The best curated guide to East (and West) Sussex. What's on in your county, news, food & drink, sport, miscellaneous, history, humour and recommendations
A cultural, food & drink and places to stay special this fortnight. As ever, please forward on our free newsletter to help us keep growing…
On your doorstep…
Farleys, an idyllic house near Lewes, was the home of the photographer Lee Miller and her artist-curator husband, Roland Penrose, writes The Sunday Times. Here they played host to friends including Mirò, Magritte and Picasso (he painted a tile you can still see above the hob). The American-born Miller was part of the Paris surrealist circle in the 1930s, becoming Man Ray's apprentice, lover and muse. Later, during the war, she turned her camera to reportage but it was only after her death in 1977 that her son discovered her work in Farleys' attic. There are two galleries and a sculpture garden here, which hosts an annual summer surrealist picnic (from £10; farleyshouse andgallery.co.uk). Stay at the neighbouring Park Farm Dairy in a converted barn.
A West Sussex lavender farm is to host five open days next month. Lordington Farm in Chichester, the only lavender farm operating in the county, will welcome visitors from July 10-14. People will be able to walk among the fields and listen to talks about the lavender. Ice cream, tea, cakes and Pimms will be available.
A night away…
Ditchling’s Cabin Hassocks has been listed in The Telegraph’s 20 best places s to stay with wild swimming. Tucked away in the beautiful South Downs, Ditchling Cabin is the perfect rural bolt hole, complete with private lake. There's an emperor-size bed upstairs, while a luxurious kitchen/diner opens on to a deck with its own hot tub, from where you can slip straight into the lake. With a freestanding bath for warming up after a dip, this is a dream spot for wild swimmers. Sleeps four people. One night from £420, ditchlingcabin.com
Food & Drink
The Scotsman rates Roebuck Rosé de Noirs 2017 as “the best English rosé fizz currently on the market. Crafted by a relatively new and very serious estate”. £42, Roebuck Estate;.
The newspaper writes: “In many ways this village inn is the epitome of what a modern pub should be: it has an affable bar that’s perfect for a quick pint or two, it serves good food, including a gourmet tasting menu once a week, and there are lots of locals around enjoying it all.
There’s a dash of quirkiness too, from the bowler hat light fittings to the tubas in place of urinals in the gents’ loos, not to mention the eccentrically decorated guest rooms and purpose-built lodges out the back – the circular Love Nest is an ideal spot for a romantic weekend.”
The Mail’s Tom Parker Bowles has two Sussex establishments in his ‘37 ultimate chippies’ in the UK.
Osbornes, Seaford Perfectly situated just behind the beach, this Seaford classic lets its fish and chips, rather than the décor, do the talking. Everything is freshly made, the batter divine, and once you have your order, retire to the breach to scoff it down. Takeaway: Cod and chips £9.50 (01323 891 779)
Maggie’s, Hastings A few metres from Hasting’s Fisherman’s Beach, its fish is so local that it’s actually bought from the market below it. Not so much food miles as food metres. And the view is every bit as delectable as the cod and chips. Takeaway: Cod and chips, £15.50 (maggiesfishandchips.co.uk)
On the Market
Lewes - Beautiful, contemporary eco-house in an idyllic, rural setting, with extensive grounds and excellent eco credentials. Hamptons, £2.2m
East Hoathly - Detached house in a stunning rural setting, off a peaceful country lane. £750,000 with Hamptons
Mayfield - An attractive 5 bedroom Grade II Listed farmhouse, with over 180 acres. Rightmove, £4.3m
Billingshurst - Private, gated, four bedroom family home in quiet location. On market at £2.3m - Savills
Lewes - 4 bedroom townhouse for sale at Falcon Wharf. £1.1m
Burwash - Ground floor portion of a period cottage in the heart of the sought after village. Foresters, £325,000
Hartfield - Period farmhouse surrounded by 2.5 acres. Offers of £2.2m with Hamptons
West Wittering - Exceptional beachfront property with private garden. Hamptons - £3.5m
