Earlier Reviews

March 2023
​Loved every second of our stay. Great local area with plenty of places to eat, shop and explore. The barn itself was very clean and bigger than I expected. Corina was a very welcoming host that had taken every step to ensure we had a well stocked and comfortable stay, 11/10!

The Tack Barn is such a restful place to stay, with everything thought of and Corina is a wonderfully welcoming host. We particularly enjoyed sitting cosily in front of the log burner and watching the light outside fade. At another time of year, the outside table and decking in that woodland garden setting would be just perfect. We loved it. - March 2023

​A gem of a find! Very comfortable holiday home almost hidden in the woods. Cosy, well equipped and stylish with a great location and most welcoming hosts October 2022

The Tack Barn at Upper Lodge is a wonderful conversion of the highest architectural and design standards, matched by its environmental and sustainable credentials.  Positioned on the edge of the National Park it has easy access to the countryside of the South Downs and the Weald, and to its unique cultural and artistic heritage and the regions growing arts and crafts businesses.  - August 2022

​​"What you see is what you get"....and more!
We had a very pleasant stay and Corina was so kind and helpful. The cottage and it's very special setting is very comfortable and cosy, well equipped with much stylish details. The welcome-hamper and the fresh flowers were a delicious bonus. The house is well kept and in a clean and tidy manner. Have never seen such a detailed and precise description to the house.
Don't miss to browse the area with it's cultural gems - Virginia Woolf at Monks' House and Charleston Farmhouse and garden - Bloomsbury Group
May 2022

A stay here offers total relaxation on site or is an ideal base for exploring villages and houses associated with the 'Bloomsbury Set' and historic Lewes. Lovely artistic touches and attention to detail with information on hand if needed from our helpful hosts Corina and Dominic. We look forward to returning to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and discover more of the beautiful South Downs.
Sheila - March 2022

We had an amazing weekend stay for our anniversary. I chose to book this as a surprise for my husband as it looked perfect for a romantic staycation being only 45 minutes from home. Tack Barn did not disappoint!!! Check in was easy-peasy and everything we could possibly need had been catered for including a beautiful welcome hamper with local produce. Although close to home, we could have been anywhere nestled in the beautiful woodland overlooking the donkeys, horses and pond. Our days took us out to Lewes and a day trip on the Bluebell railway which I highly recommend. Our evenings were idyllic snuggled in front of the fire with a lovely glass of wine and we made use of the ample kitchen facilities and cooked up and romantic meal for two. We took our telescope too as the night skies were perfect for star gazing and no light pollution. Corina and Dominic have added some beautiful touches to the barn and I especially loved the local artwork, pottery and textiles. Every thought has gone into making this a truly perfect getaway. My only regret is not being able to stay longer.
Helen - February 2022

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A very elegant, peaceful place to unwind, with friendly hosts across the way in the main house who will ensure you get everything out of a visit. You are welcome to explore the gardens or take your drinks out on the jetty in the evening, and a relaxing hammock just beyond the dining deck. It’s difficult to imagine how you wouldn’t leave this wonderful, relaxing place de-stressed and recharged.
Kent and Sussex Life - Spring 2014

There are some gorgeous pieces of work from cushions to pepper pots dotted around the Tack Barn by the artists from the Studios and also local crafts people which give a lovely flow to the whole place, very special indeed. The barn has just one bedroom, ideal for those romantic weekends away, a sumptuous bed with en-suite and a fantastic view over the pond and Sussex countryside…. heaven!
Emma Herian - sewrecycled.blogspot.co.uk - February 2014

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We had a wonderful fortnight's stay at the cosy Tack Barn with its rural setting and secluded forested area and fire pit straight off the rear deck. Corina is a charming hostess and actively encouraged us to help ourselves from the ample kitchen gardens and orchard. There were even chickens and piglets to feed! The surrounding Sussex countryside is the perfect mix of interesting walks, picturesque ancient villages and country pubs. We can't wait to come back.
Alex - August 2021

