We arrived super-stressed on a wet, dark, foggy November evening, having driven from Gatwick in a car that for us was on the wrong side of the road. No real idea where we were when we arrived, but the barn was warm and cosy with welcoming lights on... We tucked up with a bottle of wine, then fell into the comfortable double bed. Could not believe it the next morning when we opened the curtains to say hello to the sheep in the field next door, and the sun glinting on the autumn foliage of the trees.
Rubens Barn is exactly as you see it in the advert, tastefully furnished, and extremely comfortable. Lovely big warm showers (such a joy) and a bath as well if you wanted to relax into that. The welcome pack was very generous. We appreciated the thoughtful little touch of a torch to see us back down the lane from the pub.
The owners were helpful and welcoming, nothing was too much trouble. They had recommended we go to the Bonfire Night in East Dean, that was a real treat - a drink at the local pub, then warmed by the most perfect bonfire, followed by fireworks. Such a lovely tradition, and Sussex is the very best place to experience it!
We were here for a wedding in nearby Upwaltham Barns, a lovely setting for the event. As we explored, we just fell in love with the area, and were so pleased we had decided to rent the barn for a week to add a short holiday to the wedding trip - pity we had not decided to add a fortnight! Chichester is a lovely town, the nearby West Wittering beach provided a long, if bracing, winter walk, and we explored West Dean Gardens and the Petworth Estate, in between drinks and wonderful food at several local pubs.
For a holiday cottage, the layout is just lovely. We were there as a couple, but our son and girlfriend joined us for one night over the weekend. The room upstairs has two single beds, so not ideal for a couple, but a lovely bathroom with a large roll-top bath - girlfriend loved that. Not a huge amount of storage up there, and no hanging space - but for a short trip that is not an issue. The unusual part of Rubens Barn is that you enter through the master bedroom - you open the entrance door and are straight into the bedroom. Husband thought that rather odd... certainly makes you keep the bedroom tidy!
Do hope that we make it back one day.... If you are thinking of this for your holiday, don't hesitate, you will love it.