English charm in idyllic rural setting

It was love at first sight when I happened upon Danewood Cottage.  The pretty 16th century Tudor home on the edge of Ashdown Forest caught my eye in a Lewes B&B brochure which I’d gathered on one of my travels back to my roots in beautiful Sussex.  A year later, we made our first visit to this delightful B&B which lies to the south of the village of Danehill.  Little did we know then that it would become a trip to cherish for many years to come.

 

On this occasion, it was a golf holiday with a difference as we were travelling not only with our golf clubs, but also the latest addition to our family.  Our toddler of a granddaughter was setting foot on British soil for the very first time.

 

 

Set in gorgeous grounds laid to lawn with herbaceous borders, walled gardens  and ancient trees, this golfing B&B offers a great escape.  Originally a gamekeeper’s cottage on the Dukes of Sheffield Estate, Danewood Cottage was modernised and enlarged in the 1970’s. Today, Margie and Mike welcome you to their rose-clad Tudor abode with a warmth that will make you feel instantly at home, indeed, almost a part of the family.  B&B at its best with that Oh, so wonderful! touch of English eccentricity and charm, all gift-wrapped in the most idyllic rural setting.

 

 

In the summer, you can relax in the shade of an old oak tree with a pot of tea and read a book or simply take in the tranquillity of this lovely place.  Surrounded by woods, its elevated position offers fine views over the Sussex Weald, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  It is like stepping back in time.

 

 

After travelling from Holland by car and ferry, it was wonderful to simply chill out the first day.  Croquet on the lawn after breakfast against a backdrop of rolling countryside could not have been more perfect.  The click-clack of croquet mallets.  Birds tweeting in the early morning sunshine.  The sweet smell of nature.

 

 

“Oh, to be in England when Summer is there!”

 

 

On the second evening, with the little one tucked-up nice and early in bed, we lay on the lawn and reflected upon our day.  It was a happy mix of adventurous golf tales of our round at nearby Royal Ashdown Forest GC, and a lazy day for the non-golfers spent soaking up the East Sussex scenery at Danewood.  Quietly chatting and gradually working our way to the bottom of another jug of Pimms while watching the sun go down, it was the perfect end to a perfect day.

 

Historical golfing gem at Royal Ashdown Forest

 

Home to more than 60 courses, golfers are spoilt for choice in Sussex.  Among the delightful fairways in this particular area: Royal Ashdown Forest (pictured below), Crowborough Beacon and Piltdown.  A little further afield you’ll enjoy a warm welcome and more stunning views at Lewes and Seaford Head.  We’ll be writing more about these beauties and others courses in Sussex worthy of a visit, very soon …!

 

 

 

“A charmingly quaint home from home”

 

Danewood Cottage is a gorgeous country home full of character.  And, I mean home, not a hotel room in someone’s house as, alas, so many B&B’s are becoming these days.  For this touch of country luxury you may have to sacrifice having your own en-suite bathroom at times, but it’s well worth it.

 

 

 

By the way, if you don’t like dogs, then perhaps Danewood Cottage is not the B&B for you.  That said, during our first visit in July 2012, the two non-dog lovers in our family did mellow and warm to Purdey the Pointer and Rosie, the fine old lady of a rough-haired dachshund (known as a ‘sausage dog’ by most Brits and called a ‘teckel’ by the Dutch).   Indeed, when we returned last Spring, we were all delighted to meet a new cute canine arrival, Olive.

 

“Danewood – delicious to the eye and the tummy!”

 

Thinking of sausages, Margie’s traditional English breakfast is to die for.  The classic bacon, egg, sausage, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes and fresh toast feast is all cooked to a tasty perfection in her country kitchen on the Aga and served in the garden in the summer, weather permitting.  We were lucky enough to enjoy breakfast on the terrace amid the roses on both mornings.  For your added pleasure, by the way, there is a swimming pool and tennis court at Danewood Cottage – ideal for burning-off the cooked breakfast calories, should you have some energy over after the golf!

 

 

We’ll let the pictures tell the rest of the story …

 

“Exceedingly breathtaking and delicious…”

 

In the future, we’ll be sharing more of our Danewood adventures with you in this part of the world, until then, happy golfing and enjoy your stay in a golfing B&B.  And remember to say that you were inspired by Golfing Inspirations!

 

 

Wendy Hoad

Editor

 

Tempted?

For prices and availability, check out their website: Danewood Cottage (click here)

Contact info:

Danewood Cottage, Lewes Road, Furner’s Green, Uckfield, RH17 7HD East Sussex, England

(Although the postal address says Uckfield, Danewood Cottage lies just south of Danehill on the A275 road which winds its way down to the historic County Town of Lewes.)

 

© Copyright photography by Golfing Inspirations