We, Katy and Richard, have owned 2 Stonework Cottages for over sixteen years.
Katy grew up in Rye Harbour from the age of 8 and still has family living in Rye Harbour as well as Rye town. When the family home in the village was sold, we bought 2 Stonework Cottages as somewhere to stay whilst visiting family and maintaining contact with Rye Harbour.
As keen bird-watchers, we visit the neighbouring nature reserve and carry a rubbish bag to pick up detritus in order to keep the beach and fields clean.
The late Victorian redbrick terrace of six worker’s houses originally fronted a stoneworks which produced a range of products including gravestones and road markers. On display at the cottage there is a nice side view photograph of the stoneworks yard and the terrace in Edwardian times, with children posing on the old school-green.
We have made many improvements to the cottage over the years and it now has new efficient storage heaters and a wood-burning stove in the front living room which provides additional heating and a mesmerising focal point for the room. The interior and exterior are painted in fresh clean white, a shower has replaced the old corner bath and the floors are practical with wood flooring in the dining room. The double bed has a king-size duvet, the 3′ beds have double duvets for our guests’ comfort.
We have also included some homely touches such as old photographs of the village and the surrounding area, an invaluable shelter at the back door and some home-made furnishings. We keep it simple and uncluttered, comfortable and homely. According to comments left in the visitor’s book most guests find the cottage cosy, and a nice and friendly place to stay.
When we cannot be there, our family help with bed-changing and cleaning. They also provide assistance to our guests – and leave flowers (often from there own garden) to welcome guests to the cottage, along with a pint of milk and packet of biscuits. We also provide tea, coffee, sugar, cooking oil & herbs, washing up liquid & detergent.
As we are not quite ready for retirement, the cottage earns its keep by accommodating guests while we cannot be there, so we hope to welcome you as guests.
