The Tack Barn at Upper Lodge
- Premier host
- Lewes, East Sussex, England
- See on map
- Sleeps: 2 (+cot)
- Bedroom: 1
- Bathroom: 1
- Minimum stay: 3-5 nights
Upper Lodge is a historic house on the edge of the South Downs National Park, surrounded by peaceful countryside and steeped in creativity.
Keen to share their idyllic slice of Sussex, owners Corina and Dominic worked closely with local architect Sally Williams, to transform their disused stable into an imaginative, art-filled eco-retreat. The Tack Barn went on to win Self-Catering Property of the Year at the first ever Staycation Awards.
Secluded in its own woodland garden, serene views lead your gaze over a large pond towards whispering trees and open fields, for a blissful sense of relaxation. Sustainability takes centre-stage here: thoughtful elements including solar-heated water, triple-glazed windows and reed bed drainage help preserve these awe-inspiring surroundings, so you can savour them guilt-free.
Meanwhile, The Tack Barn’s interiors have been carefully curated to showcase local art and produce (Corina is also the founder of The Maker’s Directory, a collection of Sussex artists and makers, some of whom work from the artist studios at Upper Lodge). French windows open straight out to the wraparound deck for lazy sun-soaked days, or light the wood-burning stove and gaze out of them from the sofa when it’s raining, to feel ridiculously cosy.
You’ll find a welcome basket of locally-sourced and home-grown goodies in the well-equipped kitchen, and at certain times of the year you can even pluck fresh supplies from the kitchen garden and orchard. Corina and Dominic will happily recommend some of their favourite local restaurants and pubs if you’d rather not cook.
Take long bubble-soaks in the double-ended bath – organic cotton towels and flowers provided – or if you’d rather get to work on writing that amazing novel you’ve been planning, there’s a comfy desk bathed in natural light. You could also take a turn around the beautiful garden, or unwind on the jetty with a well-deserved drink.
Dine in the garden, then light the firepit if you’re staying outside awhile, chatting until evening morphs into star-sprinkled night. When owls start hooting softly in the background, you’ll find a kingsize bed waiting, dressed in fresh organic cotton sheets for a dreamy night’s sleep. Again, French windows open straight out to the deck, for morning coffee-with-a-view.
Keep readingAt a glance
- An architect-converted, award-winning eco-retreat for two, beautifully secluded on the grounds of a historic Sussex house.
- The retreat is privately secluded in its own woodland garden, with idyllic rural views over a large pond.
- French windows open straight out to the wraparound deck and sheltered dining area from both the living area and bedroom.
- You’ll be provided with a welcome basket of locally-sourced essentials for your stay.
- You will be welcome to help yourselves to produce from the kitchen garden and orchard when supplies allow.
- Upper Lodge is perfectly located on the edge of the South Downs National Park for easy access to South Downs Way walks and nearby beaches.
- Glyndebourne is just ten minutes away, with countless more Sussex attractions close by.
Features
Adults Only
Disability Accessible
Facilities
Living area with wood-burning stove and logs, sofa, desk, Wi-Fi, Freeview TV with Chromecast and DVD player, French windows to deck. Well-equipped kitchen with welcome basket, oven, induction hob, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine. Kingsize bedroom with line-dried linen and Hypnos mattress, storage/hanging space, French windows to deck, bathroom with double-ended bath and shower over, sink, WC, organic cotton towels. Scenic wraparound deck with sheltered dining area, fire pit, woodland garden, jetty. Private parking directly outside.
Local activities
Walking, cycling, beaches, events, festivals, museums, galleries, shops, pubs, restaurants, castles, National Trust properties, gardens
More information
What will you do with the rest of the day? Glyndebourne is just ten minutes away, for those planning a visit to the iconic opera house (perhaps accompanied by a scrumptious picnic, full of treats picked up from the nearby farm-shops).
You could pay a visit to Lewes, brimming with independent shops and cafés, or take a long, invigorating walk along the South Downs Way – Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters are close by, along with Beachy Head and Cuckmere Haven. You’ll also have the options of browsing glorious gardens and ornate National Trust properties, or immersing yourselves in the heady worlds of art and literature this glorious part of the world is so wonderfully well-known for.
Things to note
Pets and smoking are not permitted. The retreat sleeps two adults, with a cot available on request for a child aged up to one year old. An electric car charging point is also available on request. The property is full accessible throughout, but does not have a walk-in shower.
