Ref: 4889 / Alfriston
Quebec Barn
This historic property is situated in the unspoilt village of West Dean in the Cuckmere Valley close to the village of Alfriston and the Seven Sisters Country Park. The village, which is in the middle of Friston Forest, was originally a Manorial Farm and nearby all the structures are converted flint barns and buildings which date to 1220.
Quebec Barn is a carefully converted Grade II Listed, award-winning barn named after the Canadians that were based here in the 1940s. Although the barn has many mod-cons such as under-floor heating, it still retains much of its history including graffiti and artefacts from when the soldiers were based here up until the Normandy landings in June 1944. The east wall is lime plaster and lath wall with chestnut laths from the 17th Century.
You enter the barn via one flight of steps into the hallway which leads to a fully fitted kitchen and an open plan living area with whitewashed beams and wooden flooring throughout. The living area is cosy with sofas, armchairs and a delightful wood-burning stove with access to logs in the log shed. The dining-table can seat up to six people, so large enough if you wish to entertain friends.
Coffee lovers can look forward to making good coffee with the Italian Lavazza machine and a supply of pods. More pods are available to buy from the farm shop. There is also a cafetiere to make your favourite blend and also an artisan roaster "Liquid Spirit". There is a range from Mexico to Indonesia in coffee beans or grounds for you to enjoy from the roastery.
Along the hallway is the main bedroom with a king-size double bed. There is a second bedroom, equipped with a single bed and a trundle single, and a family bathroom.
If you need to connect with the outside world the barn has superfast WiFi.
As you step outside there is a small table and chairs, a lovely spot for a morning coffee whilst you plan your day. The gardens that surround the barn belong to the owner and there is a useful paddock which guests can enjoy, play games with the children, have a barbecue or give the dogs a quick walk.
The 1957 Walled Garden produces apples for sugar-free organic juice and chutneys available from the farm shop. On arrival there will be a basket of apples and a liquidiser for you to make apple juice too. The farm juice is pasturised, pesticide free and with no added water.
From the farm shop you can purchase home-made produce including mulberry white wine vinegar, mulberry jams, chutneys and the most delicious apple and pear juice.
Guests can enquire about an archaeology tour and find out the history of the farm buildings including the West Dean Dovecote, which is the best-preserved part of the old farm buildings and dates from the Medieval era.
The gardens that surround the cottages are private. The paddock next to the drive toHeringaud Barn (5251) is available for a dog walk or a barbecue.
Features
- Dogs welcome (1 only)
- High chair
- Arrive/Depart Friday
- Short breaks available
- Wood-burner/Open fire
- Private parking for 1 car
- Superfast WiFi
- No smoking
- Pub 1.5 miles
- Garden furniture and barbecue
- Full gas-fired CH (under-floor)
- Eco Cottage
- Close to London
- Garden/Outside space
- Private parking
- Barbecue
- Dogs welcome
- Open fire/wood-burner
- Linen and towels included
- High chair available
Availability, reservations and pricing: £590 to £1180 per week
Located 2.2 miles S of Alfriston
Customer reviews
Good or bad, we publish all the reviews left by the guests who have stayed at this property.
MR NOEL
Quebec Barn is a tasteful and comfortable farm building conversion set in the timeless Downland hamlet of Westdean. As quiet as it gets. Ideally situated for exploring the East Sussex coast and countryside. The Seven Sisters country park, Cuckmere Haven and the picture-postcard villages of Litlington, Alfriston, Friston, East Dean and Jevington are within a five mile radius, easily reachable by earnest walkers. To go further afield without taking the car there is an excellent bus service to Eastbourne and Brighton and points in between which stops at the park visitor centre. The accommodation is practical, comfortable and clean and provided with a full range of appliances and utensils. Special thanks to the owners for a welcoming bottle of wine, sponge cake and other goodies. On the downside, there is no garden or sitting-out area. Prospective guests should be aware that the table and chairs shown on the website are by the roadside. Ideal for a couple and suitable for a small and very young family but parents of toddlers should bring a safety gate to prevent falls down the steep stairs to the front door. At the higher end of the price scale but good value for money. Recommended.
