THIS adorable home looks like a regular cutesy cottage, but a centuries-old secret hides at the bottom of the garden. Saint Ann’s Cottage on Castle Hill Road, Hastings, is a Grade II five-bedroom abode with a little something extra included. Not only does the newly refurbished 18th-century cottage boast sea views, it offers a centuries-old cave for your enjoyment.
![[Empty living room with bay window and fireplace.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1860-reports-luxury-property-news-963406590.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The 184 square feet dwelling is located at the end of the property, spanning the entire width of the garden. In the back yard, four Doric columns mark the entrance to the cave with two larch archways for you to wander through. A smaller arch in the centre of the appears like a small window with vines cascading down the front.
![[Temple-style cave in a garden.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1860-reports-luxury-property-news-963406488.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The property's vendor said: "It’s a natural cave. "To our knowledge, it’s been there hundreds of years.". The cave cuts into the sandstone cliffs and as you walk in through the left arch you enter a small space connected to a a circular chamber on the right.
![[Interior of a temple-style cave in a garden.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1860-reports-luxury-property-news-963406492.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Some of the walls display carvings, including an embellished border around one of the archways, a botanical motif, and diamond-patterned tiling. Previous owners have fitted lights into the cave which could make it a perfect relaxation in summer. The vendor added: "It would be great for a dining or entertaining area.
![[Five-bedroom house with a cave in the garden, formerly owned by George MacDonald.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1860-reports-luxury-property-news-963406493.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
"It’s got lights, power, it could be whatever you want to make it, depending on how creative you want to be.". Caves, according to the vendor, are "absolutely" a selling point: "It has had a lot of interest.". Hastings has a range of other sandstone caves in the area and local myths suggest they could have been used by smugglers.
![[Interior of a temple-style cave with stone walls and a pebble floor.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1860-reports-luxury-property-news-963407903.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
