The Nest Danehill

The Nest is the perfect romantic retreat for a few days’ respite, ideal for couples to reconnect or perhaps to hide away and focus on a work project – with great WiFi and minimal travel time to get here – it’s under an hour from central London by train. The Nest has just been awarded the coveted Visit England Gold Award. 

Found tucked away off a quiet country lane in the Sussex village of Danehill, this boutique and lovingly designed cottage has its own private garden and uninterrupted views to the woodland beyond with fabulous walks and cycling from the doorstep. In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the cottage sits on the edge of the 6,500-acre Ashdown Forest, synonymous with Winnie the Pooh.

What we especially love about this idyllic woodland retreat is its peaceful location, as it’s also just a 3-minute walk away from the highly renowned Coach & Horses Gastro Pub in Danehill, so you can enjoy the total privacy of The Nest retreat and make the most of dining out just down the lane in a cosy pub atmosphere with log fires and a deliciously seasonal menu of locally sourced produce.  The perfect weekend out of town!

Inside The Nest

The self-contained cottage is very private and ideally suited for two with an open plan sitting room and bedroom area with sumptuous king size four-poster bed, although with the option of a comfy double sofa-bed it’s also able to sleep a small family. Owner Serena has thought of everything to ensure a wonderfully luxurious stay at The Nest, with high quality crisp white Egyptian cotton bed linen, goose down duvets and hypoallergenic pillows along with soft blankets. The marble tiled bathroom has a double ended bath with overhead rainwater shower, waterfall taps, quality toiletries, fluffy Christy towels and waffle dressing gowns.

Downstairs is a fully equipped kitchen with an essential Nespresso coffee machine and breakfast bar with seating for two next to the French windows overlooking the garden and woods. Everything is provided for a comfortable home from home experience.

Outside the Nest

The Nest and its garden are nestled under the canopy of an old pear tree and Scots pine with an outdoor dining table and chairs, the most tranquil spot to destress and listen to the bird song and babbling brook nearby. You may even see deer in the woods or hear the nostalgic Bluebell Railway steam trains chugging past in the distance.

The Area

There is so much to do from the Nest in this beautiful part of the Sussex countryside. Explore the famous and ancient Ashdown Forest or a little further afield is the South Coast and the South Downs National Park, the historic and vibrant towns of Lewes and Tunbridge Wells and Brighton Marina. Glyndebourne Opera House is a 30 mins drive away and there are other local attractions including Bluebell Vineyard Estates, National Trust Sheffield Park and Garden, Borde Hill Gardens with open-air concerts, Wakehurst Place Botanical Gardens and The Bluebell Steam Railway all within 15 mins drive. Or perhaps go to the races at Plumpton, the theatre or visit the local villages of Lindfield, Hartfield, Horsted Keynes, Fletching and Forest Row with their selection of artisan shops, cafes and country pubs.

Location

Only 50 mins from London Victoria by train to Haywards Heath railway station or approximately 1.5 hours by car

Great for:

• Foodies – you’re 3 minutes walk away from an award-winning unspoilt country gastro pub (although note that it’s closed Monday – Tuesday)

• Romantic weekends away with four poster bed and woodland walks/cycling from the doorstep

• Stunning woodland views

• Exploring the Sussex Coast and the South Downs National Park

• Walking or pony treks in the 6,500 Ashdown Forest

• Afternoon tea on the famous Bluebell Steam Railway

• Visiting Sheffield Park and Wakehurst Place National Trust Houses and Gardens