Playden House

This beautiful character property is located just a 15 minute walk from the centre of Rye, in East Sussex. Rye is an absolutely wonderful town, with its cobbled streets, historic pubs, stylish independent shops, bars, antique shops and galleries. It really is the antidote to the monotony of the British High Street. There is even a tiny state-of-the-art cinema, which offers a very different experience from your local multiplex. Nearby is the pretty village of Rye Harbour, where you can wander the RSPB reserve on the shingle beach and watch the fishing boats come home.

The property has high literary credentials - it is the house that captured the imagination of the famous Rye author E F Benson. It was this very house that his fictional character Lucia moved into in the Mapp and Lucia books, called Grebe. The descriptions he wrote are so accurate that it is easily recognisable when you visit.

The front door of the property brings you to the light hallway, off from which you will find the tranquil lounge with its large sofa, TV and DVD player and selection of books and DVDs. Along from this, the family room has an altogether very different feel, with TV, DVD player, games console and large sofa, making it a perfect hideaway for teenagers. A playroom is also found on the ground floor, with a sofa, table football and a selection of games. A fourth living space on the ground floor is the huge open-plan communal room, featuring kitchen/diner/lounge. This is the hub of the house and has an informal feel to it. The lounge has two comfortable sofas, which are located next to the woodburner, and the dining area has a contemporary dining table which seats 12. The kitchen is fully fitted with gas Aga, combination microwave and oven, separate fridge and freezer, dishwasher and coffee machine. The washing machine is housed in a separate utility room, which also has a handy additional sink. There is a downstairs WC.

Stairs lead to the first floor, where you will find the majority of the bedrooms. A suite with king-size bed, dressing room and en-suite shower room has views over the Royal Military Canal, whilst a second bedroom enjoys similar views and also has a king-size bed and en-suite shower. A third bedroom has twin single beds, whilst the fourth is a bunk room (suitable for children only) with wooden bunk beds and vanity basin. There are two more bedrooms on this floor, both with single beds and there is also a study area with desk and access to the terraced patio. There are two bathrooms on this floor, the main one with shower over bath and a smaller shower room. Stairs lead to the second floor and the private master suite, which has a bedroom with double bed, a small snug room and a separate bathroom with shower over bath.

Outside, there is a large enclosed lawn to the front of the property, which also has a patio area with garden furniture. To the rear of the property is a terraced patio with table and chairs, sun loungers, dining table and a BBQ. There is parking for two cars on the drive way and a further bay to the front of the property which is also adequate for two vehicles.

Dogs are charged at £20 each per full or part week.

Please note there is a refundable £600 security deposit for this property payable closer to the start of your holiday.

• Seven bedrooms – two king size, one double, one twin with zip link beds can be another King on request, one bunk and two single rooms
• Perfect for extended family gatherings
• Additional blow up beds available for children
• Three dogs welcome
• Off-street parking for 4 cars
• Internet access
• Travel cot and high chair
• SkyTV and DVD, X-Box and iPod dock
• Aga, microwave, fridge and freezer
• Nespresso machine, dishwasher and washing machine
• Regret no smoking
• 15 minute walk to medieval town of Rye

The location of this property combines the views, sounds and privacy of the countryside with easy proximity to the medieval town of Rye. Less than a mile's walk away, head to Rye for shopping, strolling the historic streets, or sitting out in the atmosphere at one of the many cafes and pubs. The stunning beach at Camber is just 4.5 miles away, where you can go for an inspiring walk along the vast stretch of sand or play among the soft dunes. Or head along the coast 12 miles to Hastings, a fascinating historic area, where you can visit Hastings Castle and poke around the medieval streets.