Shannon Cottage, Telscombe

About this property

A delightful workers cottage which has been recently converted to provide lovely holiday accommodation within the South Downs National Park and minutes from the Sussex Coast.

A sweet 'upside down' layout means that you find the sleeping accommodation on the ground floor after entering the cottage. The bedroom has a king size bed, chest of drawers and hanging hooks available. There is an additional cupboard space accessed from here useful for storing suitcases and larger luggage. The bathroom is directly opposite with a full bath and shower overhead, WC and basin.

On ascending the staircase you find the light and airy open-plan living area. The comfortable lounge has a sofa and armchair and has direct access to the rear terrace via patio doors. The modern kitchen has everything you could need during your stay including a full oven, hob, fridge and microwave. There is also a freezer available in the ground floor storage room . There is a small dining table for two as well as a Freeview television and Wifi.

Outside Shannon Cottage, there is a large terraced area which leads to a tiered garden where there are views directly onto the parish church of St Laurence and the village. There is a useful bike storage shed provided.

Parking is available on the street outside the cottage. Please note that the mobile signal in this area is intermittent due to the rural setting.

Telscombe and beyond

Telscombe is a unique village in East Sussex. Nestled in a crook of the Downs about two miles from the coast is one of the prettiest villages in Sussex. The village is practically untouched by 21st century life as the majority of the village remains in trust from its benefactor. Ambrose Gorham was a racehorse trainer whose horse 'Shannon Lass' won the Grand National in 1902. Using the money he won, Gorham turned Telscombe into a thriving village with horse racing at its centre. Later he purchased land in the adjoining area to expand his interests and, on his death in 1933, bequeathed his property and land for charitable purposes.

For walkers Shannon Cottage is ideally located for joining the South Downs Way at Southease just one mile away. You can continue from here on a 9 mile walk over the Blackcap to Lewes where you can experience the superb views, particularly to the south and east. Cyclists will also enjoy the easy access to the Egret's Way and the Ouse Valley Cycle Network. The nearby village of Piddinghoe offers direct access to the River Ouse which has rowing and sailing activities available at the marina.

The National Trust property of Monks House is a five minute drive from Telscombe. This 17th Century house was the country retreat of Leonard and Virginia Woolf. Get to know Leonard and Virginia Woolf and the wider Bloomsbury Group by visiting Monk's House. Full of their favourite things, the house appears as if they just stepped out for a walk.

A little further away but definitely worth a visit is the historical house, Firle Place. Few country houses can boast such a notable collection of English and European paintings, furniture and porcelain. There are five distinct collections of works of art preserved here. The Long Gallery houses some well known art such as the Lamb Children by Sir Joshua Reynolds and the Wine Harvest by David Teniers. Charleston Farmhouse lies at the centre of the estate and was at the heart of The Bloomsbury Group, an influential group of artists and writers in the early 20th Century. Over the next half century Charleston became the country meeting place for the group of writers, artists and intellectuals , Virginia and Leonard Woolf, E.M. Forster, Lytton Strachey and Roger Fry were all frequent visitors.

Shannon Cottage is located just 6 miles south of the impressive county town of Lewes with its Norman Castle and medieval streets. Surrounded by chalk cliffs, Lewes is also home to the handsome townhouse of Anne of Cleves, fourth wife of Henry viii. There are also a host of contemporary art galleries, bookshops, boutiques and antique centres to explore. The River Ouse flows through the town dividing it into two areas between Cliffe High Street presented in beautiful period style with its gateway, a paved bridge, crossing the river and the main High Street that heads up the hill. Visiting Lewes on the first Saturday of the month is recommended when the thriving Farmers’ Market comes to town with lots of delicious fare on offer!

Newhaven and the coast is a mere 10 minutes drive away where you can find much to explore including the Newhaven Fort offering breathtaking panoramic views of the South Downs and Sussex coast. Within half an hour drive and you can be in the bustling and cosmopolitan coastal city of Brighton offering a wide variety of attractions including the Royal Pavilion, the Summer palace of the Prince Regent, and Brighton Pier along with 'The Lanes' which offer a shopper's paradise of independent shops and boutiques.

Glyndebourne is within easy reach of Telscombe and opera has been held here annually since 1934. It is most famous for its productions of Mozart's operas, many of those productions are considered the finest ever done of those operas. The London Philharmonic Orchestra has been long associated with Glyndebourne Festival Opera enjoying a rewarding partnership that dates back over 40 years.

Places to visit

Monk's House

Newhaven Fort

Firle Place

Charleston Farmhouse

Lewes Castle

Anne of Cleves House

What's on

Glyndebourne - throughout the year

Brighton Festival - May

Lewes Bonfire Societies - November

Local shop — 5 miles Newhaven

Nearest supermarket — 5 miles Newhaven

Nearest restaurant — 6 miles Lewes

Local pub — 1 miles Southease

Mainline rail service 6 miles at Lewes for services to London Victoria and Gatwick

Gatwick Airport — 35 miles