A fairytale retreat with woodfired hot tub that's perfect for wildlife watching, deliciously secluded amongst unspoilt Sussex woodland.
  • Sleeps: 2 (+2)
  • Bedroom: 1
  • Bathroom: External
  • Minimum stay: 2 nights

Privately nestled in a woodland dell strewn with chestnut and oak trees, and bespoke crafted from locally sourced timber, there’s an enchantingly rustic feel to the Woodcutter’s Cottage.

In fact, the dreamlike retreat could have been plucked straight from the pages of ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ – except there are no big, bad wolves to worry about! Instead, you can keep an eye on the playful squirrels and badgers.

The rest of your surroundings at Swallowtail Hill are just as magical. A 40-acre Sussex farm with a landscape that has barely changed since the 17th century, you can relax and revel in its unique, vibrant backdrop of soothing wildflower meadows, ancient woodland, and tranquil ponds.

Friendly owners Sarah and Christopher run their beloved farm purely for conservation and biodiversity, with an ethos that is focused upon exceptional care for the environment. Happily, most of the friendly band of farm animals you can meet during your stay are much-loved pets, including the adorable donkeys George and Buttons, and Sue the KuneKune pig.

Meanwhile, your eco-friendly Woodcutter’s Cottage is equipped with everything you’ll need for a relaxing family stay. Sleeping up to four guests, there’s a double bed, and two seating areas that cleverly convert to two children’s single beds. Simply fire up the wood-burner and break out a few board games, or perhaps unwind in the woodfired hot tub that has been romantically built just for two – and that’s cosy evenings in all sorted!

The charming kitchen area includes a gas hob and grill, a mini fridge, and a sink (though you may prefer al fresco suppers prepared with the BonFire cooking kit instead!), while just next door is a separate cabin with a gas-fired shower, a basin, and a modern compost loo.

As if all this wasn’t enough, there are plenty more treats in store at Swallowtail Hill. For starters, you can order breakfast or barbecue boxes to make life just that little bit easier – or why not order a delicious pre-prepared meal from the Glampsite Chef?

Keep reading

At a glance

  • A fairytale off-grid retreat sleeping up to 4 guests (2 adults and 2 children), perfectly positioned in a Sussex woodland dell that’s ideal for wildlife-watching.
  • The Woodcutter’s Cottage is part of Swallowtail Hill, a 40-acre conservation farm and glamping haven run by friendly owners Sarah and Christopher (and their family of much-loved farm animals!)
  • Shower and compost toilet facilities are housed in a separate cabin next door, and there is a covered outdoor dining deck and BonFire cooking equipment for al fresco meals. There is a gas hob and grill inside the cottage, and a woodfired hot tub that is optional for use.
  • Order a breakfast or barbecue box, or stock up on fresh supplies at the farm shop.
  • You can order pre-prepared meals from the Glampsite Chef, take part in a yoga class, or go on a nature walk and meet the farm animals with Sarah and Christopher.

Features

  • Family Friendly
  • Hot Tubs
  • Off-Grid

Facilities

Fairytale glamping retreat, sleeps 4 guests (2 adults and 2 children).  Single-level open-plan accommodation includes: mini-kitchen area with hot and cold running water sink, mini fridge, gas hob, grill, selection of condiments.  Wood-burning stove.  Double bed, two seating spaces that convert to two narrow single beds, electric lighting, USB charging point.  Separate cabin with gas-powered shower, basin, compost loo.  Exterior: covered outdoor deck, BonFire cooking equipment, woodfired hot tub (optional)  Provided: linen, towels, limited power for phone charging.  On site: farm honesty shop, log store, games hire, pre-ordered catering options.

Local Activities

Animal feeding (onsite), beaches, kite surfing, steam railway, market towns, fishing, wine tasting, horse riding, cycling, walking, nature reserve, castles, antique stores, bushcraft.

More information

Head to the farm shop at the top of the hill for snacks and treats, order some fresh fruit and veg for your meals, or borrow some outdoor games for holiday fun! (Warning: you may feel compelled to stock your cupboards back home with the many flavourful home-made preserves on offer here).

Weather permitting, Sarah and Christopher are very happy for you to come and meet the cared-for farm animals at feeding time – simply bring your wellies! – or learn more about their conservation work on an energising nature walk.

Further afield, you can head off on the Sussex Border Footpath with a pre-ordered picnic, or jump in the car for a day trip to Camber Sands. Yet once you’ve experienced the peaceful relaxation on offer at Swallowtail Hill, you may find it very hard indeed to leave.

Things to note

Check-in is between 4-7pm. Please note that the check-in process takes some time – you will be greeted on arrival and personally shown to your accommodation (for this reason it is recommended that you arrive during daylight!) Catering options should be ordered in advance of your stay.   Use of the woodfired hot tub is £30, which is optional.

Where you'll be staying

Beckley, East Sussex

What the guests of Woodcutter’s Cottage say

“Windstorm Ciara is going strong, but we couldn’t think of a better shelter than Woodcutter’s! We had a wonderful weekend walking outside, playing board games inside, and most importantly taking naps under a very warm blanket! We hope to come back in the summer when you can sit outside and watch the stars! Thanks for everything!”

“The best escapism! Thank you for creating a relaxing, cosy and serene environment we loved every moment. See you again soon.”

“What a great ‘cottage’ – ‘Hansel and Gretel’ in the woods. Spent the Saturday on bikes to Rye/Winchelsea and back. Sunday walk to the White Hart pub. Firepit on, wood burner toasty warm. Mr Squirrel wakes us on the roof in the morning! Lovely Place.”

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