A consciously designed luxe forest lodge in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the E Sussex coast (sleeps 2)
Space & setting.
Quietly camouflaged in its leafy surroundings, you’d be forgiven for thinking this huge lodge was just a trick of the light at first glance. Trees shimmer in the reflection of the huge windows, encased in wood panelling the colour of the forest floor. But then your eye catches on a sharp corner, subtly disrupting the organic shapes around, and you realise you have stumbled across something very special indeed. Inside is a cocooning embrace; from the plump sofa warmed by a spherical floating wood burner, to the deep-soaking stone bathtub and the electronically tintable windows that turn dark at dusk (so you can see out, but no one can see in). Even the ancient trees seem to cradle this unique hideout in its secret forest glade.
The coast is only a 5-minute drive away for endless exploring by land and sea – hike, bike and swim to your heart’s content – and you’re 15 mins’ drive from Hastings for art galleries and seafood lunches. Then head home to rifle through the owner’s vinyl collection, light the fire and nestle into this elevated cocoon. An absolute paradise for honeymooners and nature lovers.
Getting here: drive, or train to Hastings then taxi (10 mins)
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Sustainability.
All products within the lodge are sustainably sourced. Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel are all SLS-free. Eco smol cleaning products. Mattress made by Natural Matt with organic materials. A large amount of the profits from the lodge will go back into the woodland and surrounding land to help preserve it.
Surrounds.
- Walk to The Cove in Fairlight for crackling log fires, local ales and a seasonal menu (just over a mile).
- Spend a day in Hastings. Admire the 11thC ruins of Hastings Castle, a Norman fortress with sweeping views across the Channel, then head down to the Old Town for quirky antiques, art galleries and fresh seafood (15 mins’ drive).
- While away an afternoon wandering the cobbled streets of Rye, full of artisan boutiques, independent cafes and perfectly-preserved Tudor buildings, just 20 mins away by car. The famous Mermaid Street is the oldest in town; stop at The Mermaid Inn for a pint then head to The Standard for dinner.
- Hire electric bikes at Rye Harbour and cycle through the Rye Harbour Bird and Nature Reserve – look out for the local wildlife that live in the salt marshes and lagoons.
- Get up close and personal with wild seals on a safari boat tour from Rye Harbour.
- Drive to Camber Sands to admire the ancient castle and laze on the beach, glorious for sea-swimming year round (30 mins’ drive).
- Treat yourselves to a wine tasting at one of 4 local vineyards – Charles Palmer, Chapel Down, Gusbourne or Tillingham Wines – all a 30-minute drive away. Who said daytime drinking can’t be sophisticated?
Specifics.
- Huge luxury forest lodge set in 8 acres of private woodland
- Bedroom with kingsize bed and free-standing stone bathtub
- Ensuite shower bathroom, local SLS-free toiletries and bathrobes provided
- Fully-equipped kitchen, including oven, induction hob, dishwasher and coffee machine; basics supplies
- Deli hampers and home-cooked meals on request
- Living area with suspended woodburner, record player and vinyls, SONOS, books, binoculars and board games
- SageGlass Harmony electrically tinted windows
- Hire bikes and ebikes locally
- Walk 30 mins to local shop and pub; drive to Rye and Hastings
- The owner lives on the property, there if you need her
- Sorry, no dogs or children
- Booking conditions: Nov – Feb: min 2 nights Mon-Thurs, 3 nights Fri-Mon. March – Nov 25: 3 or 4 night min stay. Set check-in/ out days apply (see calendar below).
- Remember to pack: walking boots, beach towels and swimmers
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30% deposit on booking, with the balance due 12 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations permitted 12+ weeks prior to stay, with deposit refunded minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 12 weeks of stay.
See our full booking Ts & Cs
FAQs.
Yes, you have a private entrance to the property and can park right outside the cabin.
Yes – when you’ve booked, the owners will send you a digital TouchStay guide, which will have loads of information for the stay including local attractions and how you pre-book wellness experiences and food hampers.
Yes, the Fairlight Inn is a 20-minute stroll.
Regrettably no, pets are not allowed due to there being wildlife in the woodland.
Sorry, this is one for adults only.
No, this is a strictly non-smoking place.