Nightingale Barn

East Sussex was beautiful, and the Barn website’s suggestions for nearby places to eat were excellent. We had good weather, so we could spend all day and one evening outdoors. The stay itself was a letdown for the price. The listing said there were four rooms, but the mezzanine is open, so there’s no privacy, and the floors creak with every step. We also found the place busy, with cars coming and going, and a large, grimy removal van parked outside throughout our stay. Though it was listed as family-friendly, there’s an unfenced pond and no proper flat grassy space for children. The badminton net was torn, one racket had broken strings, and there were no shuttlecocks. Before we arrived, my sister had messaged a week ahead about bringing a toddler, but the owner seemed surprised when we mentioned it. The night before, my sister asked for a photo of the cot, and the replies came across as abrupt and unfriendly. We felt uneasy before we even got there. When we opened the cot, it was dirty and dusty, so we had to clean it ourselves. The stair barrier should have been fitted on arrival, but wasn’t installed until after our first night. Even then it didn’t fit properly and felt unsafe, though the owner did come back to adjust it. No kindling was provided, so we had to buy some as well as our own logs. The hot tub was presented as a main feature and cost £180, but it seemed like a cheap portable one beneath a tent, which wasn’t what we expected. The downstairs wet room was difficult for my elderly mother. Water took hours to drain, leaving the floor slippery and hazardous, and she slipped several times. The upstairs shower drained slowly too and smelled of drainage pipes. The carpet seemed overdue for cleaning, and although guests were asked to keep the oven clean, it was already quite dirty, with crumbs underneath.

We enjoyed seeing deer in the wood behind the house, buzzards and lots of garden birds. It’s also handy for places like Bedgebury and Rye, and we liked the odd touches in the decor, including a mural and a spooky antique pram. Walking among the trees was lovely, and we had a good time at Nightingale Barn. It was busier and noisier than we wanted, though. We live on a busy street and were hoping for the “utter peace and quiet” mentioned, but the car park beside the long side of the barn serves the main house as well, with people coming and going, slamming doors and playing radios. I’d imagined the big lounge windows would look out onto trees instead of the car park. Still, I can see this being a pleasant stay for many people.

Our shoulders had relaxed by the end of our stay. Nightingale Barn has lovely walks right nearby, an open fire pit for roasting marshmallows, and a spacious, well-equipped interior with a beautiful high, beamed living area. Suz is a delight, giving you space to enjoy yourself while being there whenever you need her. We’d recommend King Johns nursery and gardens, a hidden gem about a 12 minute walk away. It’s also a lovely place to paint. This was our second visit, and we’ll be back again.

We had a fantastic New Year's Eve here, and the beds were very comfortable. The kitchen was well stocked, and Suz was quick to reply and happy to accommodate our requests. The barn is about a 40 minute walk from Etchingham station, though easy to reach by car. Pubs and restaurants are around an hour's walk away. One bedroom is on a mezzanine, as clearly stated in the listing.