Perfect bolthole for downtime in the South Downs

Swallowfield Cottage is a super-clean and cosy, detached Victorian self-catering cottage in the heart of the Keymer Conservation Area. On the boundary of the South Downs National Park, close to Ditchling, Hassocks and Brighton, it is an excellent base for local walking and cycling and the perfect escape for quality downtime. With flexible check in and check out times wherever possible, it is equally a fantastic covid-secure base for a few days catching up with family and friends. The cottage sleeps up to 4 very comfortably in the two upstairs bedrooms, one twin and one double, with space for a cot and/or campbed if required. The bathroom is downstairs, where there is a cosy sitting room with a log burner and 2 sofas, and a large open kitchen with dining and sitting areas. There is also a separate reading corner with armchair, workspace desk and lots of books. The kitchen is well stocked with all essentials to ensure a real 'home from home' stay. We are proud to have consistently scored at the top end of the 4 star rating from Visit England, with a 5 star rating for cleanliness. The cottage has off road parking for 2 cars at the front and a private south facing rear garden. The garden has a patio with outdoor dining furniture, and a lawn area enclosed by shrubs with reclining seating and a bench. The garden is planted to be a haven for butterflies and bees, and there is a rotary line for drying clothes that can be put up if required. There is a separate access into the rear garden along the side of the cottage, where there is also a hose for washing off muddy boots and bicycles! The cottage is completely self-contained, and keys are left in a secure safe so that guests can arrive anytime after the check in time of 5pm. If needed, the owners live next door and are on hand to assist with any queries or problems. Respecting social distancing, we keep face to face contact to a minimum, and will not enter the cottage whilst guests are staying unless it is essential. Just a 2 minute walk from the cottage is the Greyhound Pub (a 16th century inn), the historic Keymer parish church and a small parade of shops. Hassocks village centre is an easy 10 minute walk, with a wide range of general shops, cafes and amenities; Ditchling is a rather more picturesque village in the opposite direction, famed for its Arts and Crafts Museum, and some very good pubs and cafes. There is off road parking for two cars at the cottage. Easy access to London, Gatwick and Brighton by train from Hassocks mainline station. Excellent road links to A23/M23 and A27. On the northern boundary of the South Downs National Park, Keymer is a great base for walking and cycling the South Downs Way. The cottage is Covid secure being thoroughly deep cleaned and sanitised on every changeover. All beds are fully made up with pure cotton linen and towels are provided for all guests, as are all the kitchen and bathroom essentials/linens. There are plenty of pillows and blankets. Fast wifi broadband throughout, and mobile coverage is also good. All the major supermarkets (Tesco/Sainsburys/Asda/Waitrose) do home delivery to the cottage, and Abel and Cole deliver on Wednesday mornings.