Hayreed Barn Cottage, Wilmington

About this property

A walkers paradise! At the end of a quiet country lane in the village of Wilmington, in the midst of the beautiful South Downs countryside, this cottage has everything you need for a super getaway.

Hayreed Barn cottage is a converted calving barn from the early Victorian era, retaining the pretty flint exterior and charm of its former life but with today’s modern comforts. With national footpaths on your doorstep and rolling countryside in every direction, you can see why this area is attractive to anyone wishing to explore the South Downs and the beautiful country villages that litter the area.

You enter through french doors straight into the open plan living, with dining and kitchen area. The kitchen is fully fitted with everything you could possibly need to cook a relaxed, holiday supper and with a few extras, like a Krups Nespresso coffee machine, to kick start your mornings . There is a woodburner, with a complimentary starter basket of logs for every guest, the perfect spot to snuggle after a bracing winters walk. The large sofa doubles up as a sofa bed (small double) for additional sleeping if required and a leather arm chair provides extra comfort. There is Freeview TV, Wifi, local reading materials and maps to plan your excursions whether on foot or by transport.

There is a new, modern bathroom off the living area with separate shower cubicle, bath, basin & WC. The bedroom has a king size bed, wardrobe and chest of draws and ample room for a travel cot should you require one. A lovely calming room to retreat to after a long day exploring.

There is space to the front of the cottage where you can relax on loungers provided or sit with your morning coffee at the table just outside the french doors. The perfect space to enjoy an evening of star gazing too, as no light pollution here will spoil your night sky. The cottage is dog friendly, so one small, well behaved dog is welcome.

The cottage is the perfect romantic getaway, to relax, unwind and enjoy and for those not wishing to cook, there are three pubs within a gentle twenty minute walk and a tea room about fifteen minutes walk, so plenty of opportunity to build up an appetite.

Wilmington and beyond

The cottage sits between the villages of Wilmington and Arlington and lies on the northern edge of the South Downs. The major attraction of the village is ‘The Long Man’ a chalk figure which sits on the downs above the village, believed to date back to pre Saxon times. Its worth a visit and is a pleasant walk from the cottage and if refreshment is required after, a very nice pub, ‘The Giants Rest’, sits at the bottom of the climb to accommodate.

With the South Downs on your doorstep, there are walks and cycle routes, in abundance and beautiful villages to explore. The South Downs National Park’s landscapes cover 1,600 km2 of breathtaking countryside, rolling downloads and stunning coastline.

Attractions close by include Michelham Priory, a beautiful moated 12th century fortified priory with working water mill and forge. The pretty medieval preserved village of Alfriston, with, National Trust, ‘Clergy House’, a must visit and very popular tourist attraction. Glyndbourne, with internationally renowned concerts and plays performed throughout the year and many more.

The seaside town of Eastbourne is a short drive away and a hub of activity, whether looking for a traditional promenade and pier or wishing to indulge in some retail therapy, the town has it all. In the summer its possible to catch the big tennis names playing at Aegon International Tennis tournament or Eastbourne Airbourne in August.

There are many beaches not far from the cottage including Seaford, Birling Gap and Cuckmere Haven.

Places to visit

Michelham Priory

Charleston House

The Clergy House

What’s on

Glyndeboure - July and August

Aegon International Tennis - June

Eastbourne Airbourne - August

Local shop - 3 miles Berwick

Nearest supermarket - 4 miles Halisham

Nearest restaurant - 1 mile Wilmington

Local pub - 1 mile Arlington and Wilmington

Mainline rail service - 3 miles Berwick for services to Lewes, Brighton and London

Gatwick airport - 45 miles