The Gate House Hadlow Down

A magnificent approach leads to this striking holiday hideaway – a mile from Hadlow Down and 5 miles from Uckfield, it’s ideally located for adventures amid the unspoilt Wealden landscape. Wilderness Wood, half a mile from the doorstep, has 61 acres of trails, play areas and picnic spots, while 10 miles away, Ashdown Forest inspired the tales of Winnie-the-Pooh.

Enjoy more verdant scenery with a ride on the Bluebell Railway between Sheffield Park (10 miles) and East Grinstead (16.5 miles). Alternatively, set off on a hike or cycle ride along The Cuckoo Trail from Heathfield (5.5 miles) to Hampden Park (19.5 miles).

The latter is just 3 miles north of Eastbourne, which sits between 1066 Country and the South Downs National Park. Home to splendid architecture, glorious gardens, a Victorian pier and cosmopolitan marina, the seafront here is reputed to be the UK’s sunniest spot.

Impressive from the outset, the property has ample driveway parking so you can unpack and settle in at leisurely pace. Leave your outdoor gear in the entrance; to one side there’s a welcoming dining room, and to the other there’s a snug with a choice of sofas and a well-stocked library of books.

Doors open from here into two further social spaces: a games room with a pool table and table football, and a heavily-beamed lounge with comfortable seating arranged before a Smart TV and wood burner. The period charm of this sitting room continues in the kitchen, which has a characterful tiled floor, country-style cabinetry, and an island unit, all bathed in light thanks to triple-aspect windows and patio doors.

A breakfast table sets the scene for snacks, tipples and TV-time as dinner cooks – the range-style cooker is sure to inspire every budding chef. Completing the ground floor is a utility room and a separate cloakroom.