Sunday 22 September 2013

Strand House B & B, Winchelsea, East Sussex

Straight from our House church weekend away (more in a future post) we had booked to stay at this charming Guest House.
Our room was on the first floor spanning the width of the white painted front of the house.

The house dates from the 14th century. It was originally a hospital inhabited by Monks and was added too in the 15th century when it was the village workhouse (for the uninitiated most towns had a workhouse - a place where people went if they could not pay their rent - usually old people and children)
It became a hotel in 1932


Side view where some of it dates back to the 13th century


I thought these models in the garden of a sheep dog with sheep grazing were adorable 


The old well


A photograph of the house adorning the wall 
taken in 1862


Yes, at 5ft 4 inches I really was taller than our bedroom door and my head was only a few inches from the ceiling beams 


It was a delightful room with a King size bed and a day bed
Do notice the bears in their Strand House bath robes


The chimney and once fireplace I imagine would be part of the structure of the house as it can be seen outside too



Another Strand bear seen cuddling a Strand Kitty cat 



Entrance Hall


Sitting room with the friendliest cat I have ever come across
many cuddles for a cat lover  


The bears kept us company especially on the Sunday night when we had the place to ourselves. We were Blessed and spoilt as inevitably the next day we had to share with other guests, however this was fun too as all guests were friendly and chatty and represented 4 different countries among 5 couples (American, Canadian, Danish and British)



stairs to the second floor


Now here we are back home and yes Alan bought me a Strand bear to bring home and here we see him bonding with my Jelly Cat, his new room mate
Strand bear has his own web page and I will help him keep in touch
by sending photos occasionally


and yes he bought me Strand Kitty Cat too who is pleased to have a big cat to look after him
Winchelsea is close to the charming medieval town of Rye so there will be many photographs to come -  possibly even before I continue posting on Summer holiday and trips





13 comments:

Terri said...

A cozy house - very beautiful. Thanks for the tour.
Hugs

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

It looks very lovely and cozy. However, I would have been banging my head on the ceiling I'm afraid, and CT would have to bend almost double to get through the door!! Love the decor and the old beams and everything else about it though. And you brought some friends home too I see!

ChrisJ said...

Funny, the word I was going to use was also 'cozy' It certainly is a charming house with lots of history.

Patsy said...

What a lovely place!

Cathy said...

What an exceptional place! You mentioned that the bear had a web page. Is that the Facebook page I found on the web? So cute. You should post your photo of the Strand bear at your house there.

Lorrie said...

Such a charming place - full of history and coziness, in spite of the low door.

Bernideen said...

I too always notice the low ceilings with the beams. This house is really wonderful and so old and charming!

Gracie Saylor said...

What fun! I especially liked the sheep being herded, too :) Alan is a sweetie to treat you to new furry friends that I dare say your Grands will admire as well!
Blessings,
Gracie

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

What a wonderful place to stay. It is so well kept up and is charming and cozy. I'm awe of how old the place really is. I love your little bear and the kitty.

Vee said...

Amazing the way the current owners have kept the feel of the old home while creating such cozy comforts. I am shocked that you had to bend to get into your room...now that does give one pause.

Adrienne said...

What a delightful get-away! Thank you for sharing it with us. Your bear and kitty cats are such fun!
~Adrienne~

La Petite Gallery said...

Beautiful spot, why were the doors so short? Maybe People were not as tall then. Love the roof, I saw a real thatched roof in Ireland,
near Shannon. I just heard knocking on my door, the noise was a huge blue Jay eating in a window feeder, he was so big he barely could fit in it. Well, enjoy the beautiful Fall. I so enjoyed the post. Signing off.
yvonne

Willow said...

Does East Sussex have many 14th century homes and pubs still in use?
It seems like a wonderful place for history buffs like The Prof and me!