clad barn. The incredible view that unfolds from the terrace, a patchwork of golden wheat fields and rolling green hills. Or the absolutely gorgeous interiors: deep designer sofas, blue-hued panelling, paintings by local artists, and a fabulous wicker-fan bedhead? Basically, there’s beauty in all directions. This is a brilliant place for a romantic escape; part of an idyllic 1,000-acre farm, with fabulous walks straight from the doorstep. You’ll see wild hares as you wander over the South Downs, hear skylarks singing in the summer. It’s hard to believe it’s less than an hour from the Big Smoke. Nearby Lewes has a buzzy creative scene and great restaurants, but we’d pick up seasonal produce from the local farm shop and make full use of the beautiful kitchen. After a long soak in the rolltop tub, perhaps.

Drive here or train to Falmer then taxi (1.5 miles) or bus directly here from Brighton or Lewes; the farm has its own bus stop!

“Nick’s family has farmed here since the 1930s. This barn used to house the occasional horse or even ox, but we thought it would make a beautiful place to stay so in 2019 we converted it into what you see today. It is still very much a working farm; guests will definitely see tractors during their stay!” Owners Nick and Lydia

My Kip favourites

They love
“In winter, relaxing on the comfy sofa, reading a book and toasting your toes in front of the woodburner. In summer, sitting with a cold drink on the patio to relax and watch cattle or horses graze in the field behind”.

We love
The clever marrying of old and new; timeless Farrow & Ball shades complement both the ancient flint walls and the contemporary furnishings.

You may not love
There’s a 3- or 7-night minimum stay. Set on a working farm, so occasional machinery noises and mooing cows. There’s also some road noise in the garden (which can’t be heard inside) as the farm is close to a road. Sorry, no dogs allowed.

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  • "What a stunning and peaceful oasis. Thank you so much for making our bank holiday weekend a truly special one. Every last detail's poetry here! So so grateful and will be surely returning.”

Sustainability.

The owners aim to be as planet friendly and sustainable as possible to support all the beautiful nature around them. Linens and towels are made from organic cotton and they use eco-friendly products throughout. The welcome hamper is full of local produce and glass bottled milk, juice and local beer, and they highly encourage buying local (there’s an amazing farm shop up the road). They’ve planted fruit trees and a wildflower meadow to welcome birds and bees, and full recycling is in place.

Surrounds.

  • On the farm
    On the farm
  • On the farm
    On the farm
  • Seven Sisters
    Seven Sisters
  • You’re in the middle of the South Downs National Park, an AONB. The owners can point you along a beautiful 3-mile walk to the village of Kingston where The Juggs pub does a great Sunday roast.
  • Or head down to Devil’s Dyke to hike through a dramatic, glacial valley.
  • Historic Lewes is 3 miles away, a medieval market town with ancient churches, a Norman castle and tiny twittens (a Sussex word for alleyway). You can bus in from the stop outside the farm, then have a lazy (wine-filled) lunch in The Swan – yummy food and a vinyl-only music policy.
  • Drive to Seven Sisters for an iconic view of Sussex’s chalk white cliffs, and a blast of sea air as you walk.
  • Hire bikes in Lewes and zip over to Brighton for fabulous shopping in the Laines, fish & chips on the pebbled beach, and the new i360 viewing tower.

Specifics.

  • One-bedroom barn, set on a 1,000-acre farm
  • Bedroom with super-kingsize bed
  • Z-bed or travel cot on request; 1 child welcome
  • Highchair and children’s cutlery/crockery on request
  • Bathroom with roll-top bath and large walk-in shower; local soap and organic towels
  • Open-plan downstairs
  • Well-equipped kitchen including basic ingredients
  • Lounge area with Smart TV, board games, books and woodburner
  • Welcome hamper of locally sourced produce
  • Sorry, no dogs allowed
  • Breakfast or supper hampers on request
  • Walk to a shop (1 mile); bus or drive to pubs, supermarkets and restaurants (3 miles)
  • The owners live nearby if you need them
  • Booking conditions: 3-night minimum stay in low season; 7 nights in peak season
  • Remember to pack: walking boots, beach towels, bikes if you can

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30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations permitted 8+ weeks prior to stay, with deposit refunded minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 8 weeks of stay.
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