Cornbrash Farm Cottage

Within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, surrounded by farms and fields in the sleepy hamlet of Earlsdown, is Cornbrash Farm Cottage. This single-storey cottage lies within the grounds of the owner’s 400-year-old farmhouse, on a working 9-acre small holding with six cattle and some pigs, not far from the Wealden market town of Heathfield.

Walks radiate from the doorstep or bring your bikes (which can be stored in a barn) and cycle the Cuckoo Trail, which is 14 miles of surfaced pathway meandering through the Sussex countryside to Eastbourne Park.

Whilst exploring the locality look out for the follies including Sugar Loaf and the pyramid tomb in Brightling churchyard, built by the local eccentric squire of Brightling ’Mad Jack’ Fuller in the 19th century, who also contributed to the original Belle Toute lighthouse on the cliffs at Beachy Head. Visit Batemans, which was Rudyard Kiplings family home and Pashley Manor Gardens in Ticehurst, don’t miss the 14,000 bulb tulip display in the spring! See Battle Abbey in the heart of 1066 country and visit the site of one of the most famous battles in English history.

Explore the Elizabethan walled gardens at Herstmonceux Castle or book a wine tasting tour at one of the many local vineyards producing award-winning wines. Eastbourne on the sunshine coast is about half an hours drive and Brighton around an hour. There are unspoilt beaches at Pevensey and Bexhill and good train connections to London from Robertsbridge or Polegate for further sightseeing opportunities.