About Archery Retreat

A House Shaped by History

Archery Retreat is a Georgian townhouse located within the Burton area of St Leonards-on-Sea.

Built as part of a wider architectural vision in the early 19th century, the house reflects a period in which coastal towns were designed with intention — combining structure, proportion and access to the surrounding landscape.

Over time, the building has evolved through different uses, including a period connected to Hastings Art College. This history contributes to the character of the house today, giving it a sense of continuity rather than reinvention.

A Considered Approach to Use

The house has been adapted to support group stays while maintaining its architectural identity.

Rather than being designed around short-term use, the space is intended to function naturally — allowing guests to settle in and use the house in a way that suits them. This approach avoids over-structuring the experience and instead provides a framework within which different types of stays can take place.

Designed for Shared Time

At its core, Archery Retreat is a house for spending time together.

The layout supports both shared and private moments, allowing groups to come together without losing the ability to step away when needed. This balance is particularly important for longer stays, where comfort is shaped as much by space as by atmosphere.

Connected to Its Setting

The house is closely connected to its surroundings.

Being part of Burton St Leonards means it sits within a defined architectural and social environment, rather than existing in isolation. The proximity to the sea, the structure of the neighbourhood and the pace of the area all contribute to how the house is experienced.

A House That Adapts

Archery Retreat is used in different ways — from family gatherings to small retreats and group stays.

The structure of the house allows it to adapt to these uses without needing to be changed or reconfigured. This flexibility is one of its defining qualities.

A Consistent Intention

While the way the house is used may vary, the intention behind it remains consistent.

It is a place designed to support time spent together in a way that feels natural, considered and unforced.