Fawn Wood
Hartfield, High Weald, East Sussex, UK
A treasure trove of enchanted stories and romantic entanglements, Fawn Wood started life as a granary in the grounds of an estate believed to have been used by Henry VIII as a hunting lodge, and enjoys a sylvan setting on the edge of Winnie-the-Pooh's Ashdown Forest. Following a sensitive renovation, this unique luxury home invites families to enjoy its classical country home interiors and gardens for one fine self-catering escape in rural East Sussex.
Introduction
Some say you never really own a house when it's as ancient and rare as this, you are more of a custodian. When the owners purchased this historic estate in 2014, they worked with Heritage England to restore the magic of the main Grade II* listed house (where they reside today) and the humble old granary found within its grounds. A history dating back to 1272 revealed tales from ghosts to royalty and costume drama filming, but these days the granary enjoys a calmer pace of life in its latest guise as a luxury self-catering holiday home. There's a professional golf simulator studio with Trackman for those wanting to practice their swing with a tutor (by prior arrangement), sumptuous interiors and gardens sure to ignite the imaginations of little ones.
Inside
With close-studding, brick nogging and a half-hipped tiled roof, Fawn Wood is a perfect restoration of a 17th century timber-framed dwelling. Inside its Grade II-listed bones awaits a classical symphony of old and new. Flagstone floors lay underfoot, wooden beams run overhead and quarts kitchen worktops continue the natural theme throughout. Crisp white linens are layered with soft grey and moss green throws, while pom pom cushions and oil paintings add texture. Underfloor-heating is a toasty addition to the bathrooms, and the contemporary Cocoon Aeris fire hangs from the ceiling in the sitting room, rotating 360 degrees to keep everyone around the Monopoly board cosy.
Outside
It goes without saying that wellingtons in varying sizes are provided at this luxury country house retreat. Follow the trickling stream to find glistening lakes and shady spots beneath ancient trees for teddy bear picnics of jam tarts and chilled bubbly. Walk in Pooh Bear's footsteps past wild deer roaming bluebell woods to reach the enchanted Ashdown Forest (the real 100 Acre Wood), occupying the highest ridge of the High Weald AONB. Visit Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, where 125 acres of glorious grounds invite visitors to explore the double moated castle, award-winning gardens and 100-year old yew maze.
The Facts
- Sleeps6 (+2) guests
From £3,150 per week, £2,395 per short break
Day hire options are available - Alternative group optionUp to 4 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsThere are two double bedrooms; one on the ground and one on the first floor, with an en suite shower room and bathroom respectively. The second floor also features a family shower room alongside two zip-and-link bedrooms. The ground floor WC and shower room is accessed from both the kitchen-diner and bedroom. Please note, for parties of eight guests the ground floor bedroom is available at an additional cost of £150.
View bedrooms - FeaturesSmall-scale outdoor heated pool (available May - September inclusive), professional golf simulator and SimWay Hunt Pro shooting simulator (advance booking required, incurs an additional cost), outdoor pizza oven, chiminea
- PetsTwo pets are welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Day: Friday or MondayArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am (see calendar for late checkout options)
- FamilyYes, children are very welcome on the basis they are supervised outside at all times. One cot and one highchair are available.
- PracticalitiesThere is private parking for two cars on the granary driveway, separate from the parking area of the main house. The country kitchen has been equipped with all the mod cons including: a Rangemaster professional, microwave, fridge-freezer, washer-dryer, Nespresso coffee machine and CUBE Quooker tap which provides filtered, chilled and sparkling water alongside 100°C boiling, cold and hot water, all from one tap. The golf studio will be locked unless booked in advance, only to be used for supervised play or with a tutor by prior arrangement and at additional cost. Parents with young children, please note: the winding staircase from the ground to first floor and the open plan stairs from first to second floor are not designed for stair gates, though there is a solid door at the base of the ground floor stairs. The grounds open to two large lakes, requiring children to be supervised outside at all times. If arriving by air, helicopters are welcome to land on the main lawn at the property.
- Homestay includesLuxury welcome hamper of local produce, English sparkling wine, luxury linen and towels, waffle bathrobes, Temple Spa toiletries, candles, board games, jigsaws, books, wellingtons and, for those with dogs, a bed, towel, bowl and biscuits will be provided...House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more little luxuries
- Private cateringDiscover your options for private dining and fully catered breaks.
