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Forest Farm Cottage

(Ref. 1072258)

Balcombe, Sussex Show on map

4.9

Sykes rating

  • 4 Guests

  • 2 Bedrooms

  • 2 Bathrooms

  • Pets Yes

Features

  • Off road parking
  • Ground floor accommodation
  • Ground floor bedroom
  • Open fire
  • Garden / Patio
  • Cot available
  • Highchair available
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • cottage (23)
  • stay (13)
  • great (13)
  • our (13)
  • well (12)
  • lovely (12)

34 Customer Reviews

  • "Superb property."

    Spotlessly clean and with all the facilities you could ask for. The hosts were so friendly and nothing was too much trouble. Thank you!

    Reviewed by RebeccaFeb 2024

  • "Everything was great and comfortable."

    We felt at home and relaxed and would definitely return at some point for a long weekend. The master bedroom was spacious and the kitchen had everything we needed (or had forgotten to bring). The only comment I’d make is the potholes on the (rather difficult to find) entry road particularly on a rainy day did make us a little nervous about our tyres every time we went in and out so if these can be dealt with that would be a positive. But all in all, was a comfortable stay and would recommend. Thank you.

    Reviewed by SadiaFeb 2024

  • "We loved our stay at the Forest farm cottage."

    It is a beautiful cottage, very spacious and well equipped. We really enjoyed the welcome brownies on arrival. It is in a great location with lots of wonderful walks from the doorstep. Would love to return to explore the area further.

    Reviewed by KathrynFeb 2024

  • "We had a great time at the cottage."

    Very cosy and clean. Our kids enjoyed the horses next to the cottage. Was very useful to charge car when we got desperate.

    Reviewed by NicholasJan 2024

  • "Amazing stay thankyou"

    Reviewed by RachelOct 2023

  • "Holiday cottage was superb, great location for visiting some lovely gardens."

    Hosts were so helpful,we hope to return.

    Reviewed by MargaretSep 2023

  • "Lovely property, there was everything we needed, thank you."

    The only thing I would say is that there was not an adequate cleaning cloth in the kitchen, only a small used j cloth, I like to keep things clean and wiped so lucky I brought my own!

    Reviewed by HelenSep 2023

  • "Forest Farm Cottage is an outstanding property."

    It is peaceful and very well equipped in an idyllic setting. We were lucky enough to stay during the unseasonably warm week in September, eating our meals out on the decking each day. Its in a perfect location for visiting the many gardens and historic attractions in Sussex. Thank you Trevor and Sarah for a great stay.

    Reviewed by MarkSep 2023

  • "We had the pleasure of enjoying a delightful week at the holiday cottage."

    The interior of the cottage exceeded our expectations with its spaciousness, comfort, and the thoughtful provision of amenities. Stepping outside, we were greeted by the stunning natural beauty that enveloped us. The cottage's location offers a serene countryside setting, with foothpaths and enchanting woods right at your doorstep. This idyllic backdrop made our stay truly unforgettable.

    Reviewed by SigridAug 2023

  • "We had a lovely stay at Forest Farm Cottage with the added bonus of some welcome late summer sunshine."

    The home is very well appointed, clean, spacious and comfortable with a lovely outside terrace and bbq area. The owners were helpful but not intrusive and we appreciated the lovely brownies over a cup of tea on arrival. Would definitely recommend this property to others.

    Reviewed by JayneAug 2023

  • "We enjoyed the stay at the cottage - as you can see in the guestbook and the postcard we left for you."

    Reviewed by ChristianAug 2023

  • "This is one of the best properties we have stayed in with surrounding country side A very peaceful area with wonderful walks."

    A very dog friendly cottage He seemed disappointed when we arrived home He loved his holiday The owner gave us a lovely welcome but then left us but we knew where they were if we had a problem. A great holiday

    Reviewed by SueAug 2023

  • "The cottage was a wonderful place to stay, modern and stylishly decorated, with picturesque walks right on the doorstep."

    Having the horses right outside made our trip. A countryside retreat barely an hour from our busy London home.

    Reviewed by PhilipAug 2023

  • "Trevor and Sarah were wonderful Very comfortable and peaceful cottage in beautiful countryside."

    Good for the soul. Well equipped including a fabulous coffee machine!

    Reviewed by Fiona JaneJul 2023

  • "Wow is the best way to describe this cottage."

    Beautifully presented throughout, just the place for a relaxing time surrounded by countryside.

    Reviewed by JosephineJul 2023

  • "A beautiful spacious property in a green country setting ."

