An idyllic base for exploring the stunning High Weald or simply switching off in style (sleeps 4)
Space & setting.
Tucked down a quiet farm track in the heart of the High Weald, this 19thC cottage is cradled by ancient woodland and open fields. Yet it’s just a mile’s amble from the friendly Eight Bells pub and Hawkhurst’s High Street (Waitrose, indie cinema, butcher, baker – all ticked). One of 3 secluded properties behind a private gate, the farmhouse has been lovingly restored and reimagined to enhance space, light, and flow. Every detail reflects thought: natural textures, soft greens, deep-sprung beds, underfloor heating and a beautiful pink clawfoot tub.
At its heart is an open-plan kitchen and living space with flagstone floors, a log burner, and French doors opening onto a sun-drenched terrace. In summer, dine alfresco beneath the fig tree or relax in the wraparound garden watching dragonflies skim the pond. Come winter, curl up by the fire with a book or film and enjoy the remarkable quiet—this is a retreat for all seasons. And with beautiful heathlands, castles, forest, vineyards, even Michelin-starred dining within easy reach, there’s no shortage of things to do — or not do.
Getting here: you’ll need to drive
“We bought the farmhouse and nearby 200-year-old Georgian manor in 2019. We stripped the farmhouse back to the bare bones and refurbished from top to bottom, reconfiguring the rooms for better space and adding plenty of colour, high quality bathrooms and appliances, comfortable beds – everything needed for a relaxing and peaceful break.” Owner, Lizzie
She loves
“Watching the sun rise over the misty fields from the bedroom windows.”
We love
The indulgent bathrooms, with their artisan tiling and Oast & Rye toiletries.
You may not love
The neighbouring house: you’re not overlooked, but not totally secluded. You’ll need to keep an eye on young kids around the pond. Steep stairs. Strictly no pets.
Sustainability.
EV charging. Efficient heating system with Nest controls.
Surrounds.
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Bedgebury-Pinetum
- The High Weald, an AONB spanning Kent, Surrey and Sussex, is a blend of rural, medieval landscapes shaped by centuries of traditional farming. Expect ancient woodlands, wildflower meadows, rugged heathlands and remnants of the Wealden iron industry. Explore its beauty via numerous walking routes, from short strolls through charming villages to long-distance trails like the High Weald Landscape Trail, Wealdway, and the 1066 Country Walk. Maps await.
- Spend a day at Bedgebury Pinetum: there are multiple kids’ playgrounds and a family cycling trail, as well as walking / running trails through the forest, and a challenging mountain-bike circuit. Try to coincide your visit with their wonderful Winter Lights display, or open-air film screenings/concerts over summer.
- Amazing local restaurants include The Smallholding (Green Michelin Star), Bayte in St Leonards (Skye Gyngell’s daughter), Tallow in Tunbridge Wells (a fine-dining seasonal menu) and The Bell at Ticehurst (upmarket pub classics).
- Historians will love the proximity to heritage properties including Bodiam Castle, Sissinghurst Castle, Scotney Castle and Batemans (Rudyard Kipling’s home).
- There are some very special gardens in the area, too. Sissinghurst, Great Dixter, Pashley Manor and Sarah Raven’s garden and shop at Perch Hill.
- Coming with kids? Take them sailing, mountain biking or to the summer aquapark at Bewl Water. Or zip to Hastings, where there’s a World Championship crazy golf course, smugglers’ caves to explore and a really cool BMX/skate park with food stalls on the seafront.
- It’s a short drive to Camber Sands; also, Dungeness with its eerie pebble beach, migratory birds, amazing architecture and seafood shacks (The Fish Hut is our favourite). Cobble-streeted Rye is easy too: brilliant independents, antique shops and a Nature Reserve. Refuel at The Royal or kids will love the original Knoops hot chocolate shop.
- And last – but not least! – the area is a wine-enthusiasts’ paradise. Book tastings at top-class wineries, including Gusbourne, Balfour, Chapel Down, Bolney and Rathfinney. Then buy a bottle and head home to sit in the garden and savour it as the sun goes down.
Details.
- Farmhouse with wraparound garden and pond
- 2 bedrooms: 1 superking with ensuite shower bathroom; one superking or twin (zip and link)
- Family bathroom with freestanding tub and separate shower; toiletries provided
- Baby cot and highchair on request
- Well-equipped kitchen diner with fridge, freezer, range with 2 ovens, grill, induction hob, microwave & dishwasher
- Basic supplies and a welcome hamper
- Lounge with sofa and logburner
- Books, board games, Smart TV
- Good WiFi but patchy phone reception
- Boot room with washing machine and dryer
- Patio with alfresco dining furniture
- Adjacent paddock, which sheep often graze
- Sorry, no pets
- Parking and EV charger
- Local caretaker
- Walk to a pub (7 mins) and into Hawkhurst (15 mins)
- Booking conditions: a 2-night min stay; check in any day except Sunday
- Remember to pack: walking shoes
Book your stay.
Surprise gift on arrival when you book with Kip!
30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations permitted 8+ weeks prior to stay, with deposit refunded minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 8 weeks of stay.
FAQs.
In 4pm / out 10am
There’s a Waitrose in Hawkhurst and exceptional local farm shops include Eggs to Apples in Hurst Green and Hartley Farm Shop in Cranbrook.
Still have a question?
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