Herons Wood at Greyfriars

Seclusion, history and style come together at Herons Wood, a high-end holiday home found in a wing of Greyfriars, a Grade II-listed mansion in countryside close to the East Sussex coast. Over a number of years, a considered and sympathetic restoration has been undertaken of this Gothic 19th-century house, overlooking a ruined medieval monastery. There are now two holiday homes - the other is Eagles Nest - which offer modern convenience and comfort with authentic country-house elegance thanks to original features including mullion windows, high ceilings and antique furniture.

Offering more space and features than many stand-alone holiday cottages, Herons Wood has two bedrooms, two marbled bathrooms, kitchen diner and spacious living room which has an original fireplace with woodburner. The holiday home is family and dog friendly, sleeping a maximum of 5 in the two double bedrooms, one of which has a hidden bunk for a child or teen. Outdoors there's a private, enclosed garden with a wood-fired hot tub.

While the historic features and distinctive setting on a private family-owned estate are crucial to what’s so special about these holiday homes, it’s the no-expense-spared level of detail that elevates the experience of staying here. Handmade cashmere, wool mattresses and 800-thread-count bed linens make for pleasant nights. Underfloor heating and log burners mean the apartments stay cosy wherever the weather, and well-equipped modern kitchens come with everything you could need.

Greyfriars is situated on the edge of the charming village of Winchelsea and most guests take a wander to the nearby local pub at some point during their stay. There’s a further taste of the local terroir at the Charles Palmer Vineyard, next door to Greyfriars, and at the village’s 'Little Shop' which is well-stocked with farm produce. 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. The beach is another must-visit: shingley Winchelsea beach is just a mile away 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 the windows of your apartment. It sits in the private parkland that belongs to your hosts and is not accessible to the public or, ordinarily, to guests. But ask very nicely when you’re welcomed to your holiday home and your host Caroline might be able to arrange a private tour.