Some places are proof that you don’t have to go too far to feel like you’ve been away. Blue Door Barns, the stunning rural retreat I have just discovered on the South Downs, is one of those places.

As I pull into the gravel driveway and park near a cluster of low slung white and blue buildings, I already feel a world away from bustling Brighton, although it’s only taken me 20 minutes to drive here from my home in Kemp Town.

I’m here to try out the Sew Fabulous experience. The brainchild of local seamstresses Sue and Susie, Sew Fabulous is the first retreat of its kind hosted by this rural East Sussex B&B.

The weekend, which will be held on November 22-24, will focus on making stylish Christmas presents and decorations in high quality felt and fabrics.

Before my sewing lesson begins I check myself into The Nook – one of four 16th century converted barns where I am to stay the night.

Fluffy towels in a stylish ensuite shower room and the sort of duvet you can sink into amid a nest of cushions are nice luxurious touches in this rustic yet stylish self-contained unit.

After a warm welcome at the main house from B&B owners Bryony and Emma, I am shown into the large living room in the main house.

Provence-style painted wooden floors and furniture sit alongside quirky decor, lights and interesting vintage pieces from antique fairs. A fire blazes merrily away and classic Twenties jazz oozes gently from a speaker in the corner.

My eye is drawn to the long table covered in pieces of fabric, felt and an array of embroidery threads and pattern ideas. It feels like the perfect setting for a bit of creativity with a laidback vibe.

“We want people to feel they can make things in a relaxed atmosphere, creating something special for Christmas with as much guidance as they need,” explains Susie Deadman, a former corset maker who also leads sewing classes for children and adults in and around Brighton.

Projects include a Christmas stocking, a range of hanging decorations and a garland of birds with a distinctly Scandinavian feel. I plump for the latter and spend a very pleasant couple of hours snipping and sewing and embroidering, occasionally stopping for homemade carrot cake and tea served in pretty china cups.

Susie and Sue are friendly and professional teachers, giving me ideas and expert guidance when needed and chatting about forthcoming projects such as their popular fascinator making workshops.

There’s something undeniably nourishing about being in a creative environment with a group of like-minded people and the conversation flows.

My little white bird garland takes shape fairly quickly and after only a couple of hours of sewing, I realise what a treat it would be to be completely immersed in a whole weekend of this. Had I more time I would have definitely tried my hand at the cute stocking hanging by the fireplace.

In the evening, joined by a friend, I dine at The Ram in Firle, a short taxi ride away, but with the rain closing in and a wind whipping up, I can’t wait to get back to my cosy Nook and that fluffy marshmallow of a duvet.

The room is well served for entertainment with a TV, DVD player and wi-fi, and the vintage French-style decor and little touches such as scented candles and soaps mean the place has the wow factor I was hoping for.

Delicious breakfast the next morning (scrambled egg and smoked salmon for me, full English for my friend) is served in the lovely front room with its floor to ceiling windows and an atmosphere of calm pervades the whole.

Bryony and Emma, who have the knack of making one feel instantly relaxed, offer a range of weekend retreats here, such as yoga and healthy cooking, as well as equestrian courses.

What a treat to have found such a lovely bolthole so close to home.

  • The Sew Fabulous weekend runs from November 22-24 and includes up to eight hours of tuition. All materials and equipment are supplied.
  • The package includes two nights’ accommodation at Blue Door Barns with meals. It costs £375 per person based on two people sharing a barn. For single travellers, there is an additional supplement of £100.
  • For more details, call 01273 858893/07788 446621 or visit www.bluedoorbarns.com
  • For more information on Sew Fabulous classes in Brighton, visit www.sew-fabulous.org