Hale Barn

Why you'll love staying here

Situated on the outskirts of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Hale Barn is a stunning timber-framed barn conversion on a working farm. Dating back over 250 years, the barn retains many original features including exposed beams and vaulted ceilings that complement the stylish contemporary furnishings. The spacious open plan living space is kept warm with underfloor heating and a wood burning stove, while a beautiful galleried landing enhances the sense of space, although guests should be aware there are some low doorways on the first floor and care should be taken on the stairs.

Outside, there’s a spacious lawned garden, a covered veranda with dining furniture and a barbecue, as well as decked area complete with a hot tub, with glorious views over the surrounding Sussex countryside.

The family-run farm is home to donkeys, miniature ponies, pygmy goats, pigs, flocks of Herdwick, Ryeland, and Lleyn sheep, and a menagerie of free range poultry including chickens, turkeys, geese, quails, and peacocks. The hens supply the farm with plenty of fresh eggs which guests are welcome to purchase for breakfast. Each morning, the farm opens to allow visitors to meet the animals and help out with feeding.

Over the summer, for an additional fee, guests can join a Forest School session on the farm with the opportunity to work with and care for the animals, in order to improve resilience, motivation, confidence, and self-control.

The parish of Chiddingly has some interesting buildings including a 13th century church, a well-preserved medieval hall house once owned by J. M. Barrie, and Farleys House, a gallery with a collection of contemporary art by Lee Miller, Roland Penrose, and Pablo Picasso.

Under half an hour's drive away, the market town of Lewes is home to a Norman fortress, an 11th century priory, and a Tudor house that once belonged to Anne of Cleves, as well as an excellent range of museums, markets, boutique shops, and places to eat.

Other places to visit within easy reach include Eastbourne (20 mins), Brighton (35 mins), and Seven Sisters (40 mins) for stunning clifftop walks and fantastic sea views.