About this property
Situated within the South Downs National Park and enjoying a fantastic location on the picturesque and historic village green of East Dean. The village dates back to Saxon times and is set along a coastline that produced a long history of smuggling. The cottage itself used to have a network of underground tunnels which linked it to the seashore at the Birling Gap, as well as to the historic village pub which is just across the village green. Ideal for a family group, other places of interest within easy reach of the property include the towns of Eastbourne and Lewes, National Trust's Cuckmere Valley, Herstmonceux Castle, Birling Gap and Beachy Head across the South Downs and Drusillas Zoo Park. For those who enjoy walking, an hour long walk through the downs brings visitors onto the shingle seashore where they can spend an afternoon rockpooling or searching for fossils, under the watchful eye of the magnificent chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters. For those who enjoy birdwatching there are multiple opportunities including Beachy Head, Pevensey Levels, Exceat and Cuckmere Haven and Tide Mill (Newhaven) all very close. White Tailed Eagles have been seen soaring above the cottage on a couple of lucky sightings. The cottage is traditional throughout, decorated with classic British themes in floral and pastel shades. In the calming lounge, enjoy the sunlight overlooking part of the private garden: an ideal space to sit and read or have a snooze. Or settle in the family room featuring large ship s timber beams distinctive of period cottages of this era, with room to relax or watch TV. In the kitchen, guests will find everything they need to prepare and enjoy their favourite dishes including a breakfast bar, double oven, hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine and larder. There is a door from the kitchen to the lower terrace of the garden and steps lead up to the main garden. The first floor accommodation has four bedrooms, which all enjoy views of the village green. The first of these is the master bedroom, a light filled dual aspect room which offers a king size bed and a vanity basin. The second bedroom is a pretty twin room with zip and link beds which can be formatted to make a king size bed and the two remaining bedrooms are both single rooms. Also on this floor, there is a shower room with large walk in shower and WC. Several turned cottage style steps lead up from the first floor to a small garden room which has comfortable cane furniture where guests can relax and enjoy views over the garden. A set of double doors from this room opens out onto steps with handrail, leading down to the main lawned area of the garden. There is a further bathroom with shower over bath and WC, leading off the garden room. The property benefits from delightfully spacious gardens which are fully enclosed and are spread out over several pretty, terraced areas surrounded by foliage and flowers, linked by steep stone steps which are waiting to be explored. The owners have provided a table and chairs here so that guests can enjoy the simple pleasure of al fresco dining in the tranquil surroundings, plus some benches on which to relax and take in the garden air. The lawned area is easily accessed from the garden room or the kitchen. There is some unrestricted roadside parking close to the property, and a free car park next to the village pub, a two minute walk away. The owners have in mind their environmental impact and have installed energy efficient lightbulbs throughout and appliances are A rated or higher. We have begun installing thermal blinds to reduce heat loss. There is a recycling point outside the kitchen door, and visitors who cook are welcome to put their raw peelings in our compost bin at the top of the garden if they wish. Need to know: 4 bedrooms: 1 king size, 1 zip and link which can be twin beds or a king size (please advise when booking), and 2 singles. Bathroom with shower over bath and WC. Shower room with shower and WC. TV. Kitchen oven, hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, and washing machine. Roadside parking and free car park available locally. Pub and shop within short walking distance, beach 1 mile. Enclosed terraced garden (steps are steep so young children need to be supervised at all times). Please enquire FOR flexible change over dates.
Accommodation
Enclosed garden / patio, Internet access, Pub within 1 mile, Shop within 1 mile, Beach within 5 miles, Family friendly, Decorated for Christmas, Cottage, Yes, Yes