    A very welcome bottle of prosecco and brownies on our arrival, greeted by the owner, who helped familiarise the property's features. We were very impressed by the level of comfort and the peace and quiet , we would definitely book again, many thanks.

    Reviewed by MichaelJun 2023

  • "This property was very peaceful, comfortable, clean and well equipped."

    The hosts were friendly and full of helpful information. We loved meeting the horses.

    Reviewed by DavidJun 2023

  • "A very lovely house."

    .. Lovely deck outside.. Well equipped... Cute animals around... Pretty difficult to find.. But when you get there it is very enjoyable to be there. We loved it a lot... So thank you Trevor and Sarah for a great week!!!

    Reviewed by A.a.Jun 2023

  • "Very relaxing stay at Forest Farm cottage, enjoyed the peaceful surroundings and countryside, also the three horses who were stabled just outside the cottage."

    Many thanks to Trevor for making us so welcome and the use of his EV charging point. The cottage is reached by a unmade up narrow road with a number of potholes, the local roads are also narrow., with some passing bays thick mud. We visited three National Trust properties Wakehurst, Standen and Nymans all within easy driving distance. It is possible to walk from the cottage to Balcombe over the fields however the ground was so wet we did not do this.

    Reviewed by RichardMay 2023

  • "Trevor and Sarah were so welcoming."

    The cottage is just beautiful and had everything we needed. It made Christmas extra special for us and our dog, Xanti. Thank you so much.

    Reviewed by AmandaDec 2022

  • "We loved our time at the Forest Farm Cottage- your home is beautiful and well appointed and we felt so comfortable."

    Thank you so much for sharing it with us!

    Reviewed by CarlaDec 2022

  • "The Forest Farm Cottage is situated in a remote rural area, with lots of nice walks around."

    Nature begins on doorstep.It´s perfect to explore the area with so many nice spots to visit. The hosts Sarah and Trevor have the old barn refurbished and decorated with so much love and passion to a perfect retreat. We really enjoyed the time there and will return. Many thanks to our host for all the good talks and support.

    Reviewed by StefanDec 2022

  • "This was a real home from home."

    The little touches provided were generous, like washing up liquid, hand soap, dishwasher tablets, coffee beans and even basics like salt, vinegar and oil. The setting is peaceful and beautiful. We saw so many birds as well as deer and the family horses. The fairy lights and the log burner made us feel cosy but the house was really warm which was great for my elderly mum. Trevor and Sarah were perfect hosts.

    Reviewed by JustineOct 2022

  • "Extremely comfortable and spacious."

    Secluded and although some reviews had stated that it was difficult to find, we had no problem whatsoever. Friendly hosts, highly recommend

    Reviewed by NigelOct 2022

  • "Fabulous place to stay."

    Immaculate and verycomfortable, nestled along a track in the middle of wonderful old trees. Really tranquil and great walking. Some excellent circular walks from the lodge. Perfect dog walking holiday and wonderful county to explore. So much to see and do. Really Lovely hosts and we would book again if visiting Sussex.

    Reviewed by AngelaSep 2022

  • "A comfortable and welcoming cottage, with a wood burner for more joy!"

    Bathrooms were so clean and the shower's two different settings just wonderful, as was the coffee machine! There were treats for humans and for dogs, maps and walks plus loads of suggestions for trips out nearby. The area is so beautiful - the cottage set in woods we felt so secluded and special, yet only an hour from London! The owner is really friendly and knowlegeable - do pick her brains! We would definitely come back.

    Reviewed by DebbieSep 2022

  • "Fabulous cottage."

    Easy to find with good instructions. Friendly owners and horses. Had everything we needed. Lovely quiet location with great views.

    Reviewed by PepperSep 2022

  • "Very comfortable and well appointed cottage."

    Felt like a real home from home to us and we all enjoyed ourselves immensely. Trevor was really helpful when we had problems with our car. A great place for a holiday and exploring Sussex.

    Reviewed by MarkAug 2022

  • "Forest Farm Cottage was perfect!"

    We wouldn’t change a thing. The cottage itself had everything we needed, and more. It was beautifully styled, decorated, extremely well equipped and very clean. The deck area was a wonderful spot to dine and relax in this beautiful area. The owners couldn’t have been more welcoming, friendly and helpful. Our son loved having the horses as neighbours. We stayed in August 2022 and there were plenty of places to visit, from National Trust houses and gardens, to the best Crazy Golf and ice cream at Heaven Farm or a trip to Brighton or into London. If we return to Sussex we would certainly stay at Forest Farm Cottage again and would highly recommend it to others.

