Neddys Rest - Converted Horselorry

Neddy’s Rest offers a couple of cute, cosy, and quirky places to lay your head within walking distance of an East Sussex vineyard. That’s not the only reason to stay here on the outskirts of Sedlescombe village. But it is a good one. Another is the gloriously rural setting among the horse paddocks of a family farm. Another is the fact that it’s just five minutes from seaside Hastings and historic Battle. Then, of course, let’s not forget Neddy’s Rest itself; it’s a lovingly converted horse lorry that provides compact, self-contained, self-catering accommodation for two.

Neddy’s Rest is the title place to stay on this family farm—but there’s a little timber cabin too, known as Vines and Pines for its location between the neighbouring vineyard and wood. Each of these adults-only boltholes is warmed by a log burner and kitted out with bedding, towels, and simple cooking facilities. Neddy’s Rest is the simplest—it’s off grid, with gas for hot water and the hob; and solar power for lights and charging your phone.

One of the biggest attractions here is the neighbours. Emphasis on the neigh. Particularly appropriate for Neddy’s Rest, are the horses, donkeys, and alpacas who graze in the paddocks around you. The residents of this smallholding, which also includes a pig, offer an ever-changing scene and soundscape that’s as rural as it comes—and pretty relaxing to be around too.

You might be content to spend a couple of days surrounded by this menagerie, sipping wine on the deck outside your accommodation and perhaps watching the stars from beside your campfire. You might want to pop over to the Carr Taylor vineyard next door—there’s a rural route there on footpaths—or you might be in the market for further exploration of the local countryside and coast. Whatever you come here for, Neddy’s Rest, which feels miles from anywhere but which is actually close to so much, is an excellent place to be based.