Guests appreciate the Officer's Mess for its tasteful decor, comfortable bedding, and prime location close to the beach and town. While the property is cosy and generally clean, some guests suggest that space can be tight for larger groups and that the garden and property maintenance could be improved. The charm of the surrounding area and the property's proximity to the promenade are highlights for visitors.
The property is generally described as clean and tidy. However, one guest mentioned the lack of floor cleaning equipment, which suggests room for improvement in this area.
The location is highly praised for being close to the beach and town, with a delightful square nearby, making it a wonderful spot for visitors.
The beds and pillows are noted for their comfort, but the space is reported to be somewhat cramped for four people, and the dining area is tight.
Facilities are adequate, but there are several mentions of missing items like oven-proof trays and a grill pan, and suggestions for additional lighting. Maintenance issues such as garden upkeep and the need for clearer descriptions are noted.
There is no mention of gifts or special touches that would indicate thoughtfulness from the hosts, so it is not possible to provide a score in this category.
Officer's Mess is an original 1850scharming holiday cottage nestled near the National Park in Eastbourne, East Sussex. Just a short stroll from the beach, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and local amenities, this pet-friendly retreat with roadside public parking (first come first served) is perfect for a small family or couple seeking a coastal escape. Officer's Mess is one of the beautiful cottages built as a base for the officers in the Napoleonic War, and this original1850scottage comes with its very own historic story. Officer's Mess is a 1850s small cottage with original features, you will be greeted by a tastefully decorated interior, boasting two inviting bedrooms; a king-size and a twin, both offering a tranquil space to rest after a day of seaside adventures the property also has an original wooden staircase with handrail which is a little on eh steeper side but perfectly doable. The property also benefits from a bijoux ground-floor shower room, complete with a shower, basin, heated towel rail, and WC which is all off the small kitchen on the ground floor, providing a refreshing space to prepare for the day ahead.
The heart of the cottage is undoubtedly the living/dining room, where you can unwind on the 2 seater and love seat seating options and enjoy your favourite shows on the Smart TV. The dining area, with seating for four, but we recommend a max of 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 kids in this property dure to is historic original size which is charming but bijoux, and provides the perfect spot for enjoying home-cooked meals, prepared in the well-equipped kitchen.
Stepping outside, you will find a front enclosed lawn, ideal for your four-legged friends to stretch their legs. To the rear, an additional enclosed lawn awaits, complete with furniture and a barbecue, offering a wonderful spot for alfresco dining or simply enjoying the coastal air.
If you can tear yourself away from this charming hideaway, explore the abundant local attractions. Eastbourne offers a wealth of convenience stores, pubs, eateries and independent shops.Enjoy a leisurely stroll to Eastbourne Pier, a quintessential British sight, or opt for adrenaline-pumping fun at E.M.S.R Adventure Park. Art aficionados will appreciate a visit to Towner Eastbourne, a contemporary art museum brimming with fascinating exhibits.For a breath of fresh air and scenic views, Helen Garden is only a stone’s throw away. Eastbourne is a gastronome's paradise, with a mouth-watering selection of eateries; savour innovative cuisine at the Bibendum and enjoy casual fare at the Enterprise Café. Avid walkers will simply love the coastal views found throughout the South Downs National Park, and the property is also within reach of the High Weald National Landscape. Don't miss a trip to the stunning Hampden Park, a haven of green spaces and tranquil lake.With all of this and more at your fingertips, or head over to Pevensey Castle and Nature Reserve. Officer's Mess is sure to be the ideal base for your Sussex adventures.
Eastbourne is the perfect location for a seaside holiday and has been since Queen Victoria was on the throne. With its mild climate and easy access from London, this lovely coastal town has increased its appeal throughout the centuries. With 5 miles of award-winning shingle beaches to stroll along, you can enjoy the sea air even if you aren't quite ready for a swim. Eastbourne's historic pier, built in around 1866, offers entertainment all day and well into the night with its amusement arcade, cafes, shops, and nightclub, and from here you can even take a speed boat ride around the bay. After a day of visiting the museums, art galleries or numerous antiques shops in the town, why not sit and watch the waves roll by as you enjoy afternoon tea in Victorian Tea Rooms on the pier? Golfers are spoilt for choice with four golf courses close by, and tennis is also a popular sporting choice with the aegon International women’s and men’s tournaments taking place in June prior to Wimbledon. There is even an Eastbourne Extreme weekend, with demonstrations in mountain biking, skateboarding, sailing, windsurfing and many other sports, so if you are energetic and willing, get down there and join the fun! For those who prefer to be entertained, take your seats in one of the four major theatres that Eastbourne is home to, offering all types of entertainment from traditional seaside shows and musicals to classical ballets and opera. If you are lucky enough to be here in August, bring a picnic and be prepared for Airbourne, an international flying event which passes over the sea. If you fancy a day away from the beach, there are many other places to visit in Eastbourne, including Treasure Island for warm, sunny days or the Drusillas Park Zoo. So, if you are looking for a holiday spot with something for everyone, look no further than Eastbourne.
Please note: due to the size and configuration of this property it's recommended to comfortably accommodate up to 3 adults, or 2 adults and 2 children.
Two bedrooms: 1 x king-size, 1 x twin.
Ground-floor shower room (off kitchen) with shower and bath, basin, heated towel rail.
Small kitchen.
Living/dining room
Gas central heating.
Electric oven with ceramic hob, log burner, microwave, fridge with ice box, washing machine (under stairs) kettle, toaster.
Smart TV, WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Roadside parking.
Front enclosed lawn, rear enclosed lawn with furniture and barbecue.
One well-behaved pet welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop and pub 0.1 miles, beach 0.6 miles.
Note: Check-in 3.30pm, check-out 11am.
Note: 3 night minimum for July and August, 2 nights on request
Roger
Whilst the location is wonderful for sea front and town and the lovely square with the church at the end is also delightful where the property is set, we were disappointed with the upkeep of the property. I have already mentioned to the owners about the lack of floor cleaning equipment (as we do usually clean the floors on departure and felt we were unable to complete our cleaning of the property) the owners did respond to our txt. I also feel a more descriptive (in txt) rather than photos would be beneficial to both parties.
Janet
The cottage itself is very cosy , but space was a bit tight for four people and a dog ! The front room could benefit from an ambient lamp , the main light was too bright for such a small room . Overall though we enjoyed our stay and would stay again if there was just two of us
Sally
The shower is not a walk-in one, but over the bath. This was a critical difference for us due to mobility limitations. There is an oven, but I couldnât find any oven-proof trays & no grill pan. Dining table is very cramped if seating 4. Garden desperately needs a tidy up - it could be lovely. I also think the listing should mention steep stairs.
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