Jeake's House stands on one of the most beautiful ancient cobbled streets of Rye, and today plays host to the discerning guest who wants to recapture the feel of history while at the same time enjoying a high standard of modern comfort and relaxed hospitality. Guests will almost invariably be welcomed by one of the two resident cats, Yum Yum or Monte our flirtatious Tonkinese, cordially complemented by the friendly service of the proprietors, Jenny Hadfield and Richard Martin.
The hotel is a 5-diamond award winning establishment, AA Premier Collection, RAC Sparkling Diamond and Warm Welcome Awards, and English Tourist Board Silver Award. Jeake's House is also the proud recipient of the Good Hotel Guide César Award. Comfort is the watchword. You can relax and enjoy the pictures in the oak-beamed parlour, or have a drink in the book-lined bar.
On cold mornings you will be greeted by a roaring fire typical of the traditional attention to detail that will make your stay a truly memorable experience. Rye itself is a bustling, jovial market town with richly contrasting examples of architecture over several centuries, including old stonework, weatherboarding, and incomparable half-timbering. It boasts a fine museum within the Norman keep of the Ypres Castle, an ancient church with an Elizabethan clock and the last stained glass window created by Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris, art galleries, and potteries.
The surrounding countryside is richly rewarding for the perceptive visitor, and Jenny is always happy to advise on leisurely trips to historic castles, beautiful gardens and picturesque villages; and can recommend the best local restaurants and friendly inns
ROOMS:
Each bedroom in this historic building has been individually restored to create its own special atmosphere, combining traditional elegance and luxury with modern amenities. There are brass or mahogany bedsteads, linen sheets and lace. Every room has a direct dial access telephone, television, hairdryer, and hospitality tray. Most have an en suite bathroom, and all provide luxuriously fluffy towels and face-cloths. Iron and ironing board are available on request.
The building is furnished in keeping with its rich history. Wooden floors have settled so that in some rooms it is an uphill walk to bed. In others, the original beams are very low. Doors do not always fit as once they did, and our resident ghosts rustle and creak in the night. Antique furniture distorts with the central heating. However, we have tried to maintain the comforts of 21st century life. Please be kind to the furniture - if it is not being kind to you, please let us know and we will attend to it immediately.
BREAKFAST:
There is a choice of traditional or vegetarian breakfast in the elegant galleried hall of what was once the chapel of a Quaker meeting house. We also offer a delicious selection of fresh fruit and cereals, together with home-made preserves. Please notify us if you have any dietary restrictions. The soft chamber music, airy setting and unhurried tempo will provide the perfect start to any day.
In the airy, elegant dining room, to a subdued background of light classical music, you begin your leisurely breakfast by choosing from a selection of fruit juices, fresh fruit, prunes, figs and cereals. Freshly squeezed orange juice and live yogurt are available on request.
This gives you time to choose between a traditional English or vegetarian breakfast. Each dish is cooked to order, accompanied by toast of your choice together with homemade preserves. Fresh local produce is an outstanding feature of whichever menu you select- we are only too happy to meet any request for a combination of any of these selections.
BAR:
Our well-stocked book-lined bar, furnished from the old chapel pews is to be found on the ground floor behind the old Quaker meeting house doors. It is an honesty bar. We do not serve evening meals, so while you enjoy a pre-dinner drink and browse through our many books on the history of Rye and the locality, you can also scan our folder of sample restuarant menus. Within the citadel lie many of Rye's finest restaurants, and we have hand-picked a selection for you. Reservations are advisable for these establishments.
Directions
(within the cobbled medieval town centre, approached either from High St or from The Strand Quay)