- Additional extrasA handpicked selection of unique experiences are available at this property.
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsView floor planEV charger locationsCheck mobile signalRecommend to a friend
Prices & Availability
Hartfield
Hugging the northern edge of the Ashdown Forest, a royal hunting forest in Norman times, the East Sussex village of Hartfield takes its name from the deer that once abounded the area. Today it´s better known as home of Britain´s favourite bear, Winnie-the-Pooh.
Getting there
- On the Map This luxury home is located 1.5 miles from the small village of Hartfield within the High Weald AONB in East Sussex.
- By Car Around an hour's drive from central London.
- By Train Take the South East line serving Sevenoaks, Hildenborough and Tonbridge from Charing Cross, Cannon Street and London Bridge.
- By Air All London airports are within easy reach, with taxis and car hire easily available. Helicopters are welcome to land on the grounds of Fawn Wood.
From the owner
“The estate has a fascinating history, dating as far back as 1272 when the original dwelling was first in evidence. Part of the main house dates back to 1480 and is noted as the oldest brick-built building in East Sussex.”
Fawn Wood started life as a timber-framed granary within the grounds of the main house, and was built some 100 years later as part of what was a much larger estate at the time. It is reported that in the early 1500s Henry VIII stayed here while courting Anne Boleyn at nearby Hever Castle.
After falling into a desperate state of disrepair and left empty for a number of years, we bought the house and granary in 2014 and over several years painstakingly restored both buildings, working closely with the local council and Heritage England.
The main house you see adjacent to the granary is now our family home and we would be thrilled to welcome you as guests to enjoy Fawn Wood, whatever occasion brings you here.
The Scott-Smith Family
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Hartfield with an insider’s perspective.
To Eat
The Dorset Arms, Hartfield
When it comes to home-cooked food, a short walk down the track you´ll find a treasure trove of locally sourced produce such as fruit, bread, eggs and honey at Perryhill Farmshop, but for a pub dinner head to The Dorset Arms. Its modern British menu served in the beautiful Sussex countryside makes this one a firm favourite.
To Do
Kingdom, South Park, Penshurst
Kingdom is where the young grow up and the grown-ups feel young. Set in 13 acres of woodland, this members cycling club features a drop-in yoga studio and great little cafe serving smoothies and healthy bites. On weekends, the lower floor becomes ´The Hidden Hut´, selling vintage finds for the home.
To Do
Ashdown Manna Cookery School, Blackham
A small independent cookery school offering inspirational courses from a converted barn. Courses range all the way from basic bread making to fish and seafood, macaroon making, gluten-free baking, vegan, Italian, Indian, Thai, Vietnamese and Mexican cuisine.
To Do
Golf, East Sussex
With its own simulator studio, the house was made for golf enthusiasts. There are also a host of clubs open to non-members nearby including the championship course at Hever Castle Golf Club, the challenging 18 holes at Lingfield Park or the family-friendly Villa Golf 9-hole course in Blackham.
Guest Testimonials
We have stayed at many Unique Homestays properties and this was definitely the best experience so far. Everything was in great shape and very clean and well-stocked. The owner was available and helpful but never intrusive. The house was just perfect for our group, and the recommendations for places to visit and eat were far more extensive and helpful than we are used to. Thank you!
The property was exceedingly well equipped and impeccably clean, and the owner very helpful and accommodating. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and wouldn´t hesitate to recommend it. The property guide was very helpful with suggestions for local shops and restaurants.
Unique extras
Enhance your stay with a unique experience from one of our preferred suppliers. From professional in-house chefs to luxury at-home spa therapists and wine delivered to the door, see what’s on offer for your bespoke escape.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Fawn Wood and Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
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Holiday Homes to Hire this Summer
Harper´s Bazaar
April 2021Best cabin stays in the UK
The Times
May 2023Staycation in splendid isolation
Country Living
May 2023Britain´s best holiday cottages
The Telegraph
May 2023Best holiday homes in the UK
Conde Nast Traveller
May 2023A look inside The Fable x The White Company
House Beautiful
May 2023Britain´s best offbeat escapes
Country Living
May 2023Follying up the folly
Country Living
May 2023
Collections > Dog-Friendly Escapes > UK > East Sussex > Hartfield > Fawn Wood
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Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.
