Fabulous 3 or 4-bedroom eco barn and hot tub, set right in South Downs National Park
Space & setting.
This is a place to submerge yourselves in the sheer beauty of the South Downs, with its fields of wildflowers, ancient woodlands, and green hills that roll all the way down to chalky white cliffs on the south coast. Whether you like the odd amble or full-on days walking and cycling, all this is literally on your doorstep. And when you throw open the huge windows of this stunning barn conversion, you almost feel part of the natural landscape.
An eco build, this is the result of several years’ craftmanship, with a timber-clad exterior and flowing open-plan living spaces, plus an alfresco hot tub. The floor is polished concrete, the kitchen is top spec, yet it’s easy and comfortable too, a space to kick back with friends or bring the kids for a relaxed holiday. There are 3 bedrooms and an adjoining 1-bed apartment in the same style, so it can sleep 6 or 8; whatever you prefer. Lewes and Brighton are a quick hop by car but we spent our whole time here on foot and 2 wheels. Long circular routes, with a country pub for lunch, job done.
Getting here: drive or train to Lewes and taxi (10 mins)
Special touches.
+ Bike hire
+ Wine tasting
+ Beauty and wellness treatments
+ Catering options
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Sustainability.
This is a full salute to sustainability. An old barn was converted using local materials, and it is fully powered by thermal solar heating, backed up by an air source heat pump. Windows are triple glazed. The furniture was sourced locally, all produce supplied is local and eco (no single use plastics) and the Aga is electric. Our favourite touch is the beautiful rugs, made from recycled plastic bottles.
Surrounds.
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South Downs National Park -
South Downs National Park -
South Downs -
Brighton by Margaux Bellott
- Walk straight out onto the South Downs Way, a long-distance footpath that runs for 100 miles through breathtaking scenery.
- The owner’s recommends a walk to the very top of the Downs to enjoy the breathtaking 360 degree views, all the way down to the to the south coast. There are OS maps in the barn.
- Cycling’s a dream, too. Hire ebikes from Mr Cycles and have them delivered prior to your stay, or do day hires from Cycle Shack in Lewes.
- Pretty Lewes has a high street of independents selling local produce. There’s also a Friday farmers’ market (don’t miss the artisan bread stall) and a fine Norman Castle. On a rainy day visit The Depot, an arthouse cinema/cafe.
- Brighton needs no introduction, with its iconic pier and pebbled beach. Come for fish and chips and The Lanes, a maze of streets lined with brilliant little boutiques.
- Kids will love Sea Life Brighton, Drusilla’s Park (a small zoo and adventure play park) and zipwiring through beautiful woodland at Branching Out Adventures.
- For a meal out, try Limetree Kitchen in Lewes – fine dining, tapas style, and a ‘Gin Kitchen’ so you can create your dream G&T. Pub wise, the award-winning Jolly Sportsman is a 15-minute drive. Book ahead.
Specifics.
- Standalone barn set in a small hamlet, within South Downs National Park
- Three bedrooms; 2 kingsize, 1 twin (which can be made up as a double)
- Ensuite bathrooms (1 with bath and walk-in shower, 2 shower only)
- Adjacent Studio in the exact same style, for an additional 2 guests
- Open-plan living area with underfloor heating: kitchen, dining table and sofa area
- Brilliantly equipped kitchen, including an electric Aga and Delonghi coffee machine. Basic supplies
- Mezzanine level with sofa and armchairs leading on to balcony with views of the South Downs
- Books, board games, OS maps, Smart TV and WiFi
- Boot room with washing machine
- Private garden and courtyard with seating area, BBQ and hot tub
- Travel cot, highchair and stair gate on request, as well as plastic crockery and kids’ books/games
- Parking for 5 cars, and electric vehicle charging points
- Walk to a petrol station (2 mins) and pubs (30 mins); drive to supermarkets (5 mins), farm shops and restaurants
- Manager Rebecca lives locally and is available by phone
- Sorry, no dogs allowed
- Booking conditions: a 2-night minimum stay, with check in any day except Sunday
- Don’t forget to pack: walking boots, indoor shoes/slippers, bikes if you can
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30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations: 8+ weeks prior to stay: deposit refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
6-8 weeks prior to stay: deposit retained, 70% balance refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
4-6 weeks prior to stay: 50% of the total booking fee retained, 50% refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 4 weeks of stay.
See our full booking Ts & Cs
FAQs.
The Grain Store has a full-size fridge freezer, dishwasher, De’Longhi coffee machine, kettles, toaster, Everhot cooker with induction hob, plus a BBQ outside.
The Studio has an under counter fridge, dishwasher, Neff oven and induction hob and a De’Longhi coffee machine.
Regrettably, no.
Up to 5cars can be parked at The Grain Store, and there are 2 EV charging points.
Approx 4.5 miles; it takes 20 minutes to drive to Brighton beach. Slightly further to the west is Seaford, a quieter beach with 2 small cafes. At low tide, the sandy beach at Tide Mills is worth the 15-minute walk from Seaford.
Lewes is the closest town with small local shops offering a diverse range of wonderful goods. The closest large supermarket is Asda, Hollingbury (BN1 8AS – 6 mins by car). Both Waitrose (BN7 2LP) and Tesco, Lewes (BN7 2BY) are 15 minutes by car. However, if you just need a pint of milk, the Esso garage at the bottom of the hill can cater for store-cupboard requirements.
The Juggs at Kingston — a 30-40 mins walk along the South Downs Way. There are also plenty of excellent pubs in Lewes including The Swan, The Rights of Man, and The Pelham Arms.
It’s a long-distance footpath and bridleway running along the South Downs in southern England, one of 16 National Trails in England and Wales. The trail runs for 160 km from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in East Sussex. People have been using the paths and tracks that have been linked to form the South Downs Way for approximately 8,000 years. Due to its stunning tranquillity and views, it is still a popular walking route today.
Occasionally, when the wind is in a particular direction, sound from the road can be heard, as can the occasional rumble of trains. However triple glazing keeps it to a minimum and past guests all talk about how tranquil their stay has been, both inside and out.
Yes – there are bus stops on both sides of the A27 at the bottom of the hill, just a few minutes’ walk from The Grain Store. From these stops, you can catch buses on the Regency Route to Brighton and Lewes.
Strictly outside only. No smoking or use of candles indoors.
Absolutely – they welcome children of all ages and can provide a travel cot, cot bed, and highchair. There’s a safety gate at the bottom of the stairs in the Grain Store. Guests should be aware that the bedroom with 2 single beds is on the mezzanine level, up the flight of stairs – so it’s unsuitable for very young children.
Yes. The ground floor has been thoughtfully designed with wheelchair access in mind. There’s a fully-accessible double bedroom with wet room and the large open-plan living / dining room and kitchen is spacious enough for wheelchair use. There’s easy access from the car parking area and throughout the ground floor. The owners can also provide a shower chair on request. Please note, the third bedroom and balcony on the mezzanine are only accessible via stairs.
Becca (House Manager) will be able to assist during your stay – you can call or text her with any questions, queries, or concerns.
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