A Reunion to remember: Our stay at Cloudbreak on Winchelsea Beach

Somehow, it’s been 20 years since six of us shared a home together for our final years at the University of Sheffield, but our bond is as strong as ever. To celebrate this milestone, we aligned our calendars and created space for some much needed connection.

I knew we needed a space that could hold all the laughter, memories, and long-overdue catch-ups, while providing the kind of setting that felt restorative and immersed in nature. Cloudbreak on Winchelsea Beach was the perfect place.

Nestled right on the beach, Cloudbreak gave us everything we needed. An amazing space with room for everyone to come together. While also offering places for quiet reflection or simply watching the sun dance on the sea. We spent hours sipping tea, chatting in that comfortable way old friends do. Gazing out at the sun as it glistened on the water, moving slowly across the horizon. Our conversations were so rich and long that we tracked the sun’s sparkle as it shifted from one side of the sky to the other.

Space for connection and solitude

The house is perfectly designed to cater to a group like ours. Offering both communal spaces and enough room for everyone to spread out. It’s a rare blend of spacious and cosy. We each had our own space to sleep, with plenty of privacy, but the heart of the home—the living area—brought us all together. The well-equipped kitchen gave us everything we needed to prep meals, and on our main night together, we set the tone for an intimate gathering, lighting candles that added to the cosy vibes as we tackled what felt like an endless cheeseboard. The laughter and warmth shared around that table was priceless.

Immersed in nature

What makes Cloudbreak truly magical, though, is its immersion in nature. Winchelsea Beach is a haven for wildlife, with Rye Bay Nature Reserve a few strides away along the coast and RSPB Dungeness sitting on the horizon in the east. During our stay, we were lucky enough to witness flocks of birds passing through. Curlews, cormorants, and even a gannet diving into the sea reminded us how special this location is. The house opens up to the beach, making it easy to step out for a sea swim or beach walk.

As we move into the cosy descent of summer giving way to autumn, the sun’s path edging further south, we were treated to fiery sunrises and sunsets. The skies ablaze in colour, the kind that makes you stop and take it all in. Cloudbreak offers a front-row seat to so much beauty. We couldn’t have asked for a better weather to mark our reunion.

The power of reconnection – picking up where we left off

One of the most powerful aspects of this weekend was reconnecting with the women who have walked alongside me since our university days. There’s a unique magic in being with those who knew you before you became the person you are today. Women who have witnessed your evolution and share in the threads of your story. As we sat together in the spacious comfort of Cloudbreak, gazing at the sea and reflecting on the journey of the last two decades, it felt like time had both sped by and stood still all at once. The laughter, the heartfelt conversations, and the quiet moments of simply being in each other’s presence. Reminding me of the power of these connections. They are the mirrors that reflect not only how far we’ve come, but the shared strength we’ve carried through all the highs and lows. In that space, surrounded by nature’s beauty and the warmth of old friendships, I found myself wishing time could stand still, if only for a moment longer.

Exploring the local area

Though we spent much of our time enjoying the house and beach, we also ventured out to explore the local area. Cloudbreak on Winchelsea Beach is just a short distance from the charming old town of Rye. Known for its cobbled streets and historic architecture, but as nature lovers, we set our sights on Camber Sands. After a lazy, indulgent lunch at The Owl in Camber, a wonderful spot. Known for its fresh, locally sourced menu (I am still dreaming of that dessert!), we made our way to the sand dunes.

We laughed that the steep slopes of the sand dunes really felt like we were summiting a peak and at the top. We were rewarded with the vast expanse of Camber Sands laid out before us. At low tide, it felt like the beach stretched on forever, with the sea spray meeting the sky in the far distance. It was the perfect place for walking off lunch and breathing in the salty air before heading back to our cosy retreat at Cloudbreak.

A space that feels like home

Cloudbreak exceeded all our expectations. The design of the house, with its open-plan living area, large windows, and beachside views, made it the perfect place to reconnect. Not just with each other but with nature. The property is equipped with all the comforts of home and more. From the cosy lounge to the luxurious bedrooms and bathrooms. The seamless blend of outdoor and indoor living meant we could fully enjoy the beachside location. Whether we were watching the waves from the warmth of the house or braving a dip in the sea.

Quick glance: Cloudbreak on Winchelsea Beach

• Location: Right on Winchelsea Beach, with uninterrupted views of the sea
• Sleeps: Up to 6 guests across 3 bedrooms
• Bedrooms: 1 master suite with en suite, Juliet balcony opening onto panoramic sea views, 2 king rooms
• Bathrooms: 1 modern bathroom & 1 shower room in addition to the en suite
• Living Space: Open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area with panoramic beach views
• Kitchen: Fully equipped with modern appliances, including a large fridge/freezer, oven, microwave, and dishwasher
• Outdoor Space: Private, enclosed courtyard with direct access to the beach, perfect for al fresco dining
• Extras: Table tennis in the garage. Smart TVs one in a TV snug away from the main lounge and board games for entertainment
• Parking: Private driveway

Thank you to Diana and Lottie at The Massey Partnership for arranging this unforgettable PR stay. And to Camber Holiday Cottages for hosting us at Cloudbreak perfect setting for our 20-year reunion. If you’re looking for a beachside escape that offers both the tranquility of nature and the space to gather with loved ones, Cloudbreak on Winchelsea Beach is the place to be.