Fabulously creative gallery-home hybrid in the centre of Lewes, ideal for families & arty friends (sleeps 6 + 2 kids)
Space & setting.
*Brand new*
When a wardrobe consultant and her husband swapped their 16thC cottage in Lewes for a double-fronted Georgian house, they never dreamt they’d end up as part of Sussex’s art history as a result. But a hand-painted sign in the garden shed and the ruby-red Peggy Angus wallpaper hidden behind a bookcase were clues that their new home was a famous gallery 50 years ago. Once they’d discovered that, their creative ambitions spiralled! A year later, whilst it is still their home, they’ve made it into a hybrid space for creative collaborations and pop-up exhibitions with local artists — and an extraordinary rental for 6 + kids. Soft seafoam shades by Atelier Ellis offset panelling, vintage furnishings and ticking fabrics; the fabulous Peggy wallpaper now lines the gallery / drawing room, and the kids’ bedroom has been papered in a vibrant House Of Hackney print they spotted in Tremanton Castle years earlier (they vowed at the time it would be their nursery wallpaper if they ever had kids).
Staying here means being surrounded by beautiful things, both in the house and nearby. Lewes is a hotbed of creativity, with a whole antiques quarter, and brilliant independents. It’s a place to mooch and feel inspired; it’s a base for walking in South Downs National Parks, visiting local vineyards, and exploring the wider East Sussex art scene. And because it’s the owners’ home, it’s equipped with everything you could want for cooking, bringing kids, relaxing on the rooftop terrace and hunkering down in the colder months. But our favourite home-from-home touch is the very friendly cat called Wolf, who can remain in residence if you’d like him to. His lazy lolling will inspire you to do the same.
Getting here: drive, or train to Lewes then walk (4 mins)
Special touches.
- Private catering
- At-home massages and energy healing
- Local makers’ workshops
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Surrounds.
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Lewes Castle -
South Downs National Park via Unsplash -
© Middle Farm -
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© Artelium Vineyard -
© Glyndebourne Opera
- On a Sunday, pop next door to The Kings Head for a pint, then cook up a roast on the Aga while the Sunday Bells of Southover Church ring out.
- Explore Lewes. The Antiques Quarter sprawls over the bottom half of town. Charlie’s favourite is The Lewes Antiques Centre, which spans 4 floors. She also loves Cafe Du Jardin at the bottom of town where you can grab a coffee and a croque monsieur amongst the antiques.
- There are a wealth of great independents, including Closet + Botts (vintage-inspired fashion), Edward + Todd’s (contemporary gifts by British artisans), Freight (homewares), Radical Giving (ethical, handcrafted goods), Fifteenth Century Bookshop (rare children’s book in a very very old beamed building), Flint Owl (a cafe / bakery with legendary sourdough) and Taith Coffee (a superb cafe with stunning views of the Downs).
- In addition to being a wardrobe consultant and author, Charlie is a trained reiki master, and can come to the house to give reiki treatments.
- There’s a magical display of bluebells along the trails at Arlington Reservoir during April — and kids will love riding the old steam train here too.
- Further afield, grab walking boots and head into South Downs National Park. Climb right to the top for breathtaking 360-degree views all the way to the to the south coast.
- Middle Farm is a wonderful farm shop with an animal farm for children and a nursery full of unusual flowers.
- Explore local vineyards: Artelium, Tillingham and Rathfinny are our favourites. Prefer a craft ale? Beak Breweries is the best, plus they have pop-up food trucks every weekend.
- By staying at the house, you’ll be part of Sussex’s art history. Explore its wider heritage with day trips to Charleston Lewes, Charleston House, Farley House and Monk’s House.
- Some of the best opera in the world happens at Glyndebourne, a 10-minute drive from Lewes.
Specifics.
- Double-fronted Georgian house in the centre of Lewes, spread over 3 floors
- Central heating, 1 open fire and 1 woodburner
- 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
- Top floor: queen room with adjoining baby cot room, and twin room, sharing a family bathroom with tub and handheld shower
- Middle floor: king room and double room, sharing bathroom with tub and walk-in shower)
- 1 fixed baby cot and 1 travel cot on request (no charge)
- Bathrobes + toiletries
- Additional loo on ground floor
- Well-equipped kitchen with fridge, freezer, Aga, oven with gas hob, Drip coffee machine, washing machine, tumble dryer & dishwasher
- Basic supplies & welcome hamper
- Charlie can recommend local caterers for supper clubs and at-home dining
- Dining table for 6-8
- Gallery drawing room
- Family room with Smart TV & woodburner
- Netflix, Amazon Prime, terrestrial TV, board games, books, children’s toys, WiFi
- One cat on request!
- Sorry, no dogs
- Courtyard garden with BBQ & parasol
- Rooftop terrace with garden furniture
- On-street parking
- Cleaner every other day on request
- The owners are available by phone if you need them
- Walk to pubs, shops & restaurants (2-10 mins)
- Booking conditions: min 2 nights
- Remember to pack: wellies/walking boots for exploring The Downs
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30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations permitted 8+ weeks prior to stay, with deposit refunded minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 8 weeks of stay.
FAQs.
Unfortunately not. The owners have a Maine-coon cat, Wolf, who can stay with you if you’d like him there! He requires feeding once a day and is a very cuddly, friendly cat. If you’d prefer no cats, the owners will organise for Wolf to be elsewhere. Regardless, no dogs are allowed.
There is no designated parking space, but there is on-street parking outside. The owners can also provide permits for short stays for an additional £10 each.
No; you can easily come by train and spend your time here on foot. It’s a 1 hr 10 train from London Victoria direct to Lewes. The house is a 4-minute walk from the station.
Yes, there’s a fixed baby cot, a travel cot, a high chair and a Stokke seat, plus lots of toys.
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