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A luxurious self-catering retreat for two, complete with indoor pool & hot tub.

Photo gallery for A luxurious self-catering retreat for two, complete with indoor pool & hot tub.

Terrace/patio
Property grounds
Terrace/patio
Pool
Living area

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom2 bathroomsSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Private pool
  • Spa pool on site
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Icklesham, ENG
  • Place, High Weald
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Camber Sands
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Place, Great Dixter House and Gardens
    ‪22 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

A luxurious self-catering retreat for two, complete with indoor pool & hot tub.

Blackthorn is a luxurious self-catering retreat for two, midway between the towns of Hastings and Rye, attached to the owner’s home with a distant view of the sea, and surrounded by beautiful Sussex countryside. The cottage has a south-facing verandah, ideal for soaking up the ambience of this peaceful setting, and guests have exclusive access to the family’s heated indoor swimming pool and outdoor hot tub between the hours of 8.00am and 8.00pm daily. (These facilities are operational throughout the year). We are also happy to accommodate a young family with one child up to 24 months, and can provide a travel cot and high chair if required.

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House Rules

Check in after 2:30 PM

Check out before 10:30 AM

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Children

Adults only

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Events

No events allowed

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Pets

No pets allowed

Strictly No pets except for guide dogs, sorry.

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Despite being situated in a rural location Blackthorn guests need to be considerate of our near neighbour's privacy, keeping noise to a minimum. One reason for our limited hot tub and indoor pool hours of 8.00am to 8.00pm daily is to contain the noise levels particularly in the evenings.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 1775982
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Icklesham

Located in Winchelsea, this cottage is in a rural area and by the sea. Camber Castle and Lamb House are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Camber Sands and Mallydams Woods. Phoenix Arts Centre and Stables Theatre are also worth visiting. Scuba diving and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and horse riding nearby.
View more Cottages in IckleshamOpens in a new window
Map
Icklesham, ENG

What's nearby

  • High Weald - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Rye Harbour Nature Reserve - 11 min drive - 11.1 km
  • Camber Sands - 20 min drive - 11.8 km
  • Great Dixter House and Gardens - 22 min drive - 18.6 km
  • Leeds Castle - 62 min drive - 68.9 km

Getting around

  • Hastings Three Oaks Station - 5 min drive
  • Gatwick Airport (LGW) - 102 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Three Oaks Pub - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Conqurers March - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪The Cove - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪The Broad Oak - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Robin Hood Inn - ‬9 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Does A luxurious self-catering retreat for two, complete with indoor pool & hot tub. have a pool?

Yes, this property has an indoor pool and an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

How much does it cost to stay at A luxurious self-catering retreat for two, complete with indoor pool & hot tub.?

As of 13 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at A luxurious self-catering retreat for two, complete with indoor pool & hot tub. on 18 Jan 2027 start from AU$244, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is A luxurious self-catering retreat for two, complete with indoor pool & hot tub. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at A luxurious self-catering retreat for two, complete with indoor pool & hot tub.?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at A luxurious self-catering retreat for two, complete with indoor pool & hot tub.?

Check-in begins at 2:30 PM.

What time is check-out at A luxurious self-catering retreat for two, complete with indoor pool & hot tub.?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is A luxurious self-catering retreat for two, complete with indoor pool & hot tub. located?

Situated by the sea, this cottage is within 3 miles (5 km) of Church of St Thomas a Becket, St. Thomas the Martyr and Mallydams Woods. High Weald and Pett Level Beach are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 30 out of 31 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 31 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 31 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 31 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 31 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ryan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Thoroughly enjoyed using the private on site hot tub and swimming pool! Grateful for all the local information provided
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alison F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful restful location, hot tub and swimming pool perfect temperature. Accommodation clean and comfortable everything great. Highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tia J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The hosts were amazing and accommodating to us. We had a lovely time celebrating our anniversary and my partners birthday. The views were amazing and the heated pool was lovely. Just what we needed after a hectic few months. We will be visiting again soon!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Welid M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely relaxing holiday.Great place, pool, hot tub and host
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Mar 2026
You were a great guest Welid. Please try and return again sometime. Peter.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alison F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Love this place. So relaxing hot tub and swimming pool a bonus. Hosts very friendly, location great just 15 mins drive to Hastings and Rye.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Mar 2026
Many thanks Alison. Please try and return sometime.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katy T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect mini break

Loved this place, fantastic value for money, beautiful walks, lovely people, great facilities quiet and relaxing.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Mar 2023
Katy and David were perfect guests, and we hope they'll think of returning either to Blackthorn again or to try Cedarwood. The area has so much to offer even out of season as it's a good walking area, and with interesting historic town and villages dotted about the attractive landscape - not to mention the variety of coastlines: sand and dunes, shingle and groynes, and clifftops with gorse, bracken and oak woods!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Louise E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Christmas Getway

Lovely weekend in a beautiful property with everything we needed at hand. Great location and really nice hosts.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Dec 2022
Many thanks for taking the time to write your lovely review Louise. It's great that you were able to enjoy the facilities despite the uncertain weather and get out to see some of the local area too.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Ben C.

