Guest testimonials
The property was marvellous. We really enjoyed it and it far exceeded our expectations in terms of facilities and amenities. The owners were extremely generous with the supplies they left and various Christmas ornaments, we are very grateful indeed.
A beautifully appointed house. The best of the many I have stayed with through Unique Homestays. Attention to detail was astonishingly thoughtful. From the abundance of towels, a great range of cooking utensils, pans and crockery, dressing gowns, kitchen cleaning products, TV channels, maps, books, and games. The location was outstanding and the owners were absolutely amazing - thoughtful, charming, and lovely!
The addition of the pool makes this an amazing year-round property. The owners were brilliant and the Unique Homestays staff were great in their communication throughout the entire process. Their website is fantastic and the property house book was very helpful.
We have only stayed twice with Unique Homestays but loved it on both occasions. Fawn Wood was really at an even higher standard than we expected and we felt very much pampered by all lovely complementary things.
Fawn Wood is an exceptional property in all ways; the location, furnishings, facilities and attention to detail are second to none. The fluffy towels, room diffusers, candles and sprays added an extra level of luxury. The owner has fine taste. The cocktail mix too was a great idea and the fishing lake was an added bonus.
Unique Homestays always provide plenty of information about the property, with loads of photographs, as well as the extremely useful guide to the area, including places to visit as well as to eat. This makes the holiday so much more enjoyable and easier. We were particularly impressed with the Welcome Hamper that was left, which included sparkling wine and some gorgeous granola! Everything was provided, it was a real treat for us all and our mums both had a wonderful time.
The quality of the accommodation and its facilities were superb, in fact the best we have ever stayed in. The owner was extremely helpful and friendly. Access to local National Trust-type properties nearby was a real bonus and we loved the pubs/restaurants within a short drive as well as the lovely farm shops. We enjoyed seeing the Roe deer come down to the lake to drink, creating many special moments for us all. We could not fault the holiday - the sun even came out for the week!
We absolutely loved the property. It was a family holiday with adult children, and we travelled from Australia. The location is just exquisite. There is something so rejuvenating about waking up and being bathed in green. The property itself was so well set up and cosy and luxurious.
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.
Read more reviews on TrustPilot and Google or hear from the owner
Fawn Wood
Hartfield, High Weald, East Sussex, UK
6 (+2) guests
Two dogs are welcome
Children and babies are welcome.On the edge of Ashdown Forest – A.A. Milne's enchanted Hundred Acre Wood – Fawn Wood stands steeped in centuries of story. This sensitively restored 17th Century granary, belonging to a Medieval East Sussex estate once rumoured to have sheltered Henry VIII as a hunting lodge, today invites families into its sylvan embrace; where classical country living meets contemporary indulgences including an outdoor pool, al fresco pizza oven and high-spec simulators. Read more...
Allows babes in arms
Allows children
Two well behaved dogs welcome
Wi-Fi
Swimming pool
Real fire
TV
EV charger
Barbecue
Outdoor kitchen
Cot
Highchair
Golf simulator
Shooting simulator- More
Introduction
When the owners purchased this historic estate in 2014, they worked with Heritage England to restore the main Grade II listed house (where they reside today) and this humble granary within its grounds. With the estate's roots dating back to 1272, Fawn Wood is woven with lore, from whisperings of royal visits to a brief foray as the setting for a costume drama. Today, sumptuous interiors layered with original features meet luxurious additions – an outdoor heated swimming pool, a professional simulator studio with Trackman for perfecting the golf swing, and SimWay for a range of shooting activities, both available by prior arrangement.
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 symphony of old and new. Flagstone floors lay underfoot, wooden beams run overhead and milky quarts worktops in the farmhouse kitchen continue the natural theme. 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 National Landscape. 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.
There are four bedrooms, two of which are en suite. The other two bedrooms share a family shower room. 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.
Bedroom one
Ground floor en suite king-size bedroom
This ground floor bedroom is accessed off the kitchen via a step and features a five-foot king-size bed and en suite with walk-in rainfall shower. It also has access to the Jack-and-Jill shower room with underfloor heated herringbone tiles. This room is available at an additional cost.
Bedroom two
First floor en suite king-size bedroom
First floor en suite bedroom with five-foot king-size double bed and beautiful en suite featuring a standalone bath tub with handheld shower attachment and underfloor heated tiles.
Bedroom three
Second floor zip-and-link bedroom
This second floor bedroom is great for children with its zip-and-link super-king bed which can be set up as a twin for your arrival.
Bedroom four
Second floor zip-and-link bedroom
Also on the second floor sits another zip-and-link super-king bedroom which can be set up as a twin or double depending on your group's requirements.
Family shower room
Second floor family shower room
Shared by bedrooms three and four, the family shower room features a rainfall shower with held attachment and, like the other bathrooms, benefits from underfloor heating.
