Do you ever dream of escaping the grind and running a beautiful Bed and Breakfast (B&B) in the country? Our friend Cathy’s newsletter and Substack could be for you!
In 2016, Cathy Larkin achieved the dream of a lifetime when she bought Nab Cottage, which she had walked past countless times on childhood dog walks. Always captivated by it, it really was a dream come true for Cathy.
Originally a Victorian farmhouse, and in need of serious renovation, Nab Cottage in Bexhill-OnSea was being eyed up by developers when Cathy put in her offer for it, in 2016. To the delight of the neighbours, and Cathy herself, the offer was accepted and the house of Cathy’s childhood walks and imagination became hers.
Over a year, Cathy renovated the cottage in the most environmentally conscious ways she could, using sustainable and vegan methods and materials, and ran it as a vegan and dog friendly B&B, frying her first butterbean and smoked tofu breakfast patty in March 2019, and cooking her last Full Vegan in December 2024.
Artistic Director Rebecca Mordan stayed at Nab Cottage a number of times and always loved the sea air and the atmosphere Cathy had created.
Nab Cottage is no longer running as a B&B. Cathy is now developing her career as a writer and her newsletter and Substack chronicle the renovation of Nab Cottage. The writing also includes a mix of Cathy’s historical, literary and environmental interests, and a fair sprinkling of dog photos. Houses occupied by Vita Sackville-West, Virginia Woolf, Vanessa Bell, Ellen Terry and Lee Miller are all within an hour’s drive of the house – Cathy plans to share items of interest about them, as well as more contemporary local creatives and literary events.
Whether you’re tempted by the Bed and Breakfast dream, or want to know more about eco renovations, or just want more dog pics (who doesn’t) do check it out here – and if you’re an agent looking for new children’s’ stories with a wildlife and eco edge, we’re sure Cathy would love to talk!