Tack Barn is indeed a special place to stay! We had such a lovely time there and would very much like to return next year. Tack Barn is beautifully furnished and the setting is idyllic. We loved the grounds with their beautiful flowers, the pond and the chickens. Fresh lettuce from the vegetable garden was a special treat. When we did venture further afield than the vegetable garden we found Tack Barn an ideal base for exploring East Sussex and Kent. On top of all this, our hosts, Corina and Dominic, were delightful and ever helpful. W & A - July 2021

The Tack Barn provides the perfect getaway experience: fabulous setting, beautifully designed interior, thoughtful hospitality. It was wonderful to be surrounded by nature (the pond/lake and gardens are gorgeous) and yet so close to Lewes and Brighton. Probably the best self-catering place we've stayed in the UK. Can't wait to return. Helen - June 2021

We have just had the most perfect week staying at this delightful property. It is rare to find somewhere for a holiday rental that has provided everything you could wish for and more, and this certainly does that. The barn itself is a joy, beautifully decorated and equipped with thoughtful additions throughout, such as the trug outside with a note inviting you to help yourself to vegetables from the owners (very lovely) garden.
The location is great, sitting in the beautiful grounds of the family home (but with plenty of privacy ) where you can also meet up with local artists in their studios or pigs, chickens and donkeys! We loved the area, lots of fabulous walks and places to visit, including Lewes and Brighton - we never ran out of things to do. Highly recommended. P & N - October 2020

​I was at the Tack Barn for a week and it was an outstanding place to stay. Everything was provided to the highest standard and Corina couldn't have been more helpful, leaving delicious provisions (fresh juice, eggs, jam, milk etc.) and ensuring we had everything we needed. The barn is incredibly comfortable and well-appointed. The best nights' sleep I've had in ages. The location is perfect as a base for exploring East Sussex and the surrounding area. Can't recommend highly enough  J & L - July 2020

Excellent place to stay. We hope to be back! Everything is so well thought out and pleasing. The location is perfect, near to very interesting places and yet peaceful. I have been very inspired to paint and we have enjoyed every minute here. Thank you.
S & R - January 2020

Absolutely heavenly. We had a wonderful weekend cocooned in the Tack Barn cabin away from the stresses and strains of London. However you are close to lots of great places to eat, see and do. Minutes from beautiful Lewes and so much more. We had trouble leaving the beautiful cabin as it was so cosy, beautifully curated and has everything you need. Corina and family were wonderful and would like to return in the all the seasons to experience it again.
Fiona - October 2019

Tack Barn is simply lovely. It is light, roomy, well appointed and warm. The setting is delightful, just as we imagined from the photos on the website. We went to Monk's House, Charleston Farmhouse, Farleys, the Towner Gallery at Eastbourne all within a few miles. We found information on all these and much more in the barn. Corina provided a super welcoming basket and was most friendly and approachable. Nothing was too much trouble if we needed anything. So we had a really relaxing holiday and are most grateful.
Trevor - September 2019

The Tack Barn is a perfect retreat, yet only a few miles from Lewes. We loved the attention to detail, from the vase of nasturtiums in the bathroom to the sleek design of the kitchen. Along with the hospitality which included spot on descriptions of local pubs and recommendations for walks, a memorable stay.
Nicola - September 2019

The cottage is beautifully decorated and clearly a lot of careful thought and design has gone into it. Corina and Dominic are friendly and helpful without being obtrusive. We loved being able to pick apples and plums from the Orchard and wild blackberries in the garden. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend... Its in a beautiful part of Sussex.
Shaun - August 2019

A true gem. Corina was beyond hospitable, offering up some local recommendations ahead of the trip, and the home manual is extremely detailed (full of amazing recommendations for things to do, places to see, and dining options). The barn itself was lovely, clean and located on picturesque grounds. Would absolutely love to return!
Irene - August 2019

