Writer’s retreat in Sussex

Local author Lulah Ellender at work in The Writer’s Studio. Photographed by Katie Beth Payne.

An inspiring haven in the heart of Bloomsbury country designed to let your creativity run free 

Writers have long been drawn to this corner of Sussex. Virginia Woolf and the Bloomsbury Group made their country homes here, finding inspiration in its landscape, light and bucolic charm within easy escape distance from the noise of London.

The Writer’s Studio at The Grain Store continues that tradition with a warm welcome to budding as well as established authors. A peaceful one-bedroom writer’s retreat in Sussex, near Lewes in the South Downs National Park, it offers something every writer knows can be surprisingly difficult to find: a private space in which to work without distractions.

A room of one’s own

If you’re longing for time and headspace to get stuck into writing that novel, play or memoir, picture yourself in a countryside retreat designed for creative thinking and uninterrupted flow. Sometimes you need to go somewhere else to get properly stuck in.

The Studio's light-filled living space has a dedicated desk and comfortable ergonomic chair overlooking the private garden, alongside a well-equipped kitchenette. Upstairs, a mezzanine king bedroom and bathroom with deep bath and walk-in shower mean everything you need is contained within your own private space.

We've been delighted to welcome writers including local author Lulah Ellender, who put The Writer’s Studio to the test while working here, and gave it rave reviews.

Walk. Think. Write. 

There's a reason walking and writing make such good companions. 

Step outside for a refreshing morning walk across the South Downs to unravel a tricky plot point as you go, or simply to get your creative juices flowing. Let an idea develop without forcing it, then return to your desk for some focused work in blissful solitude and see where it takes you. 

With no commute, household chores or everyday interruptions competing for your attention, the hours are yours to structure however you choose. 

Write all morning. Walk after lunch. Read in the garden. Write again. Or simply stare out of the window for a while. Thinking counts. 

Rest is part of the process 

Creative work needs downtime too. 

Close the laptop and head out into the countryside or unwind in South Downs Sauna Lewes, a sublime woodland sauna on your doorstep where you can enjoy a Finnish-style sauna experience before returning for a soak in the deep bath. You can also reward yourself with an indulgent massage or luxury facial treatment, and enjoy a private yoga session, all provided by expert local practitioners in the comfort of your room. 

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Make something happen  

You don't have to arrive with a word count, a deadline or even a fully formed idea. 

The Studio is equally suited to writing, sketching, designing, researching or simply giving an idea the uninterrupted attention it hasn't been getting at home. What you do with the time is entirely yours. The Writer’s Studio provides the solace. Nature brings serenity and inspiration. Come and reignite your passion for the work. 

A woman with gray hair sitting outside writing in a notebook on a white table, with greenery and rolling hills in the background, seen through a window
A woman working at a desk with a laptop and notebooks, next to a tall potted plant in a cozy, well-lit room.
A woman with gray hair and glasses working at a desk with notebooks, a laptop, and sticky notes in a bright room with large windows and green plants.
Two elderly women are sitting in a living room, laughing and enjoying each other's company.
An older woman with gray hair and red lipstick sitting on a gray armchair, using a laptop, near a large window with green trees outside.
A home office corner featuring a wooden desk with a laptop, books, and notebooks, a black ergonomic chair, a floor lamp, a large indoor plant, and a beige woven rug near floor-to-ceiling windows with a view of a gravel garden outside.
An elderly woman with short gray hair standing outside near a glass door, holding a book, and looking thoughtfully into the distance. She is wearing a black shirt and black pants, with large green leaves visible behind her.
Two women with short gray hair standing in a grassy field, face to face, with rolling hills and trees in the background on a sunny day.
An elderly woman with gray hair sitting outside on a chair in a garden, writing in a notebook and gazing thoughtfully into the distance. The scene is bright and sunny with green grass and bushes in the background.
A woman with gray hair sitting cross-legged on the floor using a laptop, with sunlight casting shadows on her face. Behind her is a bed with white pillows, an orange throw pillow, and patterned pillows, and a bedside table with a black lamp, a vintag
A woman with short gray hair sitting on a chair at a desk, writing in a notebook with a pen, beside a laptop, with a large potted plant and a lamp on the desk, and a window showing a green outdoor landscape in the background.

Images: Local author Lulah Ellender at work in The Writer’s Studio. Photographed by Katie Beth Payne. 

Plan your writing retreat  

Ready to give your creative project some focused time? We look forward to welcoming you for a magical escape where you can ground yourself in nature and see your ideas take shape.

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More than just extra space

  • Romantic breaks

    Leave work, chores and distractions behind and rediscover the pleasure of having uninterrupted time together. 

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  • Solo escapes

    Put yourself first for a few days, follow your own rhythm and enjoy the freedom of answering to nobody but yourself. 

    Explore Solo Escapes

Are you a writing teacher or looking for writing retreats hosted by top authors? The Grain Store is also a popular venue for small group writers’ retreats.

Host a writer’s workshop
Attend a writing retreat