To celebrate the vernal equinox and return of spring’s blooming landscapes, we retreated for a weekend escape to the darling Flint Cottage, a romantic abode for two nestled in the enchanting county of East Sussex. Set in the village of Alfriston in the South Downs National Park, our dreamy weekend destination promised endless country charm and the perfect base to uncover an array of natural beauty spots within the area.
Before heading to the retreat, we decided to make a brief detour to the beautiful National Trust managed Birling Gap. Arriving to the heavenly scent of the salt-kissed sea breeze and poetic sound of the lapping waves, we climbed the hill, passing a cluster of grazing wild ponies which completed the unspoilt views of the Seven Sisters. Remaining until daylight waned, we meandered past acres of green countryside, passing a captivating band of horses cantering against dusky skies.
Weaving our way into the village where clusters of daffodils were perched on every corner, we passed the village green before parking in Flint’s private parking space. Excited to uncover the realm of staycation magic that awaited us, we stepped through the garden gate into the beautiful courtyard garden.
Unlocking the door to the thoughtfully renovated garden room, we flicked on the warm lights and were immediately cosy. Beautifully curated with exposed flintwork, reclaimed Edwardian chequerboard tiles and a whimsical antiques collection, we knew this space would be our favourite to relax within. Placed on the rustic farmhouse table was a perfectly packaged hamper supplied by the adorable Badger’s Tea House, brimming with fresh produce for us to savour over the weekend. Nestled just next door and open Tuesday-Fridays, this traditional-style tearoom is a wonderful breakfast or lunch option for those staying at Flint Cottage on a mid-week break.
Offering an enchanting setting to craft romantic feasts was the Victorian-inspired kitchen, promising sleek, polished granite worktops, emerald, green subway tiles by deVOL and bespoke shaker cabinetry painted in Farrow and Ball’s Pantalon.
The timeless, cottagecore-style living room rested next door, endlessly inviting with a wood burning stove, floral accents and stylish café style curtains. Upstairs awaited a choice of two beautiful bedroom spaces, each adorned with handcrafted glass lighting, quaint Flora Roberts wallpaper and featuring cast iron double beds. The final space to discover was the sublime bathroom, adorned with glazed jade green Edwardian tiles with a walk-in brass rainfall shower hidden behind a stylish Crittall door.
After our long drive from Cornwall and magical early evening spent on the cliffs, we decided to order a selection of fragrant curries from Thai Terre, a fine dining restaurant located within the village of East Dean, which we collected and enjoyed from the comfort of the cottage, before heading upstairs to slumber.
With a busy but heavenly agenda planned for Saturday, we jumped in the car and headed once again to the coastline – this time, the picturesque Cuckmere Haven. Here is where the Seven Sisters cliffs begin, and the Cuckmere River meets the English Channel. We parked up at South Hill Barn Car Park, where we strolled towards the beach, admiring the rural beauty, swathes of emerald grasslands and magnificent views down towards Birling Gap. It wasn’t long before we spotted the iconic Coastguard Cottages, a scene which has appeared in a number of films and TV series.
Next was the twenty-minute drive to Eastbourne, where we wandered along the shingle beach and traditional English seaside pier, the gilded domes perfectly illuminated by the midday sun.
After a short stop in To The Rise Bakery to pick up some almond croissants for a late lunch, we weaved our way in and out of the promenade before discovering Barley Sugar, a stunning shop selling a unique selection of antiques, artisan produce and fine wines. Leaving with a bottle of Rathfinny Cradle Valley Pinot Gris, a vintage French terrine dish and a rustic Chapati rolling pin, we took the advice of the owner and paid a visit to the St Michael & All Angels church in Berwick, famed for its sublime Bloomsbury Group paintings by Duncan Grant, Vanessa Bell and Quentin Bell, who were commissioned by the church.
On the drive back, we spotted the mysterious Long Man of Wilmington, a 72 metre chalk figure etched into a hillside within the South Downs National Park – the largest in Europe. Thought to be created in the early modern period, this must-see is accessible via a circular trail, which begins at Berwick Station and promises undulating country views.
Making the most of the unexpected afternoon sun, we arrived back in Alfriston and decided to take the opportunity to wander through the chocolate-box village, strolling past a wealth of independent shops, from rustic homeware store Fern to Emmett and White, where you can discover a curious collection of antiques to muse over. Admiring the village in golden light, it was no secret why the village of Alfriston was named by The Telegraph as one of the prettiest villages in the UK. Towards the end of High Street, we also came across the stunning 14th century St Andrew’s church parish and the thatched Alfriston Clergy House, the first National Trust property in the country.
We also stumbled upon The Star, a medieval fronted 15th century inn turned restaurant and hotel featured by Condé Nast. Part of the critically acclaimed Polizzi Collection, we wandered past a crackling fire and beneath rustic beams to their Mediterranean walled garden, opting for cocktails in the sunshine.
On the quiet stroll back to the cottage, we got a chance to admire the handcrafted front façade of Flint Cottage, aglow from indoors and the honeyed skies above.
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Saturday evening’s supper began with an appetiser of fresh apricots and buttery olives, before we fired up the AGA for nduja and burrata linguine. Heading out to the spellbinding red-bricked garden for the evening, we switched on the romantic festoon lighting and savoured our meal alfresco with a glass in hand.
Rising to a misty Sunday morning, we ambled downstairs for our breakfast, which consisted of toasted sourdough with jam and a piping cup of tea. A short time later, we embarked on the country drive to the former modernist home and studio of post-impressionist painters Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, Charleston Farmhouse. Set in the heart of Sussex in the village of Firle, it was here where the remarkable Bloomsbury group was dreamed up and a unique group of the 20th century’s most radical artists gathered to envision life in a new way through the arts. Uncovering the colourful and inspiring spaces of the home with a camera in hand, we imagined the beautiful lives of the artists, before taking to the tranquil walled gardens.
Returning for our final afternoon in our darling weekend escape, we perched in the garden room one final time, listening to the gentle song of birds whilst I read a book in the lone velvet armchair beside flickering candlelight.
With the soft spring rain showing no sign of ceasing, we finally took the chance to light the wood burner before flicking on the Samsung Smart TV, which was cleverly concealed within a wooden frame. Cosied up in our complimentary weekend White Company robes, we snuggled on the sofa beside the fire with a hot chocolate in hand, revelling in the memories created during our fairytale weekend sojourn at the enchanting Flint Cottage until it was time for bed.
Set under two hours from London, Flint Cottage is an otherworldly retreat for the romantics seeking a slower pace of living.
Dreaming of your own storybook stay? Book Flint Cottage here…
