Travel the Home Exchange Way blog:

Staycation swap: converted old Vicarage in East Sussex

"We had a fabulous stay at Danielle and Austin's house in Buxted. This was our first home swap and they made it incredibly easy to organise - their communications were always fast and friendly with nothing being too much trouble. On the day we started the swap, they had taken the trouble to leave some groceries for us and some milk etc. in the fridge - greatly appreciated when you are arriving late at an unfamiliar place.

The house and garden exceeded our expectations - it is a beautiful old rectory with high ceilings and large rooms with real character. The wonderful extension that they have added to the rear of the property which creates a superb large kitchen/diner was a real treat and we spent the majority of our time in this room, overlooking the large lawn. The surroundings are quiet and we enjoyed sitting in the garden late into the evening. Although we struggled a bit to light the pizza oven, that wasn't for want of good instructions from Austin!

The surrounding countryside of the Sussex Weald is very beautiful and we spent many happy hours walking and visiting the many local National Trust properties. Particular highlights were the white cliffs at Birling Gap, Bateman's House and Sheffield Park Garden and the Bluebell Steam Railway.

Danielle left details for us of local dog walks which was really helpful and also left detailed instructions on how to look after their chickens (which we greatly enjoyed!).

We had a wonderful stay and would throroughly recommend the house and the family to anyone looking to stay in Sussex! Thank you again for your wonderful hospitality."

- Simon (Devon, England)