The Apple Barn, a tranquil country retreat

The Apple Barn is a charming retreat in the beautiful countryside of the Kent/ Sussex borders. Guests are welcome to roam through our ancient bluebell woods, picnic by the lake, and make friends with our rare breed sheep. We are a perfect base to explore Winnie the Pooh country, and the many National Trust properties, walking trails, local pubs and vineyards close by. Less than an hour from London Bridge, it is an ideal country getaway; private, quiet, and with everything you need for a break. The space The Apple Barn is situated beside an old orchard and accessed from our circular driveway, with its own parking. Newly available, we have designed the space with luxury and comfort in mind. It is a perfect space to relax and unwind, soak up the amazing nature on the doorstep, explore the surrounding area, get in a round or two of golf, or attend events at one of the many top-class venues nearby. You approach The Apple Barn over a stepping stone path across the lawn and up to a rustic porchway (with two steps). You enter into a large hallway with plenty of space for coats, shoes and even a bike or two if you wish. We also have a picnic rucksack and blanket for two for the adventurous at heart. Ahead is the bedroom with luxury Soft as Down hypoallergenic duvet and pillows and crisp bed linen. There is a large built-in wardrobe with drawers inside, and a full length mirror. (Iron and ironing board can be provided on request.) To your right is a bathroom with lovely Faith in Nature soap and shampoo, fluffy towels, and cosy dressing gowns all provided. There is a full-size bath and walk-in shower and large mirror. Through the double doors from the hallway, you enter the main living space. The large open plan space is flooded with afternoon sunlight, and includes a well-equipped kitchen with oven, induction hob, Nespresso coffee machine, fridge, dishwasher, toaster, and kettle for your use. There is a dining table for four to enjoy your meals, a quick cuppa, or a glass of bubbly for special occasions. I provide a few essentials to get you started, including the all-important coffee pods (the vertuo ones if you wish to bring your own). There are two comfy sofas with snuggly throws either side of the new woodburner for cosy autumn and winter retreats. Logs are available to get you started, and you will find some puzzles and boardgames to settle in with. One of the sofas pulls out to a comfy double sofa bed, with the same luxury bed linen provided if the sofa bed will be used. Please let me know if you need this to be set up in advance. Please note the space does not have a TV, but the wifi speed is 'very fast' if you wish to stream on your own device. We are happy to welcome infants or children to stay, and can provide a travel cot, high chair, baby bath, and some toys and books picked out by my children for your stay. Guests are welcome to explore our woodland and the fields, accessed through a gate opposite The Apple Barn. We have glorious ancient woodland full of wild garlic and bluebells, with a river running through the bottom. We have a large lake with a small island in the middle, home to lots of local birds and frequently visited by a beautiful kingfisher. Roaming the fields you will find our flock of Soay sheep, with our gorgeous little lambs who arrived at the end of March. There are rock outcrops, ancient oak trees, and lots of little tracks to explore to find your perfect spot for a picnic or to get the binoculars out. All we ask is that you close any gate you open behind you...! In the area you can also experience a wide range of adventures: ~ Embrace your inner child at Poohsticks Bridge and enjoy a 'smackeral' at Pooh corner as you explore ~ Visit many amazing National Trust properties, glorious gardens, and historical sites such as Hever Castle and Wakehurst (sister of London's Kew Gardens) ~Visit us while attending a wedding or special event at one of the nearby venues including Hever Castle, Chiddingstone Castle, Penshurst Place, Ashdown Park, Kingdom and many others ~ Book a tour at one of the local vineyards, including Bluebell Vineyard (Hindleap sparkling wine) and Kingscote Estate, or head to Nyetimber, Chapel Down and others a little further afield ~ Play a round or three of golf on one of the local courses, most notably the championship course Sweetwoods is just down the road and the Royal Ashdown is only about 15 minutes away ~ Visit one of the fabulous local farm shops such as Falconhurst to pick up some goodies for a picnic or your supper ~ Check out the many outdoor adventures from cycling to horse-riding, rock climbing and bushcraft available locally as there are a wealth of outdoor activities to suit any taste ~ Head to one of the great local eateries with cosy fireplaces in winter and fabulous gardens and views in the summer ~ Experience a day at the races with Lingfield Park Racecourse a short journey away ~ Get creative with a course at the Ashdown Pottery or with other local craftspeople ~Journey back in time with fine dining and special events on The Bluebell Steam Railway ~ Visit The Pantiles and Chalybeate Spring, located in nearby Royal Tunbridge Wells, with its regular markets, the famous weekly jazz nights through the summer, and lots of boutique shops and cafes ~ Visit one of the finest opera houses in the world at Glyndebourne, nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park Guests will not be disturbed during their stay, but we are always available to offer suggestions if you would like some advice, just let us know! Guest access Access to the property is via private electric gates (code provided) and you can park close to The Apple Barn. There are two shallow steps up to the porch, and then a further small step into the property, but otherwise it is all on one level. If you want to go for a walk around the property, please note that we are at the top of a fairly large hill, which is fantastic for views and sunsets but means sensible footwear is advised and please only do what you are comfortable with, at your own risk. Other things to note A car is strongly advised to make the most of the local area, and note that all supermarkets/ farm shops are 10-15 minutes drive away for supplies. It would be possible to get here without a car if you particularly wanted to. Cowden or Dormans stations are the closest (and my husband cycles there for his commute in about 15 minutes) and there are local taxi firms you could use for getting around. Walking directly from the property is not advised though, especially with children, as our driveway is off a busy A-road and you would have to walk along this to get to any footpaths.