On the doorstep of the South Downs

Bright, modern and stylish self-contained ‘apartment’ No 11 is the perfect base for walking the South Downs as well as being just a stroll from the buzz of Lewes town.

This is the fourth year that owner Debra Winter has welcomed guests to her peaceful annexe. Arranged over two floors, there is a king-sized bedroom (which can be arranged as two singles) on the upper floor with an en-suite, while on the ground floor is a large living space – there’s a comfortable sitting area at one end and a small kitchen with dining area at the other end. With its own entrance, it offers privacy and there is plenty of free parking.

‘It’s so quiet and peaceful here – you can lay in bed and hear the birds,’ says Debra. ‘We are just a two-minute walk from the South Downs – there’s a footpath at the end of my road.’ So it’s a perfect location for ramblers and she recommends walks along the top of the Downs to Black Cap and Ditchling, as well as walking to the Blacksmith’s Arms at Offham. ‘They do a great lunch,’ she says.

However, No 11 is also only 15 to 20 minutes’ walk from the centre of Lewes (or there is a bus every half hour) where there is plenty to keep guests entertained. Debra suggests the ‘excellent’ Swan pub, the Pelham Arms, Lemongrass or Aqua for eating out, though with the well-equipped kitchen back at the apartment, guests may just decide to cater for themselves. Debra provides tea, coffee, orange juice and a range of cereals, so breakfast is sorted anyway.

Debra loves welcoming guests to her custom-built annexe. ‘I am on hand all the time as I’m here being a Mum and a hairdresser,’ she explains. ‘I do meet lovely people. Everyone that comes brings something different.’

And where else does she suggest visitors go while they are in the area? ‘Lewes Castle, Glyndebourne is a must and Brighton – that’s very accessible from here. A bus goes from just down the road every 10 minutes to Brighton.’