Cormorant House review: pairing a Rye hideaway with a tour of Tillingham winery

There’s something about a trip to the seaside that never loses its charm – and at Cormorant House you can immerse yourself in the old and beautiful town of Rye in East Sussex, while also being a short journey away from one of the best beaches in the country, Camber Sands.

The owners of Cormorant House, which was formerly an 18th century pub, have done a stellar job converting this period property into a delightfully quirky holiday home, while preserving its wooden floors, dinky staircase and low ceilings.

There’s no TV which makes it the perfect place to relax and connect with friends and family. Simple pleasures such as wandering through Rye, or playing a board game in one of the many rooms become special memories.

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Why stay here

Vibrant energy is encapsulated in Cormorant House. The unique pad is available through Kip Hideaways, which offers “small places to stay with soul”. Though this house is in no way small as it’s set across four floors with four spacious bedrooms.

Unlike other townhouses, it feels very private. You enter via a locked gateway which leads to a large landscaped garden. If Cormorant House was still a pub, I’m certain its garden would be a popular spot. However, the space is instead extremely calm. Antique bulb-style fairy lights criss-cross around the garden and there’s plenty of seating to comfortably enjoy an evening outdoors.

The kitchen is the heart of this home. A sky light and low-hanging lampshade ensure the room’s filled with light all day long. It’s spotlessly clean and complete with modern appliances, making it brilliantly equipped to prepare an impressive meal. And you’ll have endless fun finding pieces of mismatching crockery and tableware to use in the next door dining room.

Upstairs on the first floor there’s a large lounge with a rocking horse sitting among brightly coloured sofas, cushions and throws. All of the bedrooms are decked out with sumptuous bedding and Turkish towels. Novelty lamps adorn every corner of the property and it’s interesting to see how the potentially dark rooms have been lavishly decorated with vibrant colours and lighting to inject energy.

Everywhere there’s eccentric prints and a quaint shabby chic style similar to something straight out of an Anthropologie photoshoot. There’s plenty of bathrooms and shower rooms, plus an ensuite bedroom with a double shower. In fact, there’s just as much to explore in this house as in Rye itself.

Out and about in Rye

Cormorant House provides an unbeatable location for spontaneous pub trips and walks around Rye’s cobbled streets. The Mermaid Inn is an ideal spot for a tipple or two in historic surroundings.

Another firm favourite is the Rye Waterworks Micropub. Previously a pump house, soup kitchen and toilets, the micropub is full of surprises. You’re sat on tables with strangers which means you may get to chat the night away hearing anecdotes from local people, and all of the furniture in the establishment is on sale.

Cutting-edge galleries and shops selling trinkets are in high supply in Rye, too. Also make time for a pit-stop at artisan chocolate drink creator, Knoops.

Wine and food at Tillingham

Less than a 15-minute drive away you’ll find Tillingham winery. Either turn up for a casual mooch around or book onto one of the vineyard tours in advance. A Frenchman called Kevin led our tour group. He encouraged us to ask questions about the different varieties of grapes being grown as well as Tillingham’s role in the evolution of British winemaking. Country life is incorporated into the surroundings too, from the mangalitsa pigs being kept on the grounds, to the sheep that are left to graze the vineyards.

Following the tour, we enjoyed a beautiful meal in the restaurant with vistas over the Sussex countryside. Chef Brendan Eades, who last year scooped a Michelin green star, cooks up an exceptional, pescatarian feast with fish caught daily on Rye harbour. The scallop ceviche, sea bass main and tarte tatin dessert were all divine.

The verdict

Cormorant House provides an incredible location to explore Rye, a quintessentially English town with an edgy, artistic atmosphere, and Tillingham is a must visit destination for foodies and wine connoisseurs alike.

Kaye O’Doherty was a guest of Kip Hideaways and Tillingham. Prices for Cormorant House start from £260 per night; kiphideaways.com. A group tour at Tillingham is £40 per person and the Brendan Eades menus start at £45; tillingham.com