Two gorgeous cabins hidden in 40 acres of award-winning biodiversity, perfect for romantic retreats or small family escapes
The Roundhouse, Swallowtail Hill
The Long View, Swallowtail Hill
Space & setting.
If an immersion in nature is what you’re craving, these hideaways on a conservation farm in the Sussex countryside are a nirvana. One is a fairytale roundhouse-for-2 hidden in the heart of an ancient chestnut woodland, the other a quirky cabin-on-wheels surrounded by meadows of 32 different types of wild flower. In the woods, you’re completely alone but for the odd squirrel scuttling across a branch, or a badger bumbling by in the moonlight; all you’ll hear is birdsong. A kingsize bed faces a huge window, which frames the woodland trees; come in autumn for spectacular red-gold beauty. Meadow-dwellers can watch the sun rise and set without even getting out of bed, so romantic.
But you’ll spend most of your time outdoors – in your wood-fired hot tub, and around your Kadai firebowl in the evenings. You’ll have to really tear yourselves away to discover the equally magical conservation farm that surrounds you. The landscapes are like no other – sparkling ponds, hidden walkways and amazing views in all directions.
Getting here: best to drive although you could train to Rye then taxi (20 mins).
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Sustainability.
The farm is a completely sustainable operation – all 40 acres are given over to conservation; all electricity is from a renewable resource; the farm is climate positive; water courses throughout.
Surrounds.
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Chapel Down winery -
Mermaid Street, Rye -
Bodiam Castle
- Take a guided nature walk around the farm, or just stroll and admire the extraordinary landscape; bring binoculars to spot wild rabbits, deer, moles, colourful butterflies and masses of birdlife.
- Visit Chapel Down vineyards to taste the UK’s best wines (raise a glass of sparkling rose to us, please).
- Sarah recommends a sunset river cruise down the Rother, which pulls into Iden Lock just outside Rye as the stars come out. Stroll up to The Tuscan in town for a special meal, then taxi back to the farm (20 mins).
- Or visit Rye during the day – a historic town lined with eclectic vintage shops and brilliant little independents. We like The Shop Next Door for boutique interiors, and Glass Etc for antiques. Have lunch or brunch at The Fig.
- Bodiam Castle is pretty amazing, dating back to the 14th C, with a vast moat. Go back in time yourselves and travel there by KESR steam train.
- High Weald is an AONB. Explore the rolling green countryside on foot or by bike; you can hire bikes from Rother Rides in Newenden.
Specifics.
- Two cabins on a conservation farm
- Each has:
- Kingsize bed facing huge window/bifold doors
- Ensuite shower bathroom, with waffle bathrobes and eco-friendly toiletries
- Living area with wood-burning stove
- Books, cards, board games and Bluetooth speaker
- Kitchen area with gas hob, microwave with grill and small fridge; cooking basics provided
- Alfresco wood-fired hot tub (£30 surcharge for use)
- Outdoor seating area with giant Kadai firebowl for outdoor cooking, BBQ equipment and large Icey-tek coolbox
- Firelighters, first supply of logs and kindling, rechargeable lantern and small fan
- Extra bed setups:
- Meadow Cabin: seating area converts to bunk beds for 2 young children (top bunk only suitable for child up to the age of 10)
- Woodland Cabin: seating area converts to single bed for 1 child up to the age of 7
- Sorry, no dogs allowed
- Seasonal farm produce available on request, as well as BBQ boxes, breakfast boxes, campfire suppers and picnics
- Honesty shop with cupboard basics, drinks, snacks, treats
- Walk to the village pub (2 miles); drive to shops and restaurants
- Best to drive here, although you could taxi from Rye (20 mins)
- Booking conditions: a 2-night min stay
- Remember to pack: wellies / good shoes for mud and walking. And beach towels if you plan to hit the coast.
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30% deposit, with the balance due 4 weeks prior to stay.
All payments are non-refundable.
See our full booking Ts & Cs
FAQs.
Hot tub use is £30, which covers one fill and enough logs for 2 heats of the tub. This is payable at the time of stay. It is charged for because the owners operate a sustainable business which includes not wasting resources. The hot tub isn’t designed to be chemically treated so needs 1000 litres of fresh water for each guest use. The £30 charge simply covers their cost to clean it, fill it, and heat it.
Yes, both – they charge 50p per Kw for EV charging.
Regrettably no pets are allowed.
Once you’ve booked a stay, you’ll be given access to the owner’s digital guide with menus. All fresh food must be pre ordered — they do this to avoid unnecessary waste as a sustainable business. There’s also a small tuck shop that runs on an honesty basis.
Yes — train to Rye, taxi from the station, £15 one way. Taxis should be pre booked.
You cannot use irons, hairdryers or curling tongs/straighteners – these items require more electricity than is supplied.
No – this place is about getting away from it all.
5 mins to the Roundhouse, 10 mins to The Long View. The digital guide you’ll be sent has a site map on.
£50. After you’ve booked, the owner will contact you to place a £50 hold on your credit card 2 days prior to your arrival. This will be released less any cost of breakages after housekeeping has completed the inventory / cleaning following check-out.
Each cabin has a 2-ring gas hob, microwave combi oven, stovetop kettle and a full quotient of pots/pans/utensils. Outside there’s a firepit with full BBQ equipment.
The Long View checks in at 15:45 and checks out at 11am
The Roundhouse checks in at 16:00 and checks out at 11:15am
We ask guests to keep us posted as to their eta as we meet you on site to take you to your accommodation. We are as flexible as possible but we charge £10 for check ins after 8pm as they necessitate us keeping staff on after hours.
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