Wealden Times | WT184 | June 2017 | Kitchen & Bathroom supplement inside

Above: The apartment’s French windows open onto a little terrace, which has just enough space for a table and two chairs. It is perfect – the
essence of a Parisian balcony, albeit on the ground floor.
It is usually couples that come to stay at The Stores. “They
might be people coming for weddings, or we’ve had a few that
were exhibiting at the Wealden Times Fairs. Chapel Down
vineyard is just around the corner and there are lots of lovely
local gardens like Great Dixter and Sissinghurst nearby.”
So where do the couple go on holiday? “We tend to go
on short breaks. I don’t need long holidays, and I don’t
need to go anywhere hot. Although I love the sun, as all
my friends know, especially my little sun trap garden.”
Wherever they go though, Diane’s always on the lookout
for more things that would enhance the apartment
experience. “Every time I go and stay somewhere I’m looking
for those little extra touches,” she says. “And every week
that people come to visit I think of something else that
will make their stay just a little bit special. For instance, I
put really nice shampoo out. I wouldn’t want just everyday
shampoo when I’m away on holiday.” I notice that in the
dining area there’s a big selection of stylish teas on offer –
enough for a shop display – all beautifully stacked in an
open drawer. It is these little added touches that make a
big difference. “I wanted to make the B&B different…”
Diane pauses thoughtfully, then adds, “quirky.” We stop
for a moment and try to name the type of holiday home
that The Stores is; searching for a term that perhaps doesn’t
yet exist. “We want people to know that they can stay for
longer than just a night or two, if they want to.” So, it is not
just a simple B&B, not quite a hotel, not completely self
catering – what would you call it – a Micro hotel? Guest
apartment? It is certainly a private space, “but there is a
linking door,” says Diane, “which I keep locked, so that
71 wealdentimes.co.uk