Sussex Self-catering Barn Style

Self-catering accommodation Acorns Barn has just opened its doors to guests and owners Karen and John Cooke are looking forward to welcoming small or large groups to the holiday cottage that can sleep up to eight.

Located on a rural lane in Cross in Hand, the oak-beamed barn, which was built around 1750, retains lots of its original features and is a great base for those wishing to explore East Sussex and Kent. Usefully, the Cookes live right next door so they are on hand, if needed, to help with recommendations and can’t wait to welcome guests to the area and their barn. ‘We want other people to share the enjoyment of it,’ explains Karen.

This tranquil retreat, with views over adjoining paddocks and woodland, has three bedrooms, one of which is on the ground floor, along with one of the two bathrooms. There is also a dining room which can become another downstairs bedroom for larger groups. The large living room has an inviting inglenook fireplace with a stove to take the edge off chilly evenings and guests have their own garden with large patio and plenty of parking.

Guests won’t run out of places to visit and things to do. Tunbridge Wells isn’t far, nor is Eastbourne. ‘We’ve got lots of golf courses nearby too,’ says John.

‘Eastbourne has so much to offer,’ adds Karen. ‘There are big shows at the theatres while Devonshire Park, with its world-class tennis tournament in the summer, is only 25 minutes away.’

Karen also recommends Sovereign Harbour. ‘There are lots of restaurants there. I love to go for a cappuccino and sit outside listening to the clinking of the yachts’ halyards. You can go on a harbour tour as well from here,’ she says. Where else would the couple suggest guests go? Between them, John and Karen reel off a long list, including Batemans, Standen, Herstmonceux Castle, Chartwell, Sissinghurst, Sheffield Park, Charleston Manor and the Bluebell Railway. The Cuckoo Trail, Beachy Head and Friston Forest also aren’t far. There are annual events too that are easy to access from Acorns Barn, such as Glyndebourne opera, the Heathfield Show and Eastbourne Airbourne.

For eating out close by, John and Karen highly recommend The Star at Waldron, around a mile along the lane, while there are plenty of other great country pubs a short drive away. However, with a fully equipped kitchen at the barn – tea, coffee, milk and welcome chocolates are provided – guests might just want to stay in and relax with a glass of wine over something home-cooked. Acorns Barn is a lovely place to take time out and replenish energies ready for another of the many local attractions.