Tillingham Vineyard
A stunning Vineyard getaway location in East Sussex boasting some gorgeous interior inspiration as well as some delicious wines!...
About
(Photos: @tillinghamwines)
Following my delightful visit to Tillingham vineyard in September, I knew It had to be featured on our blog! Located in East Sussex, not far from the quaint town of Rye (also definitely worth a visit), this stunning vineyard is set amongst 70 acres of hills and woodland and provides a relaxing getaway for any wine lover. The site hosts a restaurant, bar, wine tasting room, and shop, as well as luxury rooms to stay the night. Every space at Tillingham has been interior designed beautifully.
Wines
(Left photo: @tillinghamwines)
Tillingham's bar is the perfect place to sit and enjoy a bottle of wine from their delicious selection, either one of their own, or from their list of 'low intervention wines from around the world'. The bar space has clearly been designed to maintain and celebrate the building's original architecture, which creates an industrial feel that is softened with the addition of warm lighting and accessories, such as plants and cushions. I particularly love their display on the left which not only showcases their wines, but also cleverly adds colour and character to the room. Why not purchase a bottle to go with dinner...
The Restaurant
(Left & centre photos: @tillinghamwines)
From the foyer, you are met with an open, double height stairwell with views up to the old barn’s lofty rafters. Here, the mix of hard wearing, industrial materials (such as corrugated iron and concrete) are softened by this breath-taking, oversized light fixture (right photo) which fills the space with a moon-like glow drawing you up the wrap around staircase and into the restaurant.
The restaurant itself is a far more intimate affair. Similar to the bar, the restaurant's interiors shows off the building’s structural bones but up here, candles, atmospheric lighting and a mix of rustic furniture make for a laid-back, relaxed and comfortable dining experience which feels anything but pretentious. The restaurant serves an amazing set dinner menu, which changes weekly to champion fresh, seasonal ingredients and is best enjoyed with their recommended wine pairings. We ordered the normal set menu and the pescatarian variation, and enjoyed views out over the vineyard as we ate our delicious and beautifully presented food. If you are hoping to eat here, I'd definitely recommend booking in advance as we were warned they can book up quickly.
Pizza under the Dutch barn
(Left & right photos: @tillinghamwines)
For something more casual, and a guaranteed family crowd pleaser, Tillingham also hosts wood-fired pizza nights. Although not open when we were there, the Dutch barn in the central courtyard, houses a traditional pizza oven and is draped in festoon lighting making it the perfect spot to enjoy alfresco dining on warm evenings (open Friday-Sunday during the warmer months). A frequently changing sour-dough pizza menu, along with wines and draught beers, are on offer and, unlike the restaurant, the Dutch barn also welcomes dogs, and children under the age of ten.
Stay
(Photos: @tillinghamwines)
A quick browse through their instagram and website shows that their rooms are just as beautifully designed as the rest of the site. Tillingham has converted the old hop barn into 11 tasteful, cosy rooms with "great views across the estate and the original Victorian farmstead". In addition to this they offer two high spec bell tents which I have no doubt will have been decorated to the same high level as their other rooms. So no need for a designated driver!
Make sure to keep an eye on our newsletter and blog for other getaway recommendations!