Thank you so much for letting this stylish, cosy Tack Barn with all the books on the local art and surrounding countryside. You made us very much welcome. It would be great to return in the summer time to have the benefit of the lovely wild garden, the terrace and the hammock - still, we had a sunny week. The concert in London was amazing and so easy to get to from here - you have been a great host!
Karin and Michael - March 2019
We had a wonderful long weekend at Corina's place. The barn is beautifully decorated, really stylish and comfortable, and the wood burner was particularly cosy and appreciated for a winter weekend! Corina provided loads of local tips for walks, pubs, places to visit and we loved exploring the area. Thank you Corina, we hope to be back before too long!
Anna - February 2019

Our 4 night stay was brilliant. Firstly Corina and Dominic were the best hosts, so helpful with local advice and places to visit during our stay, and always on hand to answer questions. The barn itself is beautiful, very cosy in winter with a log fire, super clean, secluded/private with a lovely view out onto the fields - exactly what we needed. Also practically located - just far enough off the main road to be quiet and feel rural but close enough to lots of great places to walk/eat/drink/visit. Would definitely recommend and we'd love to go back.
James - December 2018

A true gem. Corina was beyond hospitable, offering up some local recommendations ahead of the trip, and the home manual is full of amazing recommendations for things to do, places to see, and dining options. The barn itself was lovely, clean and located on picturesque grounds. Would absolutely love to return!
Irene - August 2018

Tack Barn is beautiful! We spent 4 nights here to get away from London and it was a gem! Stunning inside and out, spacious yet cosy and lovely views! Perfect relaxing weekend. Corina left us a lovely welcome basket of treats and flowers around the barn which was unexpected but such a nice touch. If you are after a relaxing get away I couldn't recommend the barn more!
Barry - April 2018

The Tack Barn is just lovely. Stylish, cosy, quiet and a wonderful place to relax and rewind. We could have done with a few more days! Corina and Dominic are the loveliest hosts, and are very approachable if you need anything when there. The weather wasn’t great when we were there, but we took the opportunity to explore Brighton and also a chilly day down at the coast walking to the seven sisters. Lewes is a short drive away and is a lovely place to spend an afternoon. We will most definitely be back, hopefully when the weather warms up!
Lucy - March 2018

It should be true that good design, especially in a home, comes from the heart. The Tack Barn says so. The creativity of work here is both generous and accessible, you can feel it. Blending the woods, the water, the quiet harmony of growing flowers, grazing animals and glass, print, steel and technology, has been done with warmth and wisdom. Spending just a brief time here has been a delight. Corina's welcome and her attention to practical details underpins the spirit of the place. Thank you.
Malcolm - February 2018

I've stayed at the Tack Barn perhaps a dozen times, for both work and pleasure. When I'm not there, I dream of it almost daily: the view across the small lake/large pond, the help-yourself vegetable garden in summer (arthichokes! kale! asparagus!); the wood burner and naked trees in winter. The hosts are charm personified and the location hard to beat. Close to Lewes and Glyndebourne, closer still to ancient forests. I'd say go as soon as you can, but leave some nights spare for me.
Amy - January 2018

Thank you for making such a beautiful and peaceful place to stay - the perfect honeymoon location and a real romantic escape after the busyness of the wedding. We loved eating outside and then cooking marshmallows on the fire! Our highlight was driving to Birling Gap to watch the sunrise with bacon butties. We will most certainly be coming back.
Naomi and Daniel - September 2017

I must admit I got a bit misty-eyed pulling out of the Tack Barn driveway as I wanted to stay there forever. This place is just magical (without being too clinical or perfect). We spent one of our best holidays ever here in East Sussex and Corina's place certainly added to our joy (we spotted an owl, a fox and lots of frolicking squirrels). The Tack Barn is located in some beautiful grounds and tastefully decorated. A true home from home. Corina is the perfect host, with lots of tips on what to do. She even invited us to take whatever we liked from their kitchen garden. Really lovely. We absolutely recommend this place!
Ellen and Sebastien - July 2017

