Ancient meets modern in this East Sussex barn conversion

Guest accommodation at Knelle Dower B&B is in a recently converted barn, some distance from the main house, with vaulting beams and its own private terrace. This gives guests a huge degree of space and privacy, and though the barn is structurally ancient the conversion has fitted the latest comforts and a clean contemporary style.

The Studio has a super-king sized bed (that can be configured as a twin), fitted with quality Egyptian cottons and goose down duvets and pillows. The room is equipped with a Nespresso coffee machine, a kettle and a fridge stocked with fresh milk and soft drinks, a wide-screen freeview TV, an Ipod docking station and, of course, free broadband internet.

Step into the en-suite shower room and you’ll find soft Egyptian cotton towels, luxury toiletries and a powerful hair dryer.

On a summer evening the terrace is a highlight, with open views across the garden over the Rother Valley, a peaceful scene of rural bliss. Guests are free to wander around the extensive gardens, where the active might stumble across the tennis court.

While the Studio feels marvelously up-to-date, step back in time at breakfast, which is served in the 14th-Century main house. This timber-framed property is an atmospheric place where breakfasts are a daily feast featuring home-made preserves, home-grown eggs and local meats. There are, of course, vegetarian options and special diets can be catered for, an it’s easy to see how Bettina has earned her AA breakfast award.

All in all, Knelle Dower is a wonderfully pampering haven in one of the prettiest corners of  the English countryside.