lucy, the 1920s eco cabin SET IN THE HIGH WEALD AONB
Starcroft Farm Cabins
Set against the backdrop of the serene High Weald AONB, Starcroft Farm Cabins offer a unique blend of history and modern tranquillity. Each cabin serves as a gateway to a bygone era, inviting guests to unwind and find inspiration in the seamless intersection of the past and the present.
They provide a haven for rest, creativity, and a retreat from the hustle of contemporary life while also being a testament to the art of preservation and storytelling. From Lucy, Catherine to Matilda, the cabins are named after extraordinary women, each with their own unique narrative deeply rooted in local history.
Having recently enjoyed a stay in the enchanting Lucy, we're excited to share the intricacies of Lucy’s story. Join us as we explore how Hannah, the passionate owner of Starcroft Farm Cabins, crafted these distinctive escapes - illuminating the thought and care that has gone into producing each of these wonderful stays.
Hannah reveals her vision: "I wanted to create a special and totally unique place to stay that would also offer inspiration and intrigue and encourage guests to explore Sussex history beyond the famous Battle!” The concept of the cabins stems from Hannah's background in women's history and travel journalism.
Lucy Cabin
Named after Lucy Webster, the heiress of the Battle Abbey Estate during the 1920s, the Lucy Cabin pays homage to the bohemian writers and artists who once graced the region. Drawing inspiration from the Bloomsbury Group, Lucy's design captures the essence of the bohemian lifestyle that defined Sussex in the early 20th century.
Additionally, it acknowledges women who defied societal norms during this transformative time, when universal suffrage was finally granted, revealing that even women of great privilege had real limits to their freedom, such as Lucy herself.
Lucy Webster faced a turbulent life as the last heiress to Battle Abbey Estate. Raised in Powder Mill House rather than the Abbey, she likely roamed the meadow where the cabins now stand. Lucy's unconventional spirit often led her to be perceived as impulsive and reckless by her contemporaries. There's a legendary tale of her running down Battle High Street naked, a vivid reflection of her defiance of societal norms.
Her life was a testament to a spirit unbound by conventions - marked by extensive travel, a passion for tennis, falling in love with inappropriate people, lavish spending, and a determined pursuit to become an estate manager. Unfortunately, despite her ambitions, she was deemed unfit for the role, spending the majority of her life confined in institutions.
Starcroft Farm aims to bring Lucy's name back to light, shedding a glimpse of her intriguing story. In the pursuit of Lucy's story, Hannah explored The Keep in Brighton and had conversations with knowledgeable locals who enriched the narrative.
immersive details within the cabin include artefacts like a 1920s tennis racket and a purple ink pot - a nod to Virginia Woolf who often wrote in purple.. Authentic items, such as a reclaimed 1920s door and genuine Oxford brogues, transport guests to the heart of the early 20th century.
Guests are encouraged to explore the rich heritage of Sussex, with recommendations ranging from the 1066 Country walk to the homes and gardens of the Bloomsbury Group. The cabins serve as gateways to historical sites, providing opportunities for visitors to delve deeper into local culture.
Hannah emphasises, "We also hope the space inspires our guests to tell their own stories. We run writing retreats and are also open year-round for self-led creative breaks, whether you want to draw, write or just spend some quiet time dreaming up new ideas".
Curated bookshelves, filled with recommended reads and ever-changing perspectives, invite guests to immerse themselves in the stories of the past. Period clothing and props within the cabins act as conduits for imagination, prompting guests to envision the lives of those who lived in different eras.
Past guests have praised the cabins for their uniqueness, with musicians, artists, and writers finding inspiration within their walls. Hannah aspires to further integrate local history into the cabins, considering a social history drop-in to capture stories from living memories.
In essence, the cabins collectively serve as bridges between history and contemporary living, offering guests curated journeys into the past while encouraging them to create their own stories in this idyllic retreat.
If you're interested in booking a stay at these enchanting cabins or learning more about Lucy's sister cabins, Catherine and Matilda, you can discover more here.
