Historic properties are abundant in Rye, but Landgate House, Rye is something else. Situated at the footsteps of the Landgate arch, gateway to the citadel of Rye, the house is a remarkable building, and a monument to sympathetic restoration. A 700 year-old five bedroomed Grade II listed property, Landgate House boasts a large garden which is a rarity in central Rye.
Since purchasing it in 2021, the current owners have beautifully restored this iconic property, respecting and retaining many of its original features. Flagstone floors, sweeping wooden bannisters, wonky doors and a quirky layout. Guests staying here will be staying in a piece of history, but with all the conveniences of the modern world. Landgate House has been proudly featured in The Sunday Times, Country Living and The Evening Standard.
** Please check the sleeping description as there are two options. You will be booking the MIDDLE FLOOR ONLY, there is an extra cost for top floor rooms which need to be added onto the booking form**
Behind the unassuming front door, the wide Georgian hallway welcomes you in. White polished floors give a light and airy feel. A cosy nook with a hidden coat cupboard, a leather chair to curl up with a good book, don’t forget to find the diorama set amongst the flora.
Stepping down into the large dining room – the hub of the ground floor – a huge table for ten is the perfect place for gatherings. Antique finds from local shops or restoration salvage yards offer storage. The coffee machine, microwave, digital radio and all kitchen paraphernalia sit aloft of the hand-built shelving units.
Two steps down into the bespoke Plain English kitchen with flagstone flooring and a beautiful Rangemaster with an induction hob set in the old chimney breast. Pots and pans are displayed from above.
A Miele dishwasher and fridge/freezer sit alongside a butlers sink with wooden worktop which overlooks the garden. The back door from the kitchen opens onto the garden. Windows open fully too. Steps from the back of the kitchen find you back in the hallway which houses an additional fridge/freezer.
The stairs from the ground floor at Landgate House, Rye, have been stripped back to the original wood wind throughout the property.
To the left of the main stairs is a beautiful sitting room, with plenty of sofas and pouffes, a further dining table with Windsor chairs is perfect for games and jigsaws (plenty of cards inside the hidden drawer). A reclaimed glass bar from The Dorchester for an evening tipple. With a 40″ smart TV, an antique trunk with a plethora of children’s toys, together with games, this stunning room painted in deep blue grey is a haven of relaxation.
Or you could place yourself in the accent chair that takes full view of the ancient Landgate arch topped with flags into the steeped citadel of Rye, and wonder of all those that have passed underneath. As with many properties in Rye, the sitting room sits over a cosy local bar but the floors have been sound proofed, making the noise ambient from below.
Landgate House has TWO sleeping options for booking.
OPTION ONE for 6: Middle Floor only. 3 Double Bedrooms with 2 bathrooms.
Large Master bedroom with superking bed from Soho Home adjacent to a family bathroom with roll top bath.
King Size bedroom with ensuite shower room and a further double bedroom sharing the family bathroom.
OPTION TWO for 9/10: TO BE ADDED AS AN EXTRA ON THE BOOKING FORM.
In addition to the middle floor there is the option to add 2 further bedrooms on the top floow. This comprises of a double bedroom and a children’s bedroom with one single 3ft bed and a toddler bed which shares the Jack and Jill shower room. Please note: The stairs are a little steep, a stair gate sits across the bedroom door to the children’s room.
All linen and towels are provided.
There is also a utility room on the middle floor with a washing machine, tumble dryer and ironing facilities.
From the kitchen, the back door opens up to a terrace with a picnic table, the gate to the side goes to the rear of the bar area. Steps descend to a lawn surrounded by old brick walls with old roses and lovely planting. A trampoline for children sits at the bottom of the garden at Landgate House, Rye, alongside the summer house (not yet available for guests as being restored)…
Pay and display parking bays are outside the house which are useful to drop off your belongings. (Short stay 80p for two hours from metre, or £1 using the Ringo app for longer), a few minutes walk is Rye Station car park which is £2.90 per day (or you can buy a weekly ticket) or Rye Market Car Park (please note not available on Thursdays – market day!) which is £3 for 24 hrs.
Rye hosts a wide variety of festivals, literature, jazz, food and Christmas festivities. Wander the cobbled streets, climb the church tower, explore the Rye Museum or indulge in some of the local eateries. The White House, The Fig, The Standard and the Union are all favourites. Barista coffee, artisan bread, and delicious fresh local fish are plenty. The world is your oyster (or Rye Bay Scallop!).
Antiques, independent shops and art galleries will ensure you spend a few days in town. Soap & Salvation, McCully & Crane, Sailors and more. If you want to venture further afield, the beaches of Camber and Winchelsea are 10 mins away by car. Hastings is only 10 miles with much to explore. As is Dungeness with the infamous Fish Shack.