… Battisborough House is about ¾ mile towards the sea from Battisborough Cross, at the end of a lane, and 400 yards by footpath across fields from the beach, and from the Coast Path (a very fine stretch of it). It is a fine, south-facing, detached Victorian house with outstanding sea views. Built as a seaside family house, it was for 30 years a children’s boarding school and Field Study Centre. Now it has been transformed back into a spacious, comfortable house with occasional reminders of its former purpose – ie. some dormitories.

There are 6 acres of grounds, including a hard tennis court, small football field, woodland for making dens and a large terrace which runs the length of the house.

Large porch (for wellies, walking boots) leads to the main hall, large enough for eightsome reels, with oak floor, piano, sofas, TV. The sunny living room has fine views from its big bay window, part book-lined with ornamental fireplace. Next door, the snug - a cosy room with table/chairs, sofa, VDU/video. And, next door to it, a large dining room with big tables seating up to 40 (with benches) and hatch to kitchen, fine view (south-facing). The kitchen is big, commercial but not unfriendly, with four-door Aga, three large sinks, commercial gas cooker, deep fryer, commercial dishwasher, microwave and table seating 14 (benches). Laundry room with washing machine, tumble drier; large larder with vegetable prep sink, commercial potato peeler, freezer; access to boot rooms (suitable for dog beds) and back door. Boys' communal shower-room (three showers, three loos). Three loos.

Up the grand staircase to a large minstrels’ gallery overlooking hall. Off it are six bedrooms:

- Children's room with bunk beds and a single

- Children's room with bunk beds and a single

- Double (5’ bed with footboard) with additional single, en suite bathroom (suite, shower over bath) and fine sea views

- Double (5’ sleigh bed) with additional single, fine sea views, en suite bathroom (suite, shower over bath) and optional door to corridor

- The master double (5’ sleigh bed) with fine sea views and en suite shower-room (suite)

- Double (5' sleigh bed) with en suite shower-room (suite)

Then through the ‘green baize door’ to three further bunk rooms with a total of 20 beds (1 star only): ‘boarding school’ fun for children. Three bathrooms (suites) plus girls' communal shower-room with 3 loos.

Prices based on 14, but occupancy can be extended to 34 by opting to take the further three bunk bedrooms (one for 8 people and two for 6 people, priced at £400 per room for 10 and £300 for 6). Damages Deposit £500. Arrival after 4pm.

This is a much loved place, ideal for large family holidays - hugely spacious.

Accommodation