A Private Sussex Country House in Ashdown Forest

Set within the beautiful surroundings of Ashdown Forest, The Ashdown Escape is a lovingly restored Sussex farmhouse dating back to the 1850s. Combining historic character with thoughtfully designed contemporary extensions, the house offers a unique countryside retreat where families and friends can gather, relax and reconnect.

Sleeping up to 10 guests, The Ashdown Escape has evolved over many years into a spacious and welcoming home designed for shared experiences. Original farmhouse features sit alongside contemporary architecture, creating a balance of character, comfort and modern living.

Inside, guests can enjoy:

• Five bedrooms, including a spacious principal suite

• Three bathrooms and a guest cloakroom

• Multiple reception rooms, including a cosy snug with wood burner and a traditional beamed sitting room with inglenook fireplace

• A spacious family kitchen with breakfast bar, AGA (during winter months) and adjoining utility/preparation area

• A sunken bar and dining space designed for entertaining and long family meals

• A games room with snooker table

• A dedicated gym and spa area with Finnish sauna and steam cabin

• Underfloor heating and a whole-house MVHR ventilation system for year-round comfort

Outside, guests can enjoy:

• A private outdoor swimming pool

• A heated hot tub

• Landscaped gardens and sandstone terraces

• An outdoor kitchen with wood-fired pizza oven and teppanyaki plate

• Extensive lawns for games, relaxation and family gatherings

• Direct access to Ashdown Forest walks and countryside adventures

Located just over an hour from London, The Ashdown Escape offers the privacy and tranquillity of a rural setting while remaining easily accessible from London, Gatwick Airport and the surrounding towns of East Sussex and Kent.

Guests are welcomed with a thoughtfully prepared welcome gift and encouraged to enjoy the house as their own throughout their stay.

The Ashdown Escape is a private self-catered holiday home rather than a hotel, allowing guests to enjoy the property at their own pace and in complete privacy.

Location – Coleman's Hatch, East Sussex

The Ashdown Escape is situated in the picturesque village of Coleman's Hatch on the edge of Ashdown Forest. Despite its peaceful rural setting, the property is conveniently located within easy reach of East Grinstead, Haywards Heath, Tunbridge Wells and Gatwick Airport. London Victoria can be reached in under an hour by direct train from nearby East Grinstead, while London Bridge is accessible from Cowden station.

Explore the Area

• Pooh Sticks Bridge, Hartfield – 3 miles

• Sheffield Park & Garden – 8 miles

• Bluebell Railway – 8 miles

• Hever Castle – 12 miles

• Glyndebourne Opera House – 18 miles

• Brighton – 28 miles

For Families Relocating or Visiting Schools

The Ashdown Escape is ideally positioned for families visiting or relocating to East Sussex. Several of the region's most highly regarded independent schools are located nearby, including Brambletye School, Ardingly College, Worth School, Michael Hall School and Cumnor House Sussex.

Important Information

The outdoor swimming pool is typically available between April and September, subject to weather conditions and maintenance requirements. Opening and closing dates may vary from year to year. The pool is heated using an air source heat pump; however, as with all outdoor pools in England, water temperatures are influenced by weather conditions, sunshine and overnight temperatures and will vary throughout the season. Pool and hot tub temperatures may also vary depending on weather conditions and usage.

The swimming pool and hot tub are used entirely at guests' own risk. There is no lifeguard on duty and children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.

Vehicles must be parked only in the designated parking areas identified in the arrival information.

The house and gardens include varying floor levels, steps, terraces, pathways, slopes and other landscape features. Guests should consider these characteristics carefully before booking, particularly if travelling with young children, elderly guests or anyone with mobility limitations.

Guests should take particular care around steps, terraces, retaining walls, pool surrounds and other outdoor areas, especially when surfaces are wet.

The property features a living green roof, which forms part of the home's architectural and ecological design. For safety reasons, the green roof is strictly out of bounds and must not be accessed, walked on or used by guests at any time.

For guest safety, security and property protection, external CCTV operates in selected outdoor areas of the estate, including access points, parking areas and pool surrounds. No cameras monitor any internal living spaces, bedrooms, bathrooms, spa facilities or other private guest areas.

From time to time, a caretaker may be present in separate on-site accommodation. Their role is to maintain and protect the property between guest stays and support the operation of the estate. Guests retain exclusive use of the advertised accommodation and facilities during their stay.

Outdoor furniture, cushions and accessories should be returned to their designated storage areas when not in use or when adverse weather is forecast.

The property operates domestic heating and hot water systems designed for a private family home.

The property is located within the Ashdown Forest National Landscape, a protected rural woodland environment. Guests may encounter wildlife, insects, leaves, pollen and other seasonal characteristics of countryside living throughout the year.

Only registered guests included within the booking may use the property and its facilities unless agreed in writing in advance.