Greyfriars

About

History, privacy and elegance combine in the two high-end holiday homes at Greyfriars, a Grade II-listed mansion, close to the East Sussex coast. Eagles Nest and Heron’s Wood are the result of a sympathetic restoration of one wing of this Gothic house overlooking a ruined medieval monastery. Each offers modern convenience, decent wifi, and comfort with authentic country-house elegance thanks to original features including mullion windows, high ceilings and antique furniture.

Both of these two mansion house apartments, has two bedrooms and two marbled bathrooms, ample living space and a garden with a hot tub. Both are family and dog friendly, with ground floor Heron’s Wood sleeping up to five and Eagle’s Nest, on the first floor, sleeping a maximum of four.

While the heritage features and unique setting on a private family-owned estate underpin what’s so special about these apartments, it’s the no-expense-spared finish that elevates the experience of staying here. Handmade cashmere and wool mattresses and 800-thread-count bed linens make for comfortable nights. Underfloor heating and log burners mean the apartments stay cosy wherever the weather, and well-equipped modern kitchens mean you can cook with ease.

Eagles nest

• 14 stairs to entrance
• Two bedroom, two bath apartment sleeping 4
• Rooms open onto the terrace with sun loungers
• Abbey ruins and sea views
• Private enclosed garden, and hot tub

Herons Wood

• Ground floor (wheelchair friendly)
• Two bedrooms, two bathrooms plus cloakroom, sleeping 5
• Stunning Abbey views
• Private enclosed garden, and hot tub.

 

The Location

Greyfriars is situated on the edge of the charming village of Winchelsea and guests can wander to the nearby local pub. Not to be missed is the Charles Palmer Vineyard, next door, where a fabulous afternoon wine tasting can be booked, and for local produce the village’s 'Little Shop' is well-stocked. For fresh fish and seafood, head to the quaint harbour town of Rye, two miles down the road, where you can easily spend an afternoon watching fishing boats or browsing antiques and cobbled streets. Winchelsea beach is just a mile away, if you are lucky you may spot grey seals, and the huge sandy expanses at Camber are not much further.

The closest attraction of all, of course, is the 13th-century abbey which you can see from your windows. It sits in the private parkland that belongs to your hosts and is not accessible to the public. But ask very nicely and the owners might be able to arrange a private tour.

 

 

"Heron's Wood cottage was excellent in all ways and our hosts took great care to ensure we had all we needed. The renovation is exquisite and true to the history of the site yet totally comfortable. We would highly recommend! Our family of 3 and dog loved our stay."
via Revoo, March 2022

 

Greyfriars is being lovely restored by the owners and all profits go towards the conservation of this historic property. Book your stay direct via Greyfriars's own website.