The Old Rectory
Georgian-meets-contemporary design hotel; shabby-chic elevated by genuine fashion sense. Cosy and personal rather than grand — honesty bar, open fire, complimentary tea on arrival. The kind of place where the owners clearly have opinions about wallpaper, and that's a very good thing.
Book the Treatment Rooms when you book your room — slots fill fast, especially on weekends
Why It Matters
Named in the Sunday Times' Ultimate 100 British Hotels, listed among Condé Nast Traveller's favourite affordable hotels, featured in the Michelin Guide, and a Tablet Hotels member. A fashion designer's B&B that genuinely delivers on style — every room is individually designed with pieces sourced from artists and designers local to Hastings.
A Georgian house on the edge of Hastings Old Town, The Old Rectory is a boutique B&B founded by fashion designer Lionel Copley — and that background shows in every room. No two spaces look alike, but all share a confident visual sensibility: Deborah Bowness hand-printed wallpapers, bleached floorboards, antler chairs, and bespoke toiletries under the owner's own Copley label. Adults only (10 and up), nine rooms, a koi-pond walled garden, in-house Treatment Rooms, and a café open to the public.
Where You'll Stay
11 room types available
All Saints
Reached via a private corridor past a sumptuous hand-marbled bathroom and separate wet room. The bedroom itself is painted in muted greens with a stunning hand-printed Deborah Bowness floral wallpaper and a hand-painted headboard. Spacious and light. A freestanding claw-foot bath with hand shower rounds out a very good bathroom setup.
Super-king (convertible to twin)All Saints Suite
All Saints upgraded with a second bedroom — perfect for three or four guests sharing. The additional room is painted in relaxing muted greens overlooking the garden and features a stunning vintage French double bed. Two rooms, one suite: notably more space than anywhere else in the house.
Super-king plus vintage French doubleBourne Suite
The most self-contained option in the main house. An extensive suite with a private lounge, equipped kitchen, and dining space — ideal for longer stays or guests wanting more independence. Can accommodate two to four guests. Exact pricing not listed publicly.
Cobourg
First-floor room facing the walled garden. Muted greens and cream, wall sconces, vintage paintings, and handmade blind and cushions in Louise Body fabric. Garden outlook makes it feel quiet and secluded. Guests who've stayed here repeatedly call it their go-to room.
DoubleCroft
Second-floor room with garden views and a large comfortable sofa. An elegant shower room and restful outlook over the walled garden. Described by one editorial visitor as decorated in 'subtle dark vanilla with the elegance of a traditional country house bedroom.'
DoubleCrown
The honeymoon room. Large, grand, and opulent — the freestanding bathtub sits in the center of the room itself, and in a lovely quirky touch, the toilet is tucked inside the bookcase. The statement room in the house.
Ebenezer
A beautifully light and airy room at the front of the house decorated in shades of grey. A wall of Wedgwood calendar plates acts as the focal point alongside elegant furniture. Georgian sash windows give views over the Old Town street — perfect for people-watching.
KingRock a Nore
The cosiest room in the house. Tucked away on the second floor with a sloping ceiling that adds to the retreat feel. Named after the famous Hastings fishermen's beach area. Small but characterful — the right choice for guests who want to feel hidden away at the top of the house.
DoubleRose Cottage
A separate self-contained property adjacent to the main house. Sleeps up to four and is family-friendly — the only accommodation at The Old Rectory that accepts children under 10. A good option for guests who want the Old Rectory experience without the strict adult-only environment of the main house.
Sinnock
A genuinely Georgian room — high ceilings, original proportions, a beautiful chandelier. Decorated in calming muted greys and blues with hand-painted panelled wallpaper by Deborah Bowness. Has both a traditional bathroom and a separate wet room, so no queuing. Calm and majestic.
Super-king (convertible to twin)Tackleway
A first-floor room with a picture window looking over the garden. The standout design feature is original 1970s Sanderson wallpaper — not a reproduction, the real thing. A huge Carrara marble shower room completes a room that's both characterful and sharp.
DoubleThe Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Occasional art classes held at The Old Rectory with Sue Tilley — the artist's model famously painted by Lucian Freud. A very Hastings-flavoured experience, combining the Old Town's creative scene with the property's own design sensibility.
The Old Rectory offers an organised experience visiting Great Dixter, the renowned Arts and Crafts house and garden near Northiam designed by Edwin Lutyens and home to the late Christopher Lloyd. A natural fit for guests who are interested in design and gardens.
Guided tours of local Sussex vineyards and countryside, bookable as part of a stay at The Old Rectory. East Sussex has a growing wine scene — this is a good way to explore it.
Periodic Indian cuisine pop-up events held at the Café at The Old Rectory. Dates vary — check the website calendar before booking a stay if this is of interest.
Special evening supper clubs tied to the Hastings events calendar. Held periodically throughout the year — the format and cuisine varies by season.
The koi and carp pond, terrace seating, and mature planting make this one of the most-photographed features of the property. Guests can take breakfast or afternoon tea here in summer. Seagulls overhead, lavender on the pillows inside — it's a proper garden, not just a courtyard.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Cushy sofas, an antler chair, the honesty bar, and a log fire. The social heart of the house — where guests are welcomed on arrival with tea and cake.
Two-course made-to-order breakfast included in room rate. Served 8:30–10:00am in the hand-painted breakfast room.
Self-serve honesty bar in the Grand Lounge stocked with wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic options. Licensed from 8am to 2am. No staff attendance required — just help yourself and note what you've taken.
Own-brand Copley Body Wash and Copley Shampoo in all rooms, in glass decanters. Eco-friendly vanity kits, hairdryers, robes, and shower caps also provided.
Artisanal tea and coffee making facilities including a cafetière. Fresh milk available in mini-fridges on each floor.
A large walled garden with a koi and carp pond, terrace seating, and mature planting. Available for guests throughout the day. Licensed for weddings and civil ceremonies.
Small driveway with space for three cars, given on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests are actively encouraged to use public transport. Note: the driveway is described by guests as very tight.
No pets permitted in the main house. Check Rose Cottage for separate policy.
Gift vouchers available for stays and treatments. Valid for one year from purchase date.
Sauna located in the Treatment Rooms building, available to guests and the public.
No swimming pool on-site.
No on-site gym facilities.
BUILD YOUR THE OLD RECTORY PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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