St. John | Rye, E. Sussex
Award-winning conversion of an ambulance station in the heart of medieval Rye, perfect for country breaks with family and friends.
Set within the ancient town walls of Rye, St. John occupies a former ambulance station that has been thoughtfully transformed into a remarkable four-bedroom home. The building's history remains woven into the architecture, with materials and details inspired by the medieval character of its surroundings and references to its medical past. Awarded the AJ Retrofit Award, shortlisted for the World Architecture Awards, and featured in Grand Designs, Condé Nast Traveller, and Dezeen, St. John is an exemplary adaptive reuse project where contemporary living and local heritage exist in careful balance.
Sleeping up to 8 guests, the house offers generous spaces for gathering, cooking and relaxing together. Located just a short walk from Rye station and the town's cobbled streets, it provides an ideal base from which to explore this unique corner of E. Sussex. Guests can spend their days wandering through the historic centre, visiting independent shops and restaurants, exploring Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, or venturing further to Camber Sands and Dungeness.
Kindly note that we do not recommend this stay for younger children/toddlers. This is because we do not provide cots, high chairs, or stair gates. The property has floating stairs with open backings and a central wood burner, so it is not suitable for young children.
At the heart of the house is a spacious open-plan living, kitchen and dining area organised around a double-sided wood burner. A large dining table anchors the space, inviting long meals and lively conversation, while the concertina doors slide open to the terrace beyond, allowing the boundaries between house and courtyard to dissolve on warmer days. Also on the ground floor, a double bedroom and an adjacent wet room are positioned close to the entrance and offer step-free access.
Upstairs, the building continues through a sequence of thoughtfully designed rooms. A second double bedroom sits alongside a generous bathroom, where a deep bathtub provides a quiet place to retreat under the sloping roof. Nearby, a study overlooks the historic rooftops of Rye, while across from it, a twin bedroom adds a touch of playfulness. At the far end of the upper floor, the master bedroom enjoys elevated views of the surrounding landscape. Complete with a super king-sized bed and en-suite shower room, it offers a calm retreat within the house.
Outside, terraces on either side of the property provide places to gather throughout the day, while a firepit and a large dining table beneath a timber canopy extend evenings outdoors beneath the changing E. Sussex sky.
About the space
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The design for St John has earned it the Architects Journal’s Retrofit Award and was shortlisted for the World Architecture Awards. It has also received features in Grand Designs, Condé Nast Traveller, and Dezeen among a number of other publications.
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With 4 bedrooms and a large open-plan living and dining area, this beautiful home is ideal for your next group getaway!
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Located within the old town walls and just a few minutes away from the train station, you can always walk to the town’s historic center.
Video
Amenities
Sleeping
1 Super King bed, 2 Queen beds, 2 single beds, Bed linen incl.
Blender, Utensils, Dishwasher, Grill, Kitchen stove, Oven, Refrigerator, Freezer, Toaster, Cafetiere
Cooking
Entertainment
Wireless Broadband Internet, TV, Books, Board Games
Heating and Cooling
Central heating, Double-side wood-burner, No air-con, Fans provided.
Sanitary
Hairdryer, Shampoo & Shower-gel, Shower, Bathtub, Towel-set, Toilet Roll
Outside
Charcoal grill BBQ, Deck chairs, Outside Seating, Firepit, Courtyard, Terrace
Laundry
Clothes dryer, Washing Machine, Detergent, Iron, NO Ironing Board
Miscellaneous
Carbon Monoxide Detector, Fire Extinguisher, First Aid Kit, Smoke Detector, Vaccum Cleaner, Speaker
Pets only after arrangement, Accessible 24/7, Smoking not allowed, Suitable for mobility aid (GF bedroom /WC), 3 Parking Spots available
Further Info
Layout
Ground Floor
First Floor
Upcoming Availability
Are you ready for a country break?
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