Natural Discovery Ashdown Forest: additional information

The cottage

Made from local Ashdown sandstone with a traditional slate roof the cottage has been renovated to a high standard. The cosy sitting room/ kitchen has an open fire, there is a delightful bedroom with double bed and a charming bathroom. The kitchen is equipped with an electric cooker, microwave, washing machine. There is a colour TV, video and radio provided.

A small courtyard garden to the front of the property includes a good-sized sitting area. The cottage is situated in a small row of similar properties on a private road.

Shrublands provides a cosy experience, perfect for a couple wanting a relaxing break. Linen, gas central heating and electricity are all included in the price.

The owners of the cottage have had a connection with the local woodland for many years - their great grandparents lived in the house next door, and their grandfather was a Woodman in the forest. An initial supply of logs for the fire comes from the small part of woodland that they still keep.

Ashdown Forest

The Ashdown Forest, encompasses 7,000 acres of rare lowland heath and woodland. The word ‘forest’ means ‘hunting ground’ and the boundaries of the Ashdown Forest were established in the 13th Century by a huge ditch and pales. This was intended to keep the deer enclosed for the pleasure of the King’s hunting parties.

The stunning scenery can be explored from the many paths and there are numerous spots for picnics and relaxing. From high points there are lovely views across the countryside towards the South Downs.

The forest contains many delights, such as a restored windmill (parts of which date back over 300 years), the country's largest herd of Llamas, and the forest was also the setting for A A Milne's classic 'Winnie the Pooh'. Visitors can still play Pooh sticks on the bridge featured in the book.

Local area

The cottage is at the centre of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This rolling countryside is made up of a patchwork of small fields, heathland, quiet lanes, ridges and valleys. Almost a quarter of the Weald is covered in woodland, one of the highest levels in the country.

Walkers shouldn't limit themselves to Ashdown Forest - there are some beautiful footpaths across farmland in the area. Peaceful and quiet, it is still possible to walk all day and hardly see a soul.

Some of the country's best Castles, Stately Homes and Gardens can also be found in the area and the historic spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells is nearby.

The cottage location

The cottage is about 7 miles south of Tunbridge Wells and just over an hours drive from London. It is situated in the St Johns area of Crowborough.

The nearest train station, Crowborough, is 2 miles away (services from London Victoria). Regular buses run from Tunbridge Wells and Brighton to Crowborough.

Crowborough

The leafy town of Crowborough is situated on a hill top and provides spectacular views out across the Ashdown Forest and towards the Downs.

Crowborough was developed during the Victorian times as a resort that served the Ashdown Forest. Before that, the area of heathland was inhabited by smugglers, highwaymen and farmers.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, famous for writing the Sherlock Holmes novels moved into Crowborough in 1909. He built Windlesham Manor and continued to write novels there until his death at 71.