Meet Duncan and Kate Heath, owners of The Hazel Hide – a solar-powered, architect-designed A-frame cabin, secluded in its own seven-acre flower field in the West Sussex village of Ashington.
What first inspired you to create The Hazel Hide as a retreat?
I have always loved A-Frame buildings and did a load of research before designing the Hazel Hide. We wanted to create somewhere unique for people to stay and although A-Frame cabins are quite big in America there aren’t many in England. We also wanted to share our little slice of the countryside with others. We’ve had such lovely feedback from guests who enjoy having the whole 7.5 acre field to themselves.
Have you always been in hospitality? If not, what else did / do you do?
I work in digital marketing and my wife Kate is a primary school teacher. We both still have these jobs but on a part time basis now while we manage the cabin.
What’s the best thing about being the owner of The Hazel Hide?
That when we have a spare night we can sneak up to the cabin and enjoy it with family and friends!
What’s your favourite feature of the retreat?
I love the view from the mezzanine bedroom. There is a break in the trees and you can see for miles across the open fields – it’s such a stunning view to wake up to.
What do you love about the local area?
There is so much to do! We are lucky enough to have some of the UK’s top vineyards on our doorstep as well as some award winning restaurants. We’re a 20 min drive to the beach also which we have found a lot of guests make use of. There are some great family attractions nearby too including Fishers Farm and Leonardslee Gardens. It is also perfect for dog walkers with the South Downs 5 minutes away and the local pub a 30 minute walk through some bluebell woods.
What’s next for The Hazel Hide?
We are looking into adding a hot tub so watch this space!
If you couldn’t stay at your place, where would your ideal holiday be?
In Devon with sea views.
Sum up The Hazel Hide in three words
Peaceful
Stylish
Views
If you were visiting, how would you spend a day at The Hazel Hide?
Croissants in the oven – sitting under the umbrella on the deck. Read the newspaper before visiting Steyning, a local village, for a wander and some lunch. Back to the cabin for some more relaxing reading time in the hammock. Walk through the woods to the Red Lion pub and enjoy a drink and some dinner before walking back for a log fire and some sleep.
Find out more about The Hazel Hide via their Host Unusual listing below!
