Blue Door Barns, Beddingham, near Lewes, Sussex - Explore & Book
"It's easy to see why Emma and Bryony abandoned glittering London careers in TV and talent management to set up this magical microcosm of flint-and-brick barns, fairy-lit courtyards and vintage-chic interiors. The setting is a best-of-British showreel. At the foot of the rolling green South Downs, you've the handsome market town of Lewes and glamorous Glyndebourne, bustling Brighton on your doorstep, and the chalky sea cliffs of the Seven Sisters beyond. The buildings have history too: as home to Quentin (son of Vanessa) Bell, they were a regular haunt of the Bloomsbury Set; one of the guest rooms was his studio. Emma has decked them out with Farrow & Ball colours, playful chandeliers, vintage posters, and wonderful furniture salvaged from Parisian marchés aux puces. Bryony, meanwhile, can advise you on local hikes, traffic-free cycle routes, and cosy pub lunches. Come as a couple, a family, or a big group; these boho barns work for all. Highs A great couples' hideaway, and the option of massages and treatments in The Snug is a real luxury Also suitable for families: the largest barn sleeps 4, another is perfect for 3, both have kitchens, and there's tons to do locally Best of all would be to get 8-13 friends together and take all 4 barns for a summer party: the shared courtyard makes a great focal point, and you'll get exclusive use of the Cabin - a lovely indoor space for eating and drinking in Emma and Bryony are consummate hosts: welcoming, fun-loving and generous to a fault, they offered without a second thought to pick us up after our walk They're very flexible about minimum stays, arrival times etc Lows The Nook and The Sailor's House are on the cosy side and don't have kitchens - but they're fine for a couple's weekend The Lodge has a twin mezzanine room which is only accessible via steep stairs - this makes it unsuitable for toddlers and can be tricky when carrying babies up and down There's no communal sitting room, though the lodges have indoor sitting areas, and the Cabin can be hired out as an extra hangout space You can hear the faint noise of passing cars on the A26 when sitting outside" - Michael Cullen