Mrs Elliott
Lovely quirky rustic barn in a beautiful quiet village. Location is perfect for walks straight from the doorstep to the sea and the Seven Sisters or into Friston Forest. Just a short drive to Birling Gap, gorgeous Alfriston and Eastbourne. Welcome treats much appreciated. No garden, but we just walked our dog for toilet breaks along the grass verge (lane really quiet as no through road) or into the adjoining wall garden field.
Mrs Miller
We found renting both Quebec and Heringaud Barns for a family get together perfect.
Ms McDonnell
Quebec Barn is a lovely place to stay and is well equipped with everything you need. The main bedroom can allow for a travel cot but not the second bedroom if using both beds - just useful to know. Westdean is a beautiful place and perfect for a peaceful getaway with lots of lovely walks on the doorstep.
Mrs Taylor
Beautiful peaceful location, in better weather we would have walked much more from the doorstep as it is a stunning area encompassing forest, a river valley, villages and the coast - we did use a great cafe a short walk from the property at the Seven Sisters visitor centre. There is much to visit in the area, all within easy reach are Lewes, Eastbourne, Seaford and Brighton. The barn was warm & cosy, the bed comfy, it was lovely & quiet for a good nights sleep. It was straightforward to find and the parking space was handy. The welcome cake was much appreciated!
Ms VandeSteeg Heath
A wonderful place to stay. The Quebec Barn is beautiful and very comfortable, as well as being historic. The village of West Dean is completely unspoilt and quiet- in its own secluded valley. The surrounding area is very special, with Friston Forest and the Seven Sisters a short walk away. The owners are very helpful and welcoming. We would highly recommend this as a place to stay.
Ms Bainbridge
Quebec Barn is an award-winning conversion of the upper level of a Grade 2 listed barn and, as such, retained lovely original features. The kitchen was very well equipped; the beds were comfortable. The barn is in a perfect setting, a few yards from the church and old parsonage and opposite the roadway into Friston Forest. The single-track road encircles West Dean and enters/exits via Litlington Road: joy of joys, no through traffic and therefore hardly any passing vehicles! If you like peace and a cool shady woodland to walk with your dog, then this property is ideal. Because the weather was so hot during our stay, we spent all our time in the beech forest to keep our little dog cool and comfortable: it was too hot to be out in the open!
Ms Compton
A very well appointed cottage in an idyllic location for walkers and people wanting to explore the area. We would particularly recommend lunch at the Rathfinny Estate Vinyard.
Ms Compton
The location was excellent, peaceful, quiet - we were spoilt by the fabulous weather - with great walks all around. Lots of places close by to visit - Alfriston is a favourite, Charleston and Berwick Church are also definitely worth a visit. The cottage is well appointed with everything we needed for our stay.
Mrs Rose
Part of a converted sixteenth century barn in a historic complex at the far end of the small village of West Dean. We found it the perfect location for South Downs walks, and it couldn't have been a more peaceful spot. It's compact and comfortable: fine for the two of us, but might have been a bit small for four adults. The entrance is up a flight of stairs, which would make it unsuitable for anyone with mobility problems. While the outdoor area is by the road, you're only passed by the occasional walker, and you have views of the church: you also have access to a paddock a bit further away. We're planning to return.
Ms Wood
Lovely cosy place to stay. Well equipped. Brilliant location for the beach and walks
Mr Doust
A delightful little cottage in a lovely location. Very quiet and peaceful surroundings. Excellent walking and cycling literally from right outside the cottage. A short drive into Eastbourne and Seaford is also worth doing.
Mr Waring
Brilliant holiday thank you
Mrs Gosling
Very small and basic flat in excellent location.