East Sussex

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Situated on the southern edge of one of England's most picturesque landscapes, dotted with medieval manor houses, family-owned farms and ancient woodlands, this charming two-bedroom home offers a tempting rural retreat for a family or small group of friends.

The ground floor houses a mix of stylish mid-century furniture and older antique pieces that sit seamlessly alongside one another in the living and dining areas. And while the colour palette is mainly restrained and sophisticated, the vibrant green kitchen adds a welcome pop of colour. 

Double doors lead directly into the garden, where you'll find a couple of sun loungers on the patio and a romantic swing chair on the lawn. An outdoor dining set sits in the dappled shade of an ancient oak tree, with a barbecue ready and waiting for those seemingly endless summer evenings sat outside drinking and dining until well after the sun has set.

After eating your fill, retire to the individually decorated bedrooms on the first floor, where comfy beds and low, pitched ceilings combine to create a cosy vibe that'll have you drifting off in no time.

Fill your days with nature by hiking a section of the High Weald landscape trail, which runs approximately 90 miles from east to west. Alternatively, history buffs will appreciate visiting nearby Herstmonceux Castle, the oldest noteworthy brick building in the country. Finally, Hastings's creative vibe and quirky charm are approximately half an hour's drive away.


Green Leaves of Summer

There's been no horsing around in converting these stables into this studio retreat – excuse the pun. You can't have a country bolthole without a log burner to snuggle up in front of, right? Luckily there's one here, and the first basket of logs is provided to get the fire going. There's no escaping from the fact that this cottage is traditionally decorated, but it adds to the charm. The absolute highlight for us, though, is the garden with its wonderful views over wildflower meadows to Orlestone Forest (famous for its nightingales). When you're ready to explore, head to the nearby village of Hamstreet, with its shops, eateries and pub, a short drive away (it's walkable too).

The Collector's Treasure

This cottage, set within a secluded location on the edge of Wittersham, is a serene retreat for a family gathering. The modern country-style interiors are inviting, while the ground-floor layout makes it accessible to all. There’s plenty of space here, including room for your four-legged friend, to unwind in the garden or the cosy living room next to the fire. Ready to explore? Overlooking fields and woodland, you’ll find grassy tracks directly off your doorstep, though if you feel like a more challenging hike, head to Smallhythe Place or Brockhill Country Park.


The White Roses

A delightfully quaint bolthole set in the beautiful Kent countryside, this home's modern black facade is complemented by a rustic and quirky interior. Glass-fronted and beaming with sunlight all year round, the bright living space is warm and welcoming from the moment you arrive. The fully-equipped kitchen has soft wooden tables and open shelves, creating a homely and relaxing space to gather over a homecooked meal. It opens onto the trendy and whimsical lounge, with its yellow armchair and eclectic decorations. We loved the garden most of all – slide open the glass doors and step outside into the fresh air. Outside, you'll find an alfresco dining area – the perfect spot to tuck into the cake host Georgina leaves for you – and a cosy lounge area surrounding an open-air fire pit, which is ideal for enjoying a moment of calm while watching the sunset. You may even spot the resident kingfisher as it flies from the pond. When you're ready for sleep, drift off in the plush beds in the country-style bedrooms, then wake up feeling well-rested and ready to explore Kent. You're perfectly located for adventures – make the twenty-minute drive to the coastal Dungeness National Nature Reserve or reward yourself after a stroll with a pint in one of the delicious pubs nearby.

The Kingfisher

This charming cottage lies in the village of Staplecross, a wonderful mix of the modern and traditional. With a maximum occupancy of four adults, one child and one pet, this home is ideal for a lovely family stay. Underfloor heating, a brick fireplace and large windows let light in and make this cottage extra cosy. You'll want a car to explore the nearby towns and landmarks, including Rye, Battle, and Bodiam Castle. You'll find plenty of independent shops, great eateries and local vineyards, ripe for days out.

Cottage of Wheelwrights

We could tell this exquisite home, in the heart of the East Sussex countryside, is owned by an interior photographer – it's picture-perfect. We love the attention to detail that has gone into this place. It's been designed with entertainment in mind – relax in the hot tub in the secluded south-facing garden with a glass of Sussex fizz, dine under the shade of the vine-covered pergola or sunbathe on the loungers. Play croquet on the extensive lawn or simply spot the wildlife – if you're lucky, you may see rabbits, badgers and the occasional deer. 

Inside, there are even more options to keep your family or friends occupied. Listen to some music on the original 1959 jukebox or Bluetooth sound system, channel your inner Mozart at the electric piano or bang out some rhythms on the drum kit. If music isn't your thing, watch a movie in the cinema room or play some table tennis. After all that activity, unwind by the open fire if it's chilly, read a book on the Barcelona-style chair or have a soak in one of the freestanding baths. 

With so much to do here, you may not find the time to explore, but if you do, you'll be rewarded with magnificent beaches and charming towns. Hastings, with its bars, cafes and music scene, is just over fifteen minutes by car, while it's the same distance to Rye. Camber Sands is Twenty-five minutes, while Great Dixter House and Gardens, built by architect Edwin Lutyens, is a ten-minute drive.




