But step inside, and while the fabric of this beautiful old building is just as it might have looked centuries ago, the styling and furnishing most definitely isn’t. Reclaimed and antique finds (many sourced from nearby Ardingly Antiques) look right at home alongside mid-century inspired lighting, velvet sofas and stylish linen bedding. There are delicious details wherever you look, from the ancient beams to the original floorboards, vaulted ceilings and inglenook fireplaces, but you’ll still enjoy excellent wifi, luxury beds and a stainless steel range cooker as well as all mod cons in the welcoming farmhouse kitchen.

Bedrooms: The Forest House has four double bedrooms (3 with double beds, one with a queen sized bed) and one attic bedroom with two single beds. One of the doubles is outside in the rustic hut outside . The attic bedroom has very steep and narrow steps leading up to it; care should be taken and small children would need to be supervised.

Bathrooms: There is one bathroom downstairs, a separate loo upstairs, and a further shower and loo in an outside hut (separate from the bedroom hut, this is only in use when the pipes arent at risk of freezing,).

Kitchen: An idyllic, rustic farmhouse kitchen, fully equipped with fridge freezer, range cooker, and everything you might need for a group stay. There is a reclaimed kitchen table and mismatched rustic chairs, perfect for kitchen suppers.

Sitting and dining Room: With ample cosy seating and a huge inglenook fireplace. There is a large table seating 10 people. Note there is no television at The Forest House so do bring your own devices if you would like.

Children: Children are welcome. Please note that there is a large pond in the garden, which although shallow, will mean that children need to be supervised at all times. A cot and highchair are available on request.Please note the stairs to the attic room are very steep.

Dogs: One well behaved dogs is permitted at £35 per dog but please note that there are deer and squirrels in the garden so please dont bring dogs that will chase them. A second dog can be discussed.

Pantry items: Tea bags, coffee, milk, salt, pepper, olive oil.

Longer stays – A 10% discount is available for stays over 7 nights, please enquire.

Check in: 4pm

Check out: 10am

The walking in this area is vast and varied; whether it is a scenic stroll around Ardingly Reservoir or Ashdown Forest, or a more taxing hike on the South Downs Way. Getting out and about on foot is a great way to explore the wonderful countryside, and to work up a thirst for refreshment in one of the area’s many country pubs!

National Trust devotees are spoilt for choice here; Nymans is a wonderfully romantic house and ruins, and a garden lovers paradise, while Arts & Crafts Standen House is famous for its Morris & Co interiors. Sheffield Park is a must-see in the autumn when the trees in the park and woodland put on their very best show.

Ardingly Antiques & Collectors Fair (every few months) draws visitors from all over the country and offers up to 1,700 stalls – so should keep even the most dedicated of antiquers busy for hours! Nearby Ardingly is also the home of a reservoir, with various watersports available.

Children (and train buffs of any age), will love the Bluebell Railway – a heritage stream train that puffs its way through the countryside. Tulley’s Farm has something for all ages, from an escape room, drive in cinema, and PYO pumpkins around Halloween.