The Bank House, Ditchling, East Sussex – Self-catering with character in the Sussex South Downs

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The Bank House

South East England East Sussex Ditchling

Sleeps 8
Walkers Paradise

Self-catering with character in the Sussex South Downs

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This striking Tudor building offers self-catering stays in the centre of one of the loveliest villages in the South Downs – Ditchling, just below the highest point of the National Park, Ditchling Beacon. The area is full of historic charm but the Bank House is even more so, a 15th-century building in the very heart of the village that's now a four-bedroom holiday home with oodles of character and plenty of comfort, too. Its location in a rural but well-connected spot also means you can enjoy life in the countryside with all the amenities you could wish for just outside the front door. That starts with The Bull, a good gastropub that’s right across the road.

But before heading to the pub, you’ll want to explore your holiday home. And, once you’re in, you may not want to leave – its beams and leaded windows are so dramatic that little other decoration is needed. Whitewashed walls complement and highlight the historic structure along with prints hung here and there, but for the most part, the building itself is the star of the show. Inglenook fireplaces in the living room and dining area (though no longer in use) are part of that charm; there's parquet flooring in places and wooden floorboards elsewhere. The most modern part of the house is undoubtedly the well-equipped kitchen fitted out in a modern-retro blue. But even here, the conveniences (a double oven, dishwasher and coffee machine) sit under medieval beams.

The furniture is where the comfort comes in. There are a few vintage pieces but it’s mostly contemporary – eclectic but chosen so well it doesn’t look at odds with the building. Neutral upholstery and bed linen are gently complemented by muted or dusky colours – textures rather than patterns give a timeless, sophisticated feel. One bedroom, with an en-suite, is downstairs from the first-floor living space. The other three are on the second floor sharing a bathroom and separate shower. Some offer views across rooftops to the chalky ridge of the South Downs.

The Downs are the prime attraction around here – forever in your view, with Ditchling Beacon a stomp up a footpath away. From the top, you can see everything else in the area: bustling Brighton and the sea on the other side; the South Downs Way, leading east and west; and, if you look back from where you’ve come from, the countryside around Ditchling, with plentiful Sussex vineyards and farm shops dotted among the farmers’ fields.

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Facilities

Whether you’re looking for a family holiday, lodgings for a wedding party, a romantic getaway or a weekend away with friends, this traditional country abode provides the perfect base for your self-catering stay.

Step back in time (or up the brick steps) and through the solid oak front door which opens to a beautiful reception room on the first floor. It is incredibly spacious with a generous sofa for cosying up in front of the wall mounted, Smart flat screen TV where you can stream a movie or box-set in the evening. Ceiling beams, original wooden floorboards and timber doors add plenty of ‘Olde World’ character, alongside a grand inglenook fireplace which takes centre stage – although is for decoration only.

Next door, the kitchen and dining room has a generous table for serving sociable home-cooked meals and drinks which can spill outside to the sweet, private patio during summer.

If you’re cooking for family or friends, the kitchen is well-equipped with every appliance you could need to whip up a delicious meal to be paired with an English sparkling wine purchased from any one of the local vineyards. There is a good range of crockery, glassware, cutlery, cooking utensils and pans, plus tea, coffee and milk will also be provided. Should you need anything in particular, or have any special dietary requirements, please ask and we will make every effort to accommodate. A second inglenook fireplace evokes images of days gone by; cooking over an open flame – but once more, it is decorative only, so please use the barbecue outside for anything ‘flame-grilled’!

Downstairs, the lower level has been dressed with a large king bed, with plump pillows and season appropriate duvets. It also has an en suite shower room and is nicely tucked away from the other bedrooms on the top floor – ideal for night owls!

The magical character and charm continue on the first floor where there are three further comfortable double bedrooms dressed in quality linens. All rooms have deep hybrid mattress with plump pillows and season appropriate duvets, and once again, it feels deceptively spacious and light up here. From several windows you can spy the hills of the Downs peeking out between the chimney stacks and rooftops of the local landscape. It is incredibly tranquil up here, and being elevated above the street, you can always ensure a truly restful night’s sleep.

Easy to access along the hall, the bathroom uses a modern take on an older style with traditional fixtures and fittings and brick wall tiling. Gas central heating ensures constant hot water for a relaxing soak after a long hike o’er the hills, while there is a separate shower cubicle for when time is of the essence.

Suitable For

The Bank House is suitable for all ages, pets allowed.

Nearby

Outside, you are surrounded by a dramatic landscape of rolling Downland hills and patchwork fields below vast, open skies, all waiting to be explored. Public footpaths and bridleways lead directly from the village allowing you to navigate the South Downs National Park for a long hike; a simple picnic while drinking in the views or to seek out one of the many country pubs along the way.

Food & Drink

There are farm shops within walking distance selling local food, drinks and wares, or the City of Brighton & Hove is just 10-minutes by car. Ditchling is host to a number of award-winning foodie-pubs, cafes and shops of its own which will take you a full weekend to experience – so no need to venture too far. The peace and luxury of your surroundings will allow you and your party to fully recharge away from the hubbub of city life.

Open

The Bank House is available to book all year round

Pricing

From £250 a night – contact Simple Getaway for the best rates

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The Owner Says

For a truly authentic and historic experience of Sussex village life, this exceptional Medieval home must not be missed. Shakespearian charm has been paired with 21st Century luxury within this three-storey home which can comfortably sleep eight people in four double bedrooms. It sits at the heart of Ditchling Village and is aesthetically stunning, bearing the archetypal features of a 16th Century home with beams, leaded windows and decorative brickwork which continue throughout this impressive

Location

Contact Website 01273 640 281 The Bank House, 7-9 High Street, Ditchling, Hassocks, East Sussex, BN6 8SY

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Getting There

Train: Hassocks has a railway station with direct services from London Victoria, Gatwick Airport, and other locations. Once you arrive in Hassocks, you will need to use local bus services or other modes of transportation to reach Ditchling.

Bus: There are bus services connecting Ditchling to nearby towns and villages. Local bus services may operate routes to Ditchling or other nearby areas.