The Nest Danehill

Idyllic Woodland Retreat near Ashdown Forest, Sussex.

Luxury rural hideaway just an hour from London, sleeping 2-4 guests with a private garden and stunning woodland views – perfect for a romantic break or a small family escape.

The Nest is a country cottage full of character with its own private garden, tucked away in the Sussex village of Danehill on the edge of Ashdown Forest. Sheltered beneath the branches of an old pear tree and Scots pine, this woodland hideaway offers complete privacy and a true sense of escape. Less than an hour from London by train, it’s perfect for couples, small families or solo travellers who want to leave the city behind and enjoy the peace of the countryside, without losing the luxuries of modern living – including high-speed WiFi.

From its secluded spot, The Nest looks out across the rolling hills of the High Weald AONB and the 6,500-acre Ashdown Forest – the magical landscape that inspired the Winnie-the-Pooh stories. Guests can step straight into woodland walks and cycling trails from the doorstep, or wander just three minutes down the lane to the cosy Coach & Horses gastro pub for fireside suppers and seasonal dishes made with local produce.

Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend for two, a few quiet days to recharge, or quality time with your family, The Nest offers a stay that’s restful, private and beautifully memorable – and its recent Visit England Gold Award is proof of just how special it is.

The Local Pub

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 cottage’s unique layout combines intimacy with space, making it a cosy yet versatile retreat.

Sleeping Arrangements

• Upstairs: An open-plan living and sleeping space featuring a sumptuous king-size four-poster bed dressed with Egyptian cotton linen, a goose down duvet and hypoallergenic pillows. There’s also a sofa that converts into a double bed – ideal for young children.
• Extras: A flat-screen Smart TV, extendable dining table for 4–6, and an electric fire for cosy evenings.
• Ensuite: A marble-tiled bathroom with a P-shaped bath, waterfall taps, overhead rainwater shower and plenty of fluffy Christy towels and waffle robes.

The Kitchen

• Downstairs: A fully equipped kitchen with everything you need for relaxed self-catering – double oven, ceramic hob and grill, washer/dryer, and a Nespresso coffee machine. French windows open out to the garden, with a breakfast bar for two perfectly placed for morning coffees with woodland views.

Outdoor Living at the Nest

Step into The Nest’s private garden and you’ll find a tranquil retreat made for slowing down. Start your morning with coffee at the outdoor dining table, linger over alfresco suppers as the sun sets, or simply sink into a chair and let the peace of the woodland wrap around you. Listen for the babbling brook, watch deer wander through the trees, and every so often you might even hear the nostalgic whistle of the Bluebell Railway steam train drifting across the valley. It’s the kind of space that invites you to pause, breathe, and savour the beauty of rural Sussex.

The Sussex High Weald & Ashdown Forest

The Nest sits in the heart of the Sussex countryside, within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and right on the edge of the 6,500-acre Ashdown Forest. This historic landscape of heathland, woodland and rolling hills is famous as the inspiration for A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh, and it remains a magical place to wander with endless walking and cycling trails.

The local village of Danehill offers a quintessential country setting, and nearby you’ll find pretty villages such as Lindfield, Fletching, Hartfield, Forest Row and Horsted Keynes – all dotted with artisan shops, farm cafés and cosy pubs. For a day out, Lewes, Royal Tunbridge Wells and Brighton Marina are all within easy reach, blending history, culture and vibrant shopping.

The South Downs National Park and the Sussex coastline are close enough for day trips, whether you fancy a bracing walk on the cliffs, a lazy afternoon at the seaside or a vineyard tour in the rolling hills.

Local Attractions

From historic gardens to steam trains and award-winning vineyards, there’s plenty to discover near The Nest. Here are some highlights worth adding to your itinerary:

• Sheffield Park and Garden (National Trust) – Sweeping landscaped gardens with lakes, woodland walks and vibrant seasonal displays.
• Wakehurst Place – Kew Gardens’ country estate with stunning gardens, wild botanic landscapes and the Millennium Seed Bank.
• Borde Hill Gardens – A Grade II* listed garden with themed outdoor ‘rooms’ and far-reaching views across the Sussex High Weald.
• Bluebell Railway – Step back in time with a nostalgic ride on a steam train through scenic countryside.
• Bluebell Vineyard Estates – Tour the vines, taste award-winning English sparkling wines and enjoy views across the rolling hills.
• Glyndebourne Opera House – A world-famous venue combining opera, architecture and beautiful gardens.
• South of England Showground – Hosting a packed calendar of events, from country shows to seasonal fairs.
• Plumpton Racecourse – A charming rural racecourse offering lively race days and a quintessentially English atmosphere.

Getting Here

Reaching The Nest is easy, despite its wonderfully secluded feel.

• By train: Haywards Heath Station is just 7 miles away (around 15 minutes by taxi) with direct trains from London Victoria in under an hour.
• By car: Around 1 hour 30 minutes from central London via the M23/A22.
• By air: London Gatwick Airport is only 30 minutes’ drive, making The Nest a convenient countryside escape for those travelling from further afield.

Plan Your Stay

The Nest is all about slowing down and enjoying the beauty of the Sussex countryside, with everything you need for a cosy yet luxurious stay. Spend your mornings with coffee in the garden under the pear tree, wander straight into Ashdown Forest for woodland walks, or head out to explore nearby villages and market towns. Evenings are made for cooking in the fully equipped kitchen, sharing a bottle of wine by the fire, or treating yourself to dinner at the local gastropub.

Whether you’re here for a romantic escape, a creative retreat, or quality family time, The Nest gives you the space and comfort to make it your own. With thoughtful touches, a tranquil setting, and plenty of adventures close by, your stay will feel both restorative and memorable.