Swallowfield Cottage, Keymer

About this property

Look across to Ditchling Beacon and enjoy the delights of the South Downs along with easy access to Brighton from this very appealing holiday cottage

Offering easy access to the South Downs Way, a delightful drive east along the foot of the Downs towards the historic town of Lewes, and a short hop over the Downs via Ditchling Beacon to Brighton, Swallowfield Cottage you could argue enjoys the best of settings. On the edge of Keymer village and next to the owners' home this detached cottage offers comfortable, bright and secluded accommodation for up to four guests.

The feature kitchen and living space here look out onto the rear garden and with double doors onto the patio make for an inviting space at any time of year but in particular on long summer days. The living room to the front offers that extra space maybe somewhere to relax and enjoy the mix of books left for your enjoyment. Upstairs there are two bedrooms. The double room looks south with fine views to the Downs. The twin room at the front with its dual aspect has rural views to the north. Downstairs there is a bathroom fitted with a shower bath. There is a fitted shower attachment above the bath.

Keymer and beyond

Keymer sits at the foot of the South Downs between the villages of Ditchling and Hassocks. The small and picturesque village of Ditchling is less than one mile to the east. Its heart forms a crossroads. Ditchling has remained unspoilt over the centuries and has many examples of period Tudor buildings. Wings Place is a fine Tudor building across the road from St Margarets church, once known as "Anne of Cleves House". The reason for this title is due to the house and its estates supposedly being given as part of the divorce settlement by King Henry viii to his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves although it is doubtful whether she ever stayed there. The house looks particularly imposing when viewed from the church with the backdrop of the downs immediately behind making a striking photograph. The village has kept the period tradition well and tea rooms such as Dolly’s Pantry and Chesterton’s the village deli fit so perfectly into these traditional village surroundings.

Ditchling Beacon is just to the south of the village. At 248 metres (814 feet) it is the third highest point along the South Downs and offers fantastic views both along the Downs and north across the Sussex Weald. The South Downs Way passes through the Beacon giving you the opportunity to walk both east and west along this national trail virtually from your doorstep.

Head south over Ditchling Beacon and the Downs gradually slope away towards Brighton. It is a vibrant city with much to offer. It is lively and bustling with a lot of culture and many say it is quite unique. One of its most famous landmarks is the Royal Pavilion the spectacular seaside palace of the Prince Regent, (George IV) and the Regency heritage of this period is much in evidence in the city.

Seven miles east, Lewes is the county town of East Sussex. Its castle overlooks the town and is open to visitors, as is the Barbican Museum opposite. In such an historic town there is much to see. Lewes is famous for its bonfire celebrations and each year these are attended by thousands of visitors. Visiting on the first Saturday of the month is recommended when a thriving Farmers' Market takes place with lots of delicious fare on offer.

Glyndebourne the world famous and world class opera house is a further three miles east from Lewes. Glyndebourne restarted and reinvigorated country house opera in England and today it offers unique presentations in the Sussex countryside attracting world leading performers. We provide a link into Glyndebourne from under our “What’s On” heading should you want more information.

Places to visit

Jack and Jill Windmills

Lewes Castle

Royal Pavilion Brighton

What's on

Brighton Festival — May

Glyndebourne — June/July

Lewes Bonfire Societies — November

Local shop — 0.5 mile Ditchling

Nearest supermarket — 1 mile Hassocks

Nearest restaurant — 1 mile Hassocks

Local pub — 0.1 mile Keymer

Local bus service to Hassocks, Lewes and Brighton

Mainline rail service at Hassocks for services to Gatwick Airport, London Victoria and Brighton

Gatwick Airport —25 miles