Our Story
Starcroft Farm
No one seems to know how the farm got its name, but it must have something to do with the dazzling dark skies in this corner of the High Weald AONB. It’s the reason the cabins have stargazing windows above the beds.
Until the 1920s, the land was part of the Battle Abbey Estate. Going back beyond that, through old records and tithe maps, it’s more or less always been used for what it is now: mixed grazing, producing food and fuel and generally making a living. The fields’ bare bones have changed very little, and there is a timeless quality here that we feel most strongly early in the morning as the mist rises.
Hannah’s dad and his brothers grew up on the farm in the 60s and 70s, with their parents running it as a market garden and small cattle farm. They grew vines for Sussex wines, chrysanthemums for cut flowers and sold strawberries and runner beans to passing drivers. Later on, her aunt and uncle grew Christmas trees here - some of which still line the ridge of the largest field, and look so festive in the snow.
You won’t find a typical farm here now, although cows do graze the meadow seasonally. Since moving in in 2018, Hannah and Tom have been growing veg in no-dig beds as well as chemical-free cut flowers to decorate the cabins. Tulips, sweet peas, dahlias, peonies and chrysanths are our favourites, but we’re always experimenting with new and heritage varieties. Let us know if you’d like to take home a bunch!
The Cabin Dream
Hannah has long dreamed of creating a soulful, one-off place for people to stay. Somewhere light on the landscape but with a strong sense of place; somewhere peaceful but inspiring. Having worked in the travel industry for more than a decade, she knew the places she loved visiting most always had owners who really cared - evident in the attention to detail.
As a writer and book lover herself, with two young children, she also understands the need to have somewhere quiet and comfortable to think. That’s why the cabins have been designed to spark your imagination and help you focus on that novel, poetry collection, PhD, screenplay… or whichever project you’re passionate about.
Rooted in 1066 Country
It was a chance meeting in a nearby bluebell woods, whilst Hannah was heavily pregnant, that we found the perfect builder for the project via his wife Cara, a local artist. John understood our desire to be as environmentally conscious as possible, as well as the responsibilities that come with building in a protected landscape.
His unique insight and perseverance through all weathers has been invaluable, as has his dedication to sourcing innovative, sustainable and local materials. And when we say local, we mean a matter of feet away in some cases - much of the wood, including the cladding, deck handrails and window sills, came from Powdermill Wood, just a two minute walk away.
Locally Crafted
From our first rough sketches, inspired by the High Weald landscape and our proximity to Battle Abbey, the cabins have become a collaborative effort that’s evolved with each person involved. A whole cast of local craftspeople, tradespeople, artists and artisans have left their stamp on it.
From Tom the joiner who painstakingly created the arched doors and circular windows as a nod to the Abbey to Clair who has beautifully told the story of each cabin in stained glass.
The result of all this collaboration is a cabin retreat that feels rooted in this particular patch of East Sussex and infused with the skills, wisdom and creativity of the people who live here.
Space for creativity
We truly believe that making time and space for creativity can benefit all areas of our lives. When we do the things we love, we feel calmer, nourished and have more to bring to the world.
As well as hosting our popular 4-night writing retreats, and weekend reading retreats year-round, we also welcome visiting acoustic musicians. Let us know if you’re in town for a gig and would like to record a cabin session in exchange for a stay.
New for 2026 are our Room to Bloom creative retreats. These are for anyone who just needs a bit of headspace, some simple art materials and the quiet company of our garden-grown flowers to get back that creative magic. We also offer Creative Days year-round, if you’re could do with a cabin for the day to daydream, journal or kick-start a new project.
And if you need a photographer for that author bio or album cover - Tom can come and take some relaxed shots, set against the unique backdrop of our historical hideaways, that capture that creative spirit.
