Ashdown Forest Hideaway

This much loved cedar wood house is used by several branches of an extended family, and has been our holiday home for generations. We would like to exchange messages before we approve to check you understand the sort of Airbnb experience you’re booking, and ensure we can accommodate the cleaning. We are committed to sustainable tourism and actively working to a carbon neutral footprint. The space The house is down a long forest track (in Winnie-the-Pooh land), well away from the road. It’s set in an extensive forest garden with a pond and stream running through. (Children will need close supervision). You can walk on Ashdown Forest without crossing any roads. Less than 5 minutes walk are extensive woodland playground features and a football field. Two lovely Sussex pubs - the Red Lion and the Coach and Horses are 20 or 30 minute walks respectively from the house. The delightful town of Forest Row - with a range of independent and organic shops - is less than 10 minute drive from the house. The house was architect-designed in the 1990s to make the most of the woodland garden. With sliding doors and large windows facing south, the open plan interior includes a solid maple kitchen, central stairwell with curved bookshelves, and cosy seating area around a wood-burning stove. There’s no TV or play station - so it’s a chance to completely unwind and reconnect with friends and family (although we do have WiFi). As we still use it ourselves, we keep a well-stocked pantry and supply of firewood you’re welcome to use. We just ask you to replace anything you use up. The negatives: the bathrooms have not been updated since it was built, and there may be spiders or even an odd field mouse. As we still use it ourselves, we’ve not removed family photos, clothes and personal possessions- so we ask you to treat everything with respect. Even though many things appear old, they may have sentimental value. The utility area contains fridge, freezer, toilet, washer, dryer and microwave. All bedrooms have good quality linen. The downstairs bedroom has an en suite, upstairs is a mezzanine level with two further bedrooms and a small bathroom in green slate. The upstairs double room has a balcony and a separate dressing area. The twin room has a bunk bed and two further single beds and children’s books. The house contains an extensive library for serious readers. There’s an outside seating area and barbecue. There’s lots to do nearby - walking or horse riding in Ashdown Forest, several National Trust properties, gardens and the Bluebell railway nearby. There’s also some lovely restaurants, cafes, and shops within 10 minutes drive. Guest access Guests can use the full house. Garage and summer house may be locked.