The Byre at Marchants

The gentle curves of the South Downs topped by its ancient passage way for walkers and pilgrims alike form the backdrop to Marchants Garden.

Here, the neglected land has been transformed by Graham Gough and his wife Lucy Goffin into one of the most endearing and beautiful Nursery/Garden combinations in the country. Magazine articles abound as do television appearances testifying to its great reputation.

In 2019 Graham and Lucy added ‘Marchant’s Byre’ to the numerous timber framed working buildings they have built. The Byre however is an exception being an original oak framed building, perhaps 200 years old and originally used for animal stock/ farm machinery.

The sensitively converted Byre is placed in an independent, quiet part of the garden which it overlooks. Fabric, fittings and furnishings are a blend of old and new, the style having been influenced by the beauty of the exposed oak beams which form the buildings inner shell.  Open plan with a solid oak floor throughout the space comprises kitchen, living and dining area and separate bedroom with connected bathroom. Telephone/Internet connections have also been integrated.

Graham and Lucy live on site. The Byre has private parking and shallow steps or sloping path to its entrance

Accommodation is for 2 persons (no children over one year of age).

Minimum stay 4 nights

Check in time 4.00pm onwards/ check out time by 11.00am

Our apologies, but no pets, no smoking and no candles

• Kitchen: Full equipped to suit the keenest cook. Stainless steel work surface and sink, electric cooker with oven, gas hob, dishwasher, washing machine, and fridge.
• Living area: Settee and chairs, and work table with Internet connection. Efficient wood burner plus two storage heaters to provide extra warmth if required.
• Dining area: Well- lit Table, dining chairs (x 4), dresser base for storage and glorious views over the Marchants garden.
• Bedroom: Comfy Zip & Link bed (for use as a double or two single beds), simple clothes rack, clothes hangers and a storage heater to provide extra warmth if required. From the window a view over the garden.
• Shower Room: Good-sized shower, wash basin, toilet, shelving and towel rail.

Location & Nearby Highlights

Situated in the village of Laughton, our location offers an opportunity to discover the eastern flanks of this splendid County.

CLICK HERE for printable map and directions

Interesting towns abound. Nearest is the historic and architecturally rich town of Lewes (6m) where there are good eateries. On the coast Eastbourne (11m) boasts sunshine and beaches. Westward lies the cliff chain of the ‘Seven Sisters’ terminating in the chalk mass of Beachy Head, an icon recognised the world over. The bustling City of Brighton & Hove ½ hour away, offers more cosmopolitan entertainment.

For garden lovers there is much to explore, the most renowned of these being Sissinghurst Castle, Great Dixter Garden, both visitable in a day and Charleston (4m), home also to a successful Literary Festival and newer Garden Festival.

Opera lovers will be enticed by renowned Glyndebourne Opera House (3m), its summer season (May-September) hosting 5 or more innovative productions. If you like to wash your Opera down with good Champagne, award winning ‘Breaky Bottom Vineyard’ (10m) is set in the Ouse Valley, and the younger venture of ‘Rathfinny Wine Estate’ (6m) with its excellent wine, visitor centre and good food should suit.

Add to the above superb walking, swimming, sailing, fishing, paragliding, serious art galleries, etc  you will discover East Sussex has much to offer keeping the most demanding holiday maker stimulated. If it’s just peace and quiet you seek, we can do that too!

Food supplies: There are excellent farmers markets in Lewes (Friday) and Hailsham (second Saturday in the month), and the Laughton village shop is a treasure, well supplied and very friendly service. Plus enjoy a basket of seasonal produce from Graham’s organic vegetable garden when available.