Superb

Excellent location and perfect little hideaway 5*
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Mar 2020
Thanks Ben for taking the time to review Blackthorn. Karen and I are glad you were able to celebrate your anniversary - if belatedly. The cottage with the indoor pool and outdoor tub is the perfect antidote to help destress and unwind after a few busy weeks, or to help celebrate a special occasion such as yours. Also with many great places to eat in the area - 2 x award winning pubs here in the village alone, and a variety of good restaurants in nearby Rye - making a short break memorable is pretty easy. This beautiful area around Rye has it all! Best wishes, Peter & Karen.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daniel T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect anniversary treat!

My Wife and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary here. Property was immaculate and the private pool and hot tub were a perfect retreat.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Dec 2021
Hello Dan. Many thanks for taking the time to leave the lovely review. Please try and return sometime, and discover more of this special area. Once you've been out for a long day exploring then the tub and pool are certainly a welcome indulgence.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

ellie r.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great time !

Lovely place! Lovely people! Definitely recommend
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mahfoozur R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Getaway

Greeted by three lovely sheep and the owners Karen and Peter, who were stellar from start to end.The place was very clean, comfortable and exactly as described. Would 100% book this place again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Mar 2026
That's a lovely review, Many thanks (from me and the sheep)!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

August M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very relaxing and peaceful stay x

What a lovely weekend x Had a lovely time at Blackthorn, hot tub was very relaxing and hot. Peter and Karen were both wonderful hosts. Highly recommend 😁
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Feb 2023
Many thanks August for taking time to write such a lovely review. Sorry we didn't meet but I was suffering from a cold and migraines. I'll pop a card in the post with out website details on etc in case you'd like to return sometime.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jenni C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing

What a treat, such a lovely property in the most beautiful setting with the added bonus of stunning views whilst relaxing in the hot tub. The facilities are amazing offering you everything you need. We are thoroughly relaxed and will certainly be returning.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Mar 2026
Many thanks Jenni. Come back when you can. It was lovely to host you.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tranquility

Situated down a lane with countryside views, close to the historical town of Rye. A homely cottage with access to a hot tub and swimming pool set at ideal temperatures. Perfect location for relaxation but within easy access to local towns. Would certainly recommend !
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jodie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely stay

I surprised my partner for a belated birthday present to go here and it was the best decision! Everything was perfect. Couldn’t have asked for more. Would love to return one day.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Nov 2022
Oh Jodie, thank you so much! We really hope that you can return sometime as we'd not only like to host you again but introduce you to some more of the special places in this immediate area. It was such a shame you couldn't visit Bodiam Castle but like I think I said, in the summer a special day out is catching the boat from Newenden Bridge on the River Rother to the castle, and then returning by steam train to Northiam Station on the Kent and East Sussex Railway. Best wishes to you both, Peter & Karen.
Verified

8/10 Good

Tony H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

2 night break

Quiet location Close to a nice country pub Need your own transport
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 11 June 2022
Hello Tony. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I hope you had the chance during your short 2 x night break to visit some of the local places of interest of which there are many? Having your own transport is preferable but not essential as there are good train services to both Hastings and Rye - and Blackthorn is located 6.5 miles between both towns, and the 100 bus service comes through the village from both directions. There are of course taxi ranks at both stations, and anyone reading this review please note that I have numbers of Rye taxi drivers that our guests use fairly regularly. Anyway, thanks again Tony for the concise review. Peter & Karen.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A little piece of heaven

Simply wonderful. The accommodation was clean and very comfortable, the views from the property were beautiful and the pool and hot tub were the icing on the cake. The owners made us feel so welcome and were just lovely.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Dec 2022
It was our pleasure to host Gillian and Graham. They were a delight to have to stay, and were so easy to host. We hope they'll consider returning at some point in the future.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sue P.

Peaceful country retreat

Set in peaceful countryside, with views over fields to the distance, this lodge is comfortable, warm and well equipped to a very high standard. We enjoyed the hot tub, the views from our window and local pub. The owners were welcoming, helpful and we would definitely recommend a stay here. Within easy distance of Whichsea, Rye and Hastings, there are interesting places to visit if you want to venture out.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Mar 2020
Many thanks for taking the time to leave a review. We’re glad your time at Blackthorn was a success ‘though appreciate the break was due to upsetting circumstances, but hope you now feel rested. It would be lovely if you wished to return: as you’ve suggested in the review, this area has a lot to offer regardless of the season, and naturally the hot tub and pool are here all year round - chugging away! Thanks again. Peter & Karen.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Midweek retreat stay

