Shorthorn Cottage
Shorthorn Cottage is one of our two beautifully converted Cow Byres dating back 150 years. Situated in the heart of the peaceful East Sussex countryside, it is full of character with wooden beams, oak painted floors and a cosy log burner. It is well equipped with everything you would expect in a home-from-home setting. Ideal for families, and dog friendly, it is a perfect base for relaxing, walking, popping down to the coast or enjoying the many vineyards and historic houses on our doorstep.
- Character cottage, sleeps 7
- 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms
- Spacious living and dining areas
- Modern, equipped kitchen
- Easy private parking
- Enclosed front garden
- Dog Friendly
- Perfect for families and young children
- Cot and High Chair provided
The space
A stable door leads into a light and spacious living room perfect for relaxing and socialising. The high beamed ceilings and log burner give this beautiful barn conversion character and a cosy, rustic feel. Two large sofas provide plenty of space to relax around the fire or play family games. A sociable dining area with large rectangular table provides space for the whole family to dine together.
The well equipped kitchen area is divided from the sitting area. Beech floor units and black worktops give it a modern feel with an electric oven, grill and hob, large fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave and washing machine.
A spacious hallway leads to the 2 bedrooms and the main bathroom.
Bedroom 1 has a comfortable double bed, wardrobes, chest of drawers and bedside tables with lamps. The newly fitted en-suite shower room has a shower cubicle, washbasin and toilet.
Bedroom 2 is cosy with twin beds, storage drawers, pine wardrobe, and a bedside table.
The main bathroom has a bath with over bath shower, wash basin and toilet with plenty of space for hanging towels.
A wooden staircase with rope handrail at the far end of the sitting area leads to bedroom 3 with three single beds (one a trundle bed) with pine wardrobe, bedside tables with lamps, storage baskets and a vaulted ceiling with velux windows and inset lights.
Notes: Bedroom 3 is totally private. It is at the top of the staircase and there is a safety rope in place of a door. The trundle bed pulls out from underneath one bed and the legs fold out to provide 3 full size single beds.
To the front of the property is a lawned area with patio and picnic table. Additional garden chairs, parasol and BBQ are also available, stored in the adjoining barn area. There is also a washing line and tumble drier.
Our guests have access to the entire cottage. WiFi is included. There are many countryside walks near by.
The Location
Shorthorn Cottage is located around a mile away from the small hamlet of Vines Cross in East Sussex, England.
The Brewers Arms pub in Vines Cross serves a lovely traditional Sunday Lunch
The towns of Heathfield and Hailsham are just 10 minutes in the car and offer a choice of shops, supermarkets and places to eat. We are just 25 mins from classical music venue, Glyndebourne. The coastal town of Eastbourne is a short drive away and the cottage is less than an hour from vibrant and picturesque Brighton with its world-famous pier.
The Regency splendor of Brighton Pavilion;
a favourite of Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert
While many visitors come to enjoy the peace and quiet, with both Polegate and Stonegate railways stations just 10 miles away, the bright lights of London are within easy reach for those seeking more adventure or a big day out.
For more suggestions read our page on Places to Visit.
Find Us
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Google Maps directions: Beestons Cottages
Apple Maps directions: Shorthorn Cottage
Note that Apple Maps will direct you to the rear of the property. The front entrance with parking is circa 20 metres further down the lane. Look out for the “owl & cow logo” at the entrance:
The area postcode is TN21 9HB which covers several properties in the locality. Please be aware on some maps the lane is referred to as “Foords Lane” but most locals refer to it as “Clappers Lane”.
Availability
Book Shorthorn Cottage direct for discounted rates using the calendar below to find dates which are not shown as booked. The minimum stay is usually 3 nights.
Please state the dates you are interested in and the number of people in your party in the email which pops up below:
Owner and super-host Gina will then get back to you with a competitive quote.
If you prefer you can book through Airbnb but please be aware that additional service costs are included in their prices.
Other things to note
Shorthorn Cottage is one of two holiday lets, the other being Friesian Cottage, next door.
At the site entrance you will see an old historic building we refer to as the Kitchen Barn. This is one of only two remaining buildings in Sussex which were purpose built for the staff and as kitchen’s for the original Beestons farmhouse.
“We look forward to welcoming you
Hosts, Chris and Gina Cleverley
to our lovely country cottage”
“Shorthorn cottage is delightful, clean, spacious and has all the facilities to make our stay comfortable and pleasant. Ideally located, not too far from the costal towns and in the East Sussex countryside. Hosted by Gina she is very accessible and and anything you need, she will act promptly to make your stay enjoyable. Thank you we will definitely consider staying here again in the future.”
Shorthorn Guest Review – August 24
© Beestons Cottages 2025
Shorthorn Cottage
Beestons Farm,
Foords / Clappers Lane,
Vines Cross,
Heathfield,
East Sussex
TN21 9HB