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Owner/Property
Manager: Karen La Borde Bowman
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price, property details and availability.
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Overview
Description
Visit England Five Star Self-Catering and Gold AwardsQuality in Tourism Five Star Gold Award
Quality in Tourism Safe Legal Clean award
Quality in Tourism ‘GREAT 4 DARK SKY WATCHERS’ award
Welcome to Benchwood House, the only Visit England independently accredited, five star and gold, self-catering accommodation in Hastings, East Sussex.
Please check out our official listing below.
https://visitenglandassessmentservices.com/search-results/?search_feed_location=Hastings%2C+East+Sussex&search_feed_type=SCA
Situated in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in the small village of Guestling, it is ideally positioned between the popular towns of Hastings (6 miles away) and Rye (7 miles away).
Once a stable block, Benchwood House is now a two-storey, custom-built, modern, two bedroom, rural, self-catering accommodation.
Whether you're a solo traveller, a couple seeking the privacy of your own home away from the crowds, or a group of friends and family looking to create lasting memories together, Benchwood House has everything you need.
Its comfortable and secluded setting ensures you can relax and unwind in privacy.
Benchwood House is the perfect getaway for nature lovers, adventure-seekers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Celebrating its GREAT 4 DARK SKY WATCHERS Quality in Tourism award, Benchwood House’s unique woodland setting invites astrophiles to unwind beneath some of the clearest skies around.
It is tucked away in an ancient woodland clearing, with panoramic unspoilt countryside views, adjacent to an 18th century pond, used historically for iron ore mining, and is surrounded by eight beaches, with the quiet beaches of Pett Level and Winchelsea just 4.3 miles away.
With its easy access to the seaside and nearby tourist destinations, it offers the ideal base to explore and enjoy the beauty of the region, and experience exciting and varied adventures, to make your stay a memorable one.
Just a short drive away, the picturesque medieval town of Rye enchants visitors with its cobbled streets, tales of smugglers, and the treasured Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.
Nearby Hastings, also known as '1066 Country' for the Battle of Hastings, is equally captivating, celebrated for its charming Old Town, eclectic shops, cosy cafés, vibrant restaurants and arts scene, and its blend of seaside attractions and historic promenades.
SERVICES
Complimentary EE superfast broadband and 4G mobile network
Osprey Network EV chargers are located 3.2 miles away.
OCCUPANCY
Arrival time is 4.00 pm.
Departure time is 10.00 am.
Age Limit
The minimum age is ten years.
We certainly want everyone to feel welcome to stay with us but it is our responsibility as your hosts, to ensure that we take all necessary steps to provide you with a safe environment.
A risk assessment of use of the property, including but not limited to, the pond, open woodlands, and tree platform, identified areas of safety concern for young children under the age of ten.
Full Occupancy
Benchwood House can accommodate a maximum of four guests. To adhere to our planning conditions and to avoid overcrowding, we cannot allow anyone who is not booked with us to stay at the property.
Visitors
If you may wish to have someone visit, this must be agreed by us ahead of your stay, and no children under the age of ten can be allowed to accompany adults during any visit.
We are mandated by law, to show and explain the fire safety prevention notices and equipment, and the fire evacuation procedures, to every person, who enters Benchwood House, and we can be penalised if we breach these legal requirements.
Benchwood House cannot be used for impromptu or planned parties and gatherings because of the reasons mentioned above and our insurance policy restrictions.
PETS
We are sorry but we cannot allow pets to stay.
REFRESHMENTS
We will provide you with refreshments to get you started on your holiday, and it will be good for us to know if any of you suffers from any food allergies or intolerances.
CLOAKROOM
Cloakroom with LED mirror and shaver socket, washstand with basin and WC
KITCHEN
4 slice toaster, kettle, microwave, espresso machine, smokeless electric griddle/sandwich/panini maker, Hob2hood automatic cooker hood, gas hob, electric oven, dishwasher, undercounter fridge/freezer
DINING
The kitchen/diner seats six and the tableware is stored in a cupboard near the dining table
LAUNDRY
Utility room with washer/dryer, clothes horse, laundry basket, clothes pegs, complimentary laundry cleaning and drying products
HEATING
There is underfloor heating on the ground floor and radiators in the bedrooms and first floor hallway, controlled by thermostatic remote controls. The radiators are also controlled by thermostatic valves.
There are heated towel rails in the master bathroom controlled by a switch.
There is a wood burner stove with complimentary logs and fire starters.
INDOOR ENTERTAIMENT
Smart TV and DVD player in the lounge, rainy day games
BEDROOMS
There are two bedrooms, one with a super king size bed (180cm x200cm) and the other with a king size bed (150cmx200cm).
The beds are 1000 pocket spring with a silk pillow top, and a 10 inch mattress. All bed linen is 100% cotton.
Each bedroom has double aspect Velux windows with blinds, and uninterrupted southern views over the panoramic open countryside.
There is a lounge sofa for quiet reading in the master bedroom, dressing tables with mirrors and hairdryers, luggage racks, push style, wall-mounted adjustable reading lamps, USB sockets, ambient lighting, comfortable seating, and storage for clothing in both rooms.
The iron and wall mounted ironing board are in the master bedroom.
