Sunnyside review: An artist holiday cottage in Camber Sands | UK | Travel

Just a stone’s throw from the golden, rolling dunes of Camber Sands beach sits Sunnyside, an artsy weatherboard cottage filled with retro treasures. The quaint property stands out among its peers, its cladding painted a deep midnight black. A sandy trail leads up to the front door, rooting you firmly by the sea.

Following a renovation, the cottage merges unique vintage pieces with stylish contemporary fixtures, to make for an artistic space that doesn’t scrimp home comforts.

Sleeping up to six people across three decently-sized double bedrooms, plus the option to bring your dog along, the cottage is the perfect escape for a family holiday or a celebratory trip with friends. The main living space can be expanded by opening up the double doors between the kitchen and living rooms.

During warmer months, welcome in some fresh air by opening up French doors which are dotted along the exterior wall of the property, leading out to the garden.

The outdoor space is perhaps one of the greatest assets of this home, with a huge grassy lawn perfect for garden games, which you can find stored in the summer house.

An array of seaside foliage and flowers line the perimeter of the lawn, and if you listen carefully, you can hear the waves lapping the shoreline of the nearby beach. There’s a built-in barbecue and a large table with enough space for the whole family to dine al fresco. The pièce de résistance of the garden, however, is the private sundeck, complete with wooden sun loungers and an outdoor mirrored wall perfect for snapping selfies.

Additional outdoor furniture, cushions and even beach toys are also located in the summer house for guests to enjoy on sunnier days. There is also an assortment of board games if you do find yourself spending a day cosied inside. A log burner is well placed in the living room for the colder months of the year, along with gas central heating and cosy Persian carpets.

As Sunnyside is a self-catering stay, it’s best to come prepared or order a supermarket delivery during your stay. If you have a car, there is a nearby supermarket in Rye.

For small or last-minute purchases, two corner shops are conveniently placed at the end of the street. And there is a local bus service which runs to and from the town of Rye, as well as plenty of local taxis which offer journeys between Camber and Rye, though are best booked in advance.

Two cars can be comfortably parked on the driveway directly outside of Sunnyside, while three may be squeezed in tightly depending on the size of the vehicles.

Rating: 4/5

From the outside, the seaside cottage doesn’t look any larger than its neighbours, but you may be surprised to discover just how spacious it is inside.

The front door opens up into a roomy living space, complete with cosy two cosy couches, 32″ smart tv and an array of unique art pieces and retro trinkets.

One of the most eye-catching furniture items in the room is a mini bar-esque cabinet replicating the bow of a small boat. And it’s not the only nautical feature dotted throughout the house.

Many of the decorative elements draw inspiration from the surrounding location, from the green fish-shaped vase in the kitchen to the porthole-style mirrors which line the wall of one of the double bedrooms. Eclectic artworks are another main component of this cottage’s character.

But the retro elements are accompanied by modern amenities, including two digital radios and Sonos speakers. The property dances the line between retro and modern, which can feel a little disjointed compared to other more consistently themed properties from Camber Holiday Cottages, such as The White House.

Step down from the living room into the kitchen, kitted out with a zinc-topped dining table and a good selection of cooking appliances, including an Espresso and Cappuccino machine. There is also a laundry cupboard which houses a washer and dryer.

Sunnyside is well-suited to groups, with French doors which can be opened to create one large living area, or closed to create more secluded spaces.

While there are three well-sized double bedrooms, our favourite was located down its own private corridor towards the rear of the property.

By day, the room is flooded with light from the double doors which open out onto the sun deck. But by night, with jet-black walls and blackout curtains, the room becomes a tranquil spot. However, it’s worth noting you might receive an early morning wake-up call from the local seagulls.

The maritime theme is continued in this room, with porthole mirrors lining the wall, a boat scene above the bed and nautical-stripe pillows. 

This room also has easy access to the largest bathroom in the property, complete with a spacious waterfall shower. An additional bathroom, with a shower, can be found on the opposite side of the property adjacent to a second bedroom.

The master bedroom, meanwhile, sits at the front of the property, offering plenty of storage space and, of course, some unique art pieces paying homage to the nearby sea.

Beyond the beach, there is a small selection of pubs and cafés in the local area, but if you do fancy exploring further afield, the historic town of Rye is just eight minutes away by car. A bus service runs between Camber and Rye, with a bus stop located just a short walk from Sunnyside. It’s worth noting, however, that the bus service can be unpredictable at times, so pre-booking a taxi may be more reliable.

Ramblers may enjoy the three-and-a-half-mile walk between Camber and Rye, which runs from the beach into the town along the length of the river.

Once in Rye, there are plenty of local shops and historic sites to keep you busy through the day, and an array of quaint pubs, restaurants and wine bars once evening falls.

Getting to Sunnyside is relatively easy by car, but is also well-located for those who prefer to travel by train. The cottage can be reached by taking a train to Rye station and then a 15-minute bus ride or taxi into Camber. It took us less than two hours to get from London to Sunnyside by train and taxi.

Rating: 4/5

Lead pricing starts from £1,180 for three nights, though prices can vary throughout the year. You can search for and book a stay on the Camber Holiday Cottages website.