Ready for a Close-Up	

Backing directly onto Ashdown Forest, this family home in Crowborough promises plenty of fun in the great outdoors. A sprawling garden is perfect for pups and little ones, and a path leads straight into the woodlands – simply pull on your comfiest shoes and set off on an adventure. There's plenty of room to sprawl out inside, too. Two reception rooms give adults and kids their own space to hang out, while the large kitchen is ideal for family meals. Want to catch up on emails while you're here? The separate study offers a cosy place to hunker down and work from home.

The Forest at Your Feet

A traditional rural home in the East Sussex countryside, this place is perfect for a big group celebrating something special and is just a moments drive from the pretty village of Herstmonceux. A place to really get away from it all and just each other's company, it's set on a 300-acre working farm, at the end of a long, private drive. And while the house dates back to the 17th century, the later additions offer modern living space – so you get the best of both worlds. Cosy up in front of the inglenook fireplace in the heavily beamed sitting room, enjoy meals in the formal dining room (or spread out into the hall room and bar area if you're planning a bigger celebration) and relax in the bright conservatory. Sure to be a hit with families, the covered pool is just steps away from the house and is heated for much of the year. Elsewhere, there's a sauna, table tennis in the garage barn and table football in the conservatory. Set up with family rooms for groups, the home's first floor has a galleried landing and lovely views across the gardens and beyond – all the way to the South Downs. From here it's just a forty-minute drive to Brighton or half an hour to Tunbridge Wells, with a village shop and pub just a two-minute drive. Two footpaths cross the farm and connect with many miles of beautiful country walks.

Cuckoo Ridge

Surrounded by rolling green pastures, ancient woodlands and spectacular coastline, this breathtaking home is tailor-made for large group getaways with friends and family. So whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to spend quality time together, its six acres ensure there's plenty of space for the whole party. 

Accommodation is split between the main house, two charming cabins, and a luxury bell tent (available from April to September only). Within the grounds, you'll find a natural amphitheatre and an inviting hot tub offering breathtaking views over the South Downs National Park.

Step into the main house and socialise as you prep meals in the kitchen before stepping out onto the spacious patio, where you'll find a barbecue ideal for cooking outdoor feasts over the summer months. Out back, you'll find a covered seating area with enough space for everyone, plus three space heaters for those chilly evenings when the breeze rolls in off the sea. Of course, if the weather's not playing ball, there's always the projector and surround sound system in the living room for immersive movie nights.

Away from your semi-secluded haven, the shingle beach at Saltdean offers you a chance to paddleboard or take a dip in the Grade II-listed art deco lido. Then, continue west along the coast, and you'll find yourself in the vibrant seaside town of Brighton in under half an hour. However, if you prefer to use your breaks as a chance to disconnect, the national park on your doorstep offers over 2,000 miles of rights of way so you can enjoy some quiet reflection as you hike through the hills.

Southern Sanctuary

Located a minute's walk from Camber Sands, this family home is perfect for beach lovers looking for some respite. The contemporary design is clean and bright, with plenty of open-plan space for entertaining. The bi-fold doors keep the outside flowing into the home – great for summertime dining on the decked terrace. While the garden isn't the largest, there's enough room for a barbecue with the family, and the outdoor shower is a welcome addition for keen sea swimmers. If you're looking to explore further afield, the independent shops and restaurants of Rye are just a five-minute drive away. 

The Camber Dunes 

A stone’s throw from Camber Sands, this stylish home takes beach shack to glamorous new heights, making it the perfect coastal retreat for friendly get-togethers and extended families. 

The interior is characterfully designed using reclaimed and antique materials, offering a revitalised version of seaside chic. The host is evidently a fan of up-cycling – look out for creative touches such as repurposed doors, stain-glass windows and rustic radiators. We especially love the wood-panelled walls and flooring that shape the space as a whole, while the comfortable furnishings, neutral tones and wood-burning stove keep things cosy. 

Here, as much attention has been paid to comfort as it has to style – drift off to sleep beneath Egyptian cotton bed linen or relax on leather sofas in the sitting room. But, don’t spend too much time inside as this home is close to an expansive sandy beach. Enjoy exclusive use of a private “No Through” sandy road, with access only to residents, and walk to the sand dunes in two minutes. End the day with early-evening sundowners on the front porch, sharing anecdotes and listening to the waves lapping in and out of the shore, before heading into the local village for a spot of traditional pub grub, five minutes away on foot. 

Camber Sands

British beach holidays come in a variety of shapes, but we think this modern three-storey home in Camber is one of the smartest and well-equipped. A family home, with hosts who clearly understand the needs of those with young children, it's just a ten-minute stroll from one of the best beaches in the country. With every little thing thought of, you can rest assured there will be plenty of games, books and toys to keep kids occupied, while details like stair gates, socket covers and even baby monitors are thoughtfully provided. Inside, it's bright and spacious, with an open-plan dining, kitchen and lounge are with double-height ceilings. There's a small balcony off the first-floor living room, an excellent games room with table football and large flat-screen TV, and a sociable kitchen leading out to a pretty courtyard garden. Grab the buckets and spades for a day at the beach or take the short drive to beautiful Rye for some shopping in its cobbled streets. Best of all, the home welcomes furry friends – morning dog walks on Camber Sands are next level.

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Book a stay in one of the best homes in East Sussex

We selected the 103 homes worth renting in this location

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