The space

The Oast House at Pekes Manor is a wonderfully distinctive hen party house in rural East Sussex, bringing together countryside charm, sociable spaces and brilliant on-site facilities. Set within the extensive grounds of the Pekes Manor estate near Hailsham, this former oast house has two striking round towers, originally used for drying hops, now transformed into a characterful group stay with bags of personality.

For hens who want more than a standard holiday cottage, this is a brilliant choice. The setting feels private and peaceful, with a large garden, estate walks and open Wealden farmland all around, while still being within reach of the coast, Brighton and London. It is the kind of place where your weekend can move easily from slow brunches and garden games to pool time, BBQs, cocktails around the dining table and a taxi ride out for dinner or drinks.

The house can host groups of up to 16 guests, making it a strong option for a bigger bridal party looking for a shared base rather than splitting across hotels. It has that lovely group-house balance: plenty of communal areas for everyone to come together, alongside bedrooms and quieter corners for anyone who wants a slower morning after the celebrations.

Inside the house

Inside, The Oast House is full of quirky original character. The two large circular towers create a memorable layout, with two spacious upstairs bedrooms and two generous downstairs rooms. One tower forms the dining room, complete with curved tables that fit the round shape of the room and a central circular table, making group meals feel naturally sociable. It is a fun space for a hen dinner, grazing table, cocktail hour or a round of games before heading out.

The sitting and TV room occupies the other circular tower and has a light parquet floor, comfortable seating and an attractive working fireplace. There is a flat-screen TV, DVD player, CD music centre and Bluetooth docking music player, so you can sort the playlist, put on a film, or create a relaxed lounge space for the group. Full-fibre WiFi is included, and the workspace setup makes it easy for the organiser to manage bookings, taxis, itineraries or last-minute hen weekend plans.

Bedroom arrangements are well suited to a mixed hen group. There is a large round four-poster bedroom, a second large round family room with a Zip and Lock double bed and two singles, a triple bedroom with three single beds, and a snug single bedroom. There is also a double sofa bed in the dining room, giving flexibility for different group sizes and sleeping preferences.

The country-style kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering, with an electric cooker and oven, large fridge-freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer and microwave. Windows on three sides make it bright and welcoming, and the light oak kitchen table seats up to 12, ideal for breakfast spreads, coffee catch-ups or decorating the room before the bride arrives. There is a downstairs shower room, an upstairs bathroom with hand-held shower and WC, plus two separate WCs, helping the group get ready with less waiting around.

Hen weekend highlights

The on-site facilities are a major bonus for a hen stay. Guests have access to the indoor heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi-style hot tub, sauna, tennis court and children’s play area, shared with other guests staying on the Pekes estate. Use is arranged on a rota board basis, giving your group private time slots so you can enjoy a swim, sauna session or soak without sharing the space at the same time.

For a relaxed daytime plan, start with brunch in the kitchen, then head to the pool and hot tub for a spa-style afternoon. The sauna is great for a little pre-party reset, while the tennis court adds a fun, low-pressure activity for hens who like a bit of friendly competition. Back at the house, the circular sitting room works well for games, speeches, gift opening or a themed movie night.

Outside, the large private garden gives you space for garden games, drinks in the sunshine and group photos with a countryside backdrop. There is a large built-in brick BBQ just outside the back door, ideal for an easy evening meal without needing to book a restaurant. On warm evenings, add the fire bowl into the plan and settle in for a chilled night under the stars. The house is also dog-friendly, which is a lovely bonus if the bride wants to bring a much-loved four-legged guest along for the weekend.

Location & getting around

The Oast House is located in Chiddingly, close to Hailsham in East Sussex. It feels tucked away and rural, but it is still practical for a weekend group travelling from different places. London is around 50 miles away, making the house a realistic choice for a Friday-to-Sunday hen stay without everyone spending the whole weekend on the road.

Hailsham offers useful local shops and everyday essentials, while the surrounding villages and countryside are great for pubs, walks and relaxed lunches. The coast and the South Downs are around 10 miles away, so you can build in a beach trip, coastal walk, paddleboarding, vineyard-style afternoon, countryside picnic or a scenic pub stop depending on the bride’s vibe.

For a bigger night out, Brighton is around 16 miles away and brings cocktail bars, restaurants, live music, clubs, comedy nights and seafront energy. It is close enough for a planned evening with taxis or minibuses, while still allowing everyone to return to a peaceful country house afterwards. Nearby coastal towns such as Eastbourne also offer seaside dining, bars and daytime activities if you want something a little more laid-back than Brighton.

Because the property is rural, groups will usually want to plan transport in advance, especially for nights out, supermarket runs or activity bookings. Once you are at the house, though, there is plenty to keep everyone entertained without needing to leave every day.

Enquire today

If you are planning a hen weekend that mixes countryside downtime, spa-style facilities, sociable meals and easy access to the East Sussex coast, The Oast House is a fantastic option to consider. Send an enquiry with your preferred dates, group size and any plans you already have in mind, and the host can help confirm availability and the details you need for your stay.