- PricingFrom £3,295 per week, £2,750 per short break for up to 6 guests
An alternative group size of up to 4 guests is available during selected periods at a reflective rate
Day hire options are available - FeaturesSmall-scale outdoor heated pool (available May - September inclusive), professional Trackman golf simulator and SimWay Hunt Pro shooting simulator (advance booking required, incurs an additional cost), Big Green Egg barbeque and outdoor pizza oven
- PetsTwo dogs are welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - FamilyChildren and babies are welcome.
- PracticalitiesThere is private parking for a maximum of three cars on the Granary driveway, separate from the parking area of the main house. Please note that there is CCTV covering the driveway and the entrance to the home. The country kitchen has been equipped with all the mod cons including: a Rangemaster professional, microwave, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, 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 simulator studio will be locked unless booked in advance, only to be used for supervised play 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 and pets to be supervised outside at all times. If arriving by air, helicopters are welcome to land on the main lawn at the property
- Private cateringWhether you're looking for a fully catered stay or a one-off meal for a special occasion, discover your bespoke catering options
Explore private dining - Eco-friendlyBorehole private water, solar with Tesla Powerwall home battery system, electric car charging point available (at an additional cost), Earthborn eco clay paint throughout
Arrivals & departures
Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 10am
Other information
Fresh produce
- Loaf of fresh locally made crusty bread or sourdough
- Fresh local milk and yoghurt
- Free-range local eggs
- Fresh local butter
- Selection of local cheeses
- Local natural crisps
- Local jam or honey
- Fresh locally baked cake
- Locally made granola
- Seasonal local fruit
- Fresh mint, thyme and parsley from the garden (when in season)
Please note - the owners strive to source the best produce for your welcome hamper, however the contents may vary slightly depending on the season and amount of people comprising your party.
Those all-important little luxuries
- House book - your property and destination guide
- Locally produced sparkling wine
- Freshly cut flowers
- Selection of diffusers & candles
- Temple Spa hand wash and moisturiser
- Temple Spa shower wash, shampoo & conditioner
- Luxury bed linen and towels
- Pool towels
- Waffle bathrobes
- Hairdryers
- Hand-held garment steamer & board
- Dyson cordless hand held hoover
- Cleaning products & laundry care items
- A selection of Earl Grey, English breakfast and herbal teas
- A selection of Nespresso coffee capsules, both caffeinated and decaf
- Ground coffee for the cafetière and espresso coffee maker
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Condiments, dried herbs
- Recipe books
- Magazines
- Roberts bluetooth radios
- Board games, jigsaws and books
- Dog bed, towel, bowl & biscuits
- Maps for local walks
- A selection of books and games for children & adults
- Crockery and cutlery for infants
- Highchairs and travel cots
- His & hers Hunter wellies
- Firewood and kindling for gazebo log burner and steel fire bowl
- Charcoal for Big Green Egg barbecue
House book - your property and destination guide
Together with the owners, we've collated everything you'll need to make the most of your experience, from insider tips on local gems to practical property information, all in one digital house book, shared the moment you book.
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.
“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
Discover the best destinations, experiences and restaurants to visit during your stay in Hartfield. A larger selection of recommendations will be available in the property's digital house book.
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.
Whether you're curious about pet policies, the nearest walkable pubs, or wild swimming spots, we have the answers to common property-specific queries here. For everything else, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Is the pool heated, and when is it open?
It is a small-scale heated outdoor pool, available from May to September.
What is the nearest train line?
The nearest train line is the South East line from Charing Cross, Cannon Street, or London Bridge, serving Sevenoaks, Hildenborough, and Tonbridge.
What is there to do nearby?
Ashdown Forest (the real-life Hundred Acre Wood), Hever Castle, and several golf courses including Hever Castle Golf Club are all found in the area.
How close is the owner´s house?
The owners live in a home behind Fawn Wood and whilst the driveway is shared, they have their own garden and respect guest privacy. Due to the positioning overlooking the lake, Fawn Wood feels private.
Do you have to pay an additional fee for the golf simulator?
The golf simulator is hired by the hour, which is subject to availability and must be booked in advance.
Can you swim in the lake?
No, unfortunately it's not possible to swim in the lake due to protecting the water's biodiversity.
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 202110 of the Best English Holiday Cottages to Book this Spring
The Independent
March 2021Get Ready for a Spring Staycation
The Times
March 2021Wild at heart
25 Beautiful Homes
August 2026The entrepreneurs cashing in on the £1.3tn wellness holiday boom
The Telegraph
August 20265 waterside stays to book
Country Living
August 2026Time to cool off
The Times
July 2026Broad horizons
Harper´s Bazaar
July 2026
Related collections
Collections > Homes with a private chef > UK > East Sussex > Hartfield > Fawn Wood