​We stayed for a long weekend during our visit to the area for the Lewes Bonfire Celebrations.
The barn was furnished beautifully, comfortable, clean, luxurious and cosy. We loved the wood burner, pond and garden area with the tree house and patio. During our stay we enjoyed a short stroll around the grounds to see the pigs and chickens. Corina was the perfect host and gave us some great tips on how to best enjoy the bonfire celebrations and recommended a few local spots to visit which we really enjoyed. Our little welcome hamper was a lovely touch with delicious local produce and even some sparklers. We loved our stay and would highly recommend it.
Cass and Andy - November 2016

I can not recommend this place highly enough. My wife and I stayed here for three nights and it was truly stunning. The Barn is very tastefully kitted out and has everything you need for a relaxing stay. The area itself is so peaceful and Corina made us feel extremely welcome. We can't wait to return already!
Jack and Emma - October 2016

We were completely taken aback at just how beautiful the barn / its surroundings/ its local community were. We couldn't have been happier with our stay... A true haven and escape. Corina kindly welcomed us with a selection of local necessities (which didn't last long!). Strolls through the grounds and endless picture frame worthy views from every angle were the highlight. The barn had everything you would need and was outstandingly clean.
A true home from home... It's a must!
Laura and Jamie - September 2016

We couldn’t rate Corina and Dominic’s eco barn high enough. It gets 11 out of 10. A wonderful setting and beautiful stable conversion with lots of light and the triple glazed doors leading out to views of the woodland setting with a pond where the fish were rising each evening. Corina’s artistic tastes were very much in evidence resulting in a tasteful mix of mid century design and rural Sussex charm.
Pip - June 2016

Staying at the Tack Barn has been an absolute pleasure! The house is one-of-a-kind and Corina & Dominic have been lovely hosts: open to questions about the area, they gave us ideas for restaurants, walks or special things we could explore around the area. Located only 30 minutes from the sea, the Barn is ideally set for exploring the amazing landscape of East Sussex and the south coast. We spent a lovely time walking around the gardens and the surroundings. The house contains everything you need for a holiday and is a really special place to stay. We couldn't have been any happier with the beautifully decorated accommodation and the kind hosts. Have we mentioned that our hosts produce the most delicious apple juice?
Uwe and Christine - Christmas 2015

We're in love with Upper Lodge and the Tack Barn - even with inclement weather! Our serendipitous presence for Lewes' Bonfire Night added to a memorable few days. Longing for more...
Joe and Ruth - November 2015

The perfect place for a gorgeous stay! We had a fantastic 4 nights at Corina's barn and did not want to leave. It's beautifully designed and oh-so-cozy, it's such a pleasure to stay. All the fittings and appliances are shiny and new, and they balanced with locally designed pieces, so the barn has a lovely personal feel. We had a great time cooking and sitting by the fire, and picking veg from the garden. We were greeted with a basket of delicious local food which we grazed on during our stay - I'd recommend asking Corina for a breakfast basket and some delicious pies from the local butcher, you won't regret it!
Marie - December 2014

We had a fabulous time staying at the barn. Corina and Dominic were extremely welcoming and happy to help. The barn itself was exactly as in the pictures...a wonderful retreat in the country. A superb gateway to all that Lewes has to offer and and plethora of good pubs to boot - it was just what the doctor ordered.
Tony - October 2014

We came , we rowed , we relaxed and we even fed the pigs! The Tack Barn is an oasis of calm, overlooking a well stocked carp pond and appointed to the highest standard. We spent an amazing few days exploring the South Downs villages such as Alfriston as well as the lovely town of Lewes based on high recommendations from our wonderful host Corina who appeared and disappeared like magic when we needed her and invisible when we didn't. We whiled away the hours with a couple of glasses of wine benefiting from the well stocked fire basket and utilising the wonderful firepit as the sun went down and the late Summer skies afforded beautiful starry nights.  A terrific retreat that we will endeavour to revisit and reminisce on a beautiful weekend away.
Teresa - September 2014