Beautiful location in the heart of the East Sussex Countryside. An idyllic treat set in stunning surroundings with personal and sole use of a hot tub and indoor swimming pool.Warmly welcomed by Karen on arrival.Blackthorns is spotlessly clean, has everything you could possibly need.Eggs, milk, biscuits, tea & coffee all supplied.We will definitely be returning and our adult children too.Thank you once again Karen & Peter for our Wonderful stay.
Grounds that Blackthorn is set in!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Mar 2026
Thanks Julie. We look forward to seeng you and your family again at Blackthorn.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic

The location was quiet and secluded and exclusive use of the pool and hot tub was great. Peter and Karen were very friendly and welcoming. The property is attached to their home but you always feel like you have total privacy. We hired a car and the cottage is very close to historic villages like Rye and Hastings, both well worth a visit. Overall it was excellent and we'd definitely go back
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 10 July 2023
Hello Michael. Thanks for your excellent review. We’re glad it was a success. Please try and return sometime as there is so much more to see in this special area, and even a day trip to London on the fast train from Ashford is very doable. Best wishes to you both, Peter & Karen.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wow!!!!

We arrived later than the usual check in time but that was no issue. Peter was there to escort us and show us around and he had an amazing knowledge of the area and where we could visit. The property was sparkling clean, the bed massive and very comfortable, the amenities great and a real haven for our anniversary. Nothing was too much bother for our host and it felt great knowing if we needed anything we could ask. Had a lovely pub meal at The Queens Head which was a short walk from the property. We had the best weekend break for our Anniversary and have already said we would like to come back for longer in 2023. Amazing place, fantastic host - just what we needed
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Dec 2022
Wow, indeed! Thanks for such a comprehensive and lovely review! It was great to host you and we hope that you will be able to return. I'm always relieved when guests find our rural property in the dark, and also trust my directions! Next time try and stay for a little longer and you'll discover an area full of great places to visit and things to do in between enjoying the facilities here.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katherine P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect getaway

We were impressed the miniute we saw Blackthorn Lodge. The property is very clean and modern. The lodge itself was bigger than expected and a super king size bed! Amazing! It was a birthday celebration (a big birthday) and was overwhelmed with a card and prosecco from Peter & Karen. The hot tub & pool are literally outside the lodge were brilliant, although the house is next door we never felt we were overlooked. Peter was a brilliant host, ideas for places to visit and very accomodating for any requests we had. Visited the Robin Hood pub just 5 minutes walk up the road, very nice. Will be recommending Blackthorn to many friends and family. A great place to stay, would love to come again. Thank you Peter & Karen!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 13 July 2023
Hello Katherine. Many thanks for such a lovely review. I'm glad the big birthday break was such a success. It was great to host you both, and we hope we'll see you again at Blackthorn - or perhaps Cedarwood surrounded by nature, rural peace and quiet, and with its fire pit etc.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hall H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic stay in a wonderful location

This property is in an a wonderful location. The facilities with access to private indoor pool and hot tub are great. The hosts go out of their way to make your stay the best it can be with tips on where to go. We will definitely be back
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Adrian C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great get away

Lovely place with great host
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 27 May 2022
Many thanks for taking the time to leave a review Adrian. Blackthorn is fortunately an all-year-round location with the indoor pool and outdoor hot tub open all year. The local area too has so much to offer whatever the season - beautiful towns and villages, a varied coastline, and stunning country house and gardens, plus steam train rides at various locations.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paige T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely Break

We stayed here for 2 nights we wish we booked an extra day as it wasn’t long enough, lovely area and not to far from the main town. The jacuzzi and pool were lovely and Peter was such a lovely host, made us feel so welcome and very informative of all information and things to do in the area. I would defo stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Dec 2021
Thanks Paige! Please try and return sometime - and if you have time then please book for longer: there is so much you can see and do in this special area - or just unwind in this peaceful place and enjoy the facilities more.

About the host

Hosted by Peter Spencer

Host profile image

Blackthorn is attached to our home - a single storey, former agricultural building set in beautiful Sussex countryside, where we work at our freelance jobs: Karen is a full-time graphic designer specializing in book designs, while Peter is a greetings card designer and publisher, part-time gardener and musician, and also runs the cottage lettings business.

Why they chose this property

Both my wife and I came to the area independently as children and we've been under its spell ever since. Glorious beaches, medieval towns with smuggler's tunnels, a beautiful coastline and varied landscapes still hold its appeal.
The property itself is quite unique: a former agricultural, single-storey black timber-clad building around a courtyard that faces south with uninterupted countryside views and a distant glimpse of the sea.

What makes this property unique

Our holiday cottage is probably unique in England as it's just for two people but still has a hot tub and an indoor heated swimming pool quite literally on its doorstep. It's surrounded by peaceful countryside and is the ideal place to get away from it all and totally relax, but still close enough to good roads enabling guests to get to beautiful places within a few minutes. As the cottage is attached to our own home we are also on hand to give advice or help with anything if guests should need us, otherwise we're very discrete.

Languages:

English

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