Tea With Dorothy

Tea With Dorothy: East Sussex

Delightfully quirky and utterly eclectic, this Grade II-listed cottage in the heart of Rye is a treasure trove of curiosities. With walls of deep, mossy green, squishy yellow sofas, a crackling wood-burning stove and vintage trinkets on every shelf, this home may be petite, but it definitely doesn't lack character. Host Catherine has a knack for thrifting and repurposing – the pocket-sized kitchen, for example, was custom-made using reclaimed finds (the splash-back was part of a snooker table) and the headboard adorning the sumptuous king-sized bed is an old mantelpiece. Add in the chintzy decor, bespoke artwork created by Catherine's friends (including a Judy Garland portrait to keep you company in the kitchen) and the secret garden out back perfect for alfresco dining, and it's no surprise that this home feels cosy, whimsical and truly one-of-a-kind.

But if there were ever a place to embrace old-world charm, it's Rye. Known for its higgledy-piggledy houses and cobbled lanes lined with cosy cafes, antique shops and independent boutiques, wandering through this medieval market town is like a step back in time. And this cottage is in the centre of it all, tucked directly next to the historic Landgate. Five minutes away is the train station, while countless pubs, restaurants and stores are within walking distance. Fancy a beach day? Camber Sands is a ten-minute drive or twenty minutes by bus, so you're not far from the coast.

Home truths:
*Your host provides a welcome gift
*This is an old cottage, with wonky floors, steep stairs and narrow doorways – taller guests may struggle with the dimensions
*Rye town centre is a few minutes from the home, and Rye train station is a six minute walk
*This home has a private entrance
*Unfortunately, children and infants are not allowed
*If needed, the dining table can double as a laptop-friendly workspace