The Forest House
Turners Hill, Sussex | Sleeps 10 | Bedrooms 5 | Parking: Yes | Pet friendly: Yes | Wi-Fi: Yes
From £390 per night (Minimum stay 3 nights)
Description
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.
Sleeping ten (although the additional outside bathroom is not available in the winter time), this house is wonderful for relaxed groups of friends or family. Adults & children alike will be captivated by staying in their own slice of Sussex history, complete with thatched roof, low beams and narrow stairs.
Add in the location, just 35 miles from London and 10 miles from Gatwick, and this may be the most perfect of historic, rural escapes.
Features
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
Location
Just 5 minutes from Three Bridges train station, and 10 minutes from the Gatwick Express station, this area is fast and easy to reach by train.
The house is accessed through the woods, along a private track – so feels marvellously remote, despite its convenient location. It is surrounded by stunning Sussex countryside, and the gardens and woodland themselves are teeming with wildlife.
Surrounded by picturesque villages and the historic town of East Grinstead to the north-east, and with the varied beaches of the South Coast within fairly easy reach, this is a great start to your Sussex holiday.
Things to do
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.
Food and Drink
The Gravetye Manor Hotel currently holds a Michelin Star, and is set in stunning grounds that are worth a visit in themselves – booking in advance is essential. Equally beautiful is AG’s restaurant at Alexandra House Hotel (the luxurious spa may appeal, too).
The nearest pub to The Forest House is the Cowdray Arms – which prides itself on locally sourced produce and a ‘Gin Corner’. The Crown is at the heart of Turners Hill, and has a very traditional interior – popular with locals. The Cat Inn, in West Hoathly has a more adventurous menu and a pleasant terrace. For something a bit different, try Java & Jazz in Forest Row for great coffee, gelato, pizza or salads or the Tea Room at Pots and Pithoi, a garden centre specialising in traditional Mediterranean terracotta pots.
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Reviews
We had a wonderful stay at this beautiful cottage – an amazing location, beautifully looked after house, warm and fantastic for a gathering or just a break in the countryside. All facilities and amenities were top quality, all round it was a fantastic stay. Excellent communication with hosts as well.
Such a fab place to come with a group of friends. The cottage is even more beautiful than the photos and is surrounded by lovely scenery and visiting wildlife. We will definitely be back!
The cottage is superb. 10 of us, 4 adults and 6 kids, stayed in it for 7 nights and were very happy. Not only is the cottage old and quirky but in a beautifully remote location too. We will definitely be going back at some stage.
Great getaway. Quiet, rural location (a little difficult for taxis to find but that is to be expected as it is off the grid!). House is beautifully decorated and clearly much thought and love has gone into preparing it for guests. Check-in and out was a smooth process and it had all the amenities we could ask for. Would highly recommend!
The Forest House is an amazing place to stay. Upon arrival, It feels as if you have walked straight into a fairytale. The house decor is lovely and has a cosy vibe and the surrounding gardens are beautiful. A perfect place for a countryside getaway. Phiz and Effie are great hosts and were always happy to help when we had a question.
If you’re looking for a unique, grade 2 listed thatched cottage with a large country style kitchen, plenty of rustic bedrooms and a huge garden which just blends into serene woodland, accessible by a journey down a private track and no neighbours in sight – you’ve found the right place. Nice vineyards and wakehurst place within 10-15min drive, Crawley and its shops just over 10min away. Could have stayed forever!