BATHROOM
One Jack and Jill en suite spa bathroom with WC and rainfall shower over Whirlpool bath
Double basin vanity unit, LED Bluetooth hands-free sensor mirror with razor socket, heated towel rails, chest of drawers with bathroom linens and essentials
Bathrobes, bath sheets, towels (hair, face, hand) spa slippers, toiletries, laundry bags
OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT
Enclosed garden in woodlands, tables and benches, tree deck, swing seat, fire pits (logs and fire starters included), charcoal BBQ station (charcoal briquettes and fire starters included) fully kitted out woodland cabin
Boating pond with jetty
An Aqua Cycle exercise pedal boat is available to use at your own risk and based on our guidance.
Life vests are available and must be worn at all times while using the pedal boat.
PARKING
On-site private gated parking for 2 cars
PUBS / RESTAURANTS / BEACHES
Closest pub and restaurant 1.9 miles (four minutes away)
There are eight beaches close to Benchwood House, with the quiet beaches of Pett Level and Winchelsea just five miles away 4.3 miles (10 minutes away)
Beach chairs are available.
BICYCLE RACK
Bicycle shelter and 4 bicycle floor parking rack stand are available.
PLEASE NOTE IN ADVANCE
Benchwood House has been insulated to a very high standard with an EPC rating of B, and is extremely quiet while indoors.
There will be some sporadic road noise in the area, however, during peak hours when you are in the garden.
This is because Benchwood House is located off the A259, which is a gateway to popular destinations such as Rye and Camber Sands beach, and other tourist attractions.
Please note that the pictures shown reflect the different seasons.
Benchwood House will be decorated for Christmas.
It would be a good idea to use flexible luggage such as holdalls because of the spiral stairs.
Benchwood House is a gated private property, over 100 metres away from our home within the same grounds, which is about three acres.
POLICY
Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited inside the property.
The use of sockets in the property for EV charging is dangerous and strictly prohibited.
The closest EV chargers (Osprey Network) are located 8 minutes away.
The property access file will be sent upon booking confirmation.
We are all experiencing an avalanche of price increases for April 2025, so we have waived an accidental damage deposit of £200 required when booking, and refundable within 48 hours after departure.
We ask you though, to treat Benchwood House with the same care and respect you would your own home.
And you will be liable for any damage that is not considered reasonable wear and tear.
Bedroom Details
Bedroom 1
1 x Super King Bed
180cm x 200cm
Bedroom 2
1 x King Bed
150cm x 200cm
5 Reviews
Leave ReviewA relaxing and indulgent few days
By Harriet on 14-Nov-2025I enjoyed a five day stay at Benchwood House. The whole cottage felt luxurious and the attention to detail was second to none - a lovely welcome basket of local produce was a generous and thoughtful touch. The view of The Weald from the main window was a particular favourite - sitting in the window seat reading a good book was a real treat. Karen was an attentive host who also respected the privacy of her guest. When I left the cottage, I forgot to pack a skirt and blouse; Karen very kindly packed and posted the items to me - an exceptional level of customer service. I had a wonderful and relaxing time at Benchwood House- I would advise that the narrow spiral staircase is not suitable for people with mobility issues.
Fantastic Woodland Retreat
By Martyn A on 20-Sep-2025We received a lovely welcome from our hosts, Karen & Chris, together with a welcome basket of ‘goodies’ which were much appreciated. Benchwood House was tastefully decorated and with quality furnishings provided us with a very comfortable and relaxing short break. The hosts thought of every small detail and provided us with everything we required, from a well equipped kitchen and a host of useful items not normally included when renting. Unfortunately the weather was not kind to us, so we could not take advantage of the many useful outdoor areas at the property. A beautiful woodland retreat, which we hope to enjoy again in the better weather.
5 Star Luxury Accommodation
By Stuart B on 06-Sep-2025Everything about Benchwood House was above and beyond our expectations. Karen and Chris, the owners, were very welcoming, friendly and helpful and the welcome pack was incredible. The views from the house are beautiful, the quality of the furnishings and utensils/equipment is exceptional and the outdoor spaces are amazing. Plenty of great places to visit for walks, days out etc.. but you might find you don't even want to leave!
5 stars: Idyllic stay at Benchwood House
By Diana on 20-Jun-2025We stayed at Benchwood House in May and were absolutely blown away by the experience. The property is set in an idyllic location—peaceful, scenic, and the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the fabulous decor: stylish, warm, and thoughtfully put together, giving the house a luxurious yet homely feel. The cleanliness was nothing short of impeccable—honestly, you’d struggle to find a speck of dust anywhere (I tried!). It’s clear that Karen and Chris take great pride in the property, and it shows in every detail. Speaking of Karen and Chris, they were the perfect hosts: welcoming, professional, and genuinely friendly. Their thoughtful welcome package was a lovely touch and made us feel instantly at home. The stairs was a challenge but it made the stay even more interesting. Benchwood House is a true gem, and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. We’re already dreaming of our next visit.
Beyond expactations
By Bianca - Holland on 05-May-2025Both inside and outside this accommodation is magnificent. The interior is great with the absolute highlight being the large window with a view of the valley. The spiral staircase can be a bit challenging. Outside there is a lot of space, beautiful nature and many terraces. This largely compensates for the noise from the road that can be heard. The location is central and you can go in all directions for excursions. The reception is more than hospitable with a tour of the house and a complete assortment of local delicacies. In all respects this accommodation is above all expectations and we heartily recommend it.