Fawn Wood is a beautiful lodge bursting with character, where traditional features are blended with luxury comforts, and it’s believed to have been frequented by Henry VIII for hunting trips. See: The 10 most sought-after bedroom features, according to Instagram trends Located in Hartfield, East Sussex, in the High Weald, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it has been sensitively renovated to offer a cosy yet plush get-away-from-it-all escape. Hugging the northern edge of the Ashdown Forest, a royal hunting forest in Norman times, the East Sussex village of Hartfield takes its name from the deer that once filled the area. Today it’s better known as the home of Britain´s favourite bear, Winnie-the-Pooh. When the owners purchased this historic estate in 2014, they worked with Heritage England to restore the magic of the main Grade II listed house (where they reside today) and the humble old granary found within its grounds, focusing on classic country interiors with a contemporary edge. A history dating back to 1272 revealed tales from ghosts to royalty and costume drama filming, but these days the granary enjoys a calmer pace of life in its latest guise as a luxury self-catering holiday home. The owner said:‘Fawn Wood started life as a timber-framed granary within the grounds of the main house, and was built some 100 years later as part of what was a much larger estate at the time. It is reported that in the early 1500s Henry VIII stayed here while courting Anne Boleyn at nearby Hever Castle.’ With close-studding, brick nogging and a half-hipped tiled roof, Fawn Wood is a perfect restoration of a 17th century timber-framed dwelling. Inside its Grade II-listed bones awaits sumptuous interiors, flagstone floors underfoot, wooden beams overhead, quartz kitchen worktops, and gardens sure to ignite the imaginations of little ones. In the bedrooms, crisp white linens are layered with soft grey and moss green throws, and pom pom cushions and oil paintings add texture, while underfloor heating is a toasty addition to the bathrooms. For country walks, wellies are provided so you can follow the trickling stream to find glistening lakes and shady spots beneath ancient trees for picnics and bubbly. You can also walk in Pooh Bear’s footsteps, past wild deer roaming bluebell woods to reach the enchanted Ashdown Forest (the real 100 Acre Wood), occupying the highest ridge of the High Weald AONB. And if you want to drag yourself away from the cottage (and social distancing allows), visit Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, where 125 acres of glorious grounds invite you to explore the double moated castle, award-winning gardens and 100-year old yew maze. Fawn Wood is available to book through Unique Homestays from 5th July onwards. Take a tour around the property below:
BEDROOMS
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KITCHEN
TWIN ROOMS
LIVING ROOM
TERRACE
EXTERIOR
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