A building this age has no space, with the low ceilings, for airconditioning - and it is often regarded as unescessary in England for the few days ayear it is needed. Global warming may change that, but fans are provided to help
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Many reclaimed materials were used to keep faithful to the age of the building, although new oak was used for flooring because as Maria Speake says “it quickly becomes aged in appearance with foot traffic”. The new oak is however in the wide plank format that fits with the period, and the restaurant has gained a new oak parquet floor. Parts of the public areas, including the magnificent 1st floor ballroom, are listed interiors so the ability to remodel was limited.
The boutique emphasis was not lost as new bathrooms with luxury roll top bathtubs and walk-in showers were created. Each of the 28 bedrooms has its own character and charm as one would expect in an old Inn, and each is individually designed. The layout is entirely unpredictable with corridors leading to bedrooms going up and down stairs and around corners. Rooms vary in size from the palatial to the merely comfortable, with some housed in an external annex across the courtyard that would have been the arrival point for the London to Rye stagecoach in bygone years, but is now the beer garden.
The first coach - The Diligence - commenced journeys between Rye and London (each way lasted 16 hours compared with less than two now), with The George becoming the town's posting and meeting house. Banquets and toasts were held at any opportunity (one of the more justifiable occasions being Napoleon's defeat). There was also the darker side to Rye in the 18th century, when the town became known for smuggling and was embroiled by competition between rival gangs (the most renowned being the Hawksmoor Gang).
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Open fireplaces have been kept and the scent of wood smoke is delightful on a windy winter evening. Some bedrooms have had antique fireplaces added to enhance their attractions. The large fireplace in the bar creates a focus of comfort that competes with the bar itself as the heart of the Inn, whilst a similar large scale fireplace burns logs in the Reception lounge area creating a popular space for coffee and for small meetings.It is also an area that attracts local residents who come for a glass of wine and to sit in front of the fire reading the newspapers - something I have noticed happening in other hotels with open fires in their reception lounges.
Reception itself is just a desk, giving an air of informality to check in – there are no queues, guests just sit on the sofa until their turn comes...
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