    Reviewed by HelenAug 2022

  • "Lovely cottage, in a very quiet and scenic area."

    Perfect for families and couples who love the countryside. Inside was very clean, and had everything you could need. The owners live nearby, and we’re great. Both really friendly and helpful, even calling us to give advice about parking in the centre of London, which was greatly appreciated. We will definitely look to stay here again if we are visiting the area again.

    Reviewed by MichaelAug 2022

  • "We had a wonderful stay in this beautiful, well-kept, very clean cottage, true to its discription."

    No problem to find the property with the good directions supplied. Sarah and Trevor are wonderful, welcoming hosts. The cottage is very well equiped, with all modern-day luxuries. Cosy and comfortable. What an incredible work has been done to renovate it all to this standard!! A lovely deck with enough shade to make it very nice to sit outside despite the heatwave. Many possibilities for walks and drives/sightseeing in the surrounding countryside. Half an hour to Brighton, even London only 45 mins by train if you want a day in the city. We highly recommend Forest Farm Cottage!

    Reviewed by JeannetteAug 2022

  • "We had a lovely time at Forest Farm Cottage!"

    The cottage is in a great location with beautiful countryside to explore, local pubs, day trips to the south coast, London, Windsor etc all within easy reach. The cottage itself was attractive, clean, comfy and very well equipped. Shared access to the EV charger was especially appreciated! Sarah and Trevor were fantastic hosts and couldn't have been more welcoming. We really enjoyed sitting on the deck and watching the horses around the cottage, the swallows in the stables and the red kites overhead... bliss.

    Reviewed by EwanJul 2022

  • "He property is very difficult to find, as the Sat nav will not take to to the house which is a fair way down a very rough pot hole track."

    The owner gave us directions but did not give any prominent landmarks like a nearby school and Abbey to know you were heading the right way. We were informed the farm track was marked by a no though road sign but the sign is set back 10 meters from the road and not visible from the road you are travelling on. We were told by the owner that the name plate of the farm had fallen off and not been replaced. On arrival there was a nice welcome from the owner with a bottle of wine and lovely home made brownies, all very nice after spending an about an hour driving in rough back lanes trying to find the address. The second bedroom of the property is very small although it is advertised as a double. Also regarding this room there is no hanging space for clothes only a small drawer unit. Walking around the bed is very tight, really this room is only suitable for two small children. (The twin beds zip together to form a double.) In the main bathroom the shower over the bath does not have a wall fixing or shower curtain or screen, not sure why this is. However the main bedroom is lovely and roomy with a lovely en-suite but this again lacks shelving to store anything, toiletries etc. The whole sight around the cottage is very untidy, weeds and brambles every where. As a holiday home business, on first appearance the whole plot looks uncared for and the garden area run down. We made allowances as it was termed as a farm but it is not a working farm, just three horses, which are stabled right opposite the front door of the cottage. We felt the whole area could be made to look better and more appealing especially to sit on the outside areas. These two areas were not clean on arrival and very basic, so we did not use them. The floors on arrival, throughout the kitchen and lounge area were very sticky so we cleaned them again, as we did not want to make a fuss on our first night. The kitchen and lounge area is nice and adequate for four people, but it would be nice to have four chairs at the dining table and not two and a bench, but that’s just a preference thing really. This was not a cheap property to hire but we took into account the summer time of year and the surrounding south east area. On reflection we did feel with the things we have listed above, that it was not really worth what we paid as the cottage did not meet the requirements for two couples, as listed in the cottage description. We are sure at Sykes cottages you would like to be informed of our findings so you can discuss any changes with the owner that need to be made to the cottage information for any future clients.

    Reviewed by EmmaJul 2022

  • "Fabulous place for a peaceful relaxing break."

    Very friendly hosts and lovely horses..

    Reviewed by SusanJun 2022

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Summary

  • Single-storey
  • Two bedrooms: 1 x king-size with en-suite walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC, 1 x twin (zip/link, can be king-size on request)
  • Bathroom with bath, hand held shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC
  • Open-plan living space with kitchen, dining area and sitting area with woodburning stove
  • Biomass heating with underfloor heating throughout
  • Electric oven, induction hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, coffee machine
  • Freeview Smart 4K TV, WiFi
  • Fuel, power and starter pack for woodburning stove inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Highchair and cot available on request
  • Off-road parking for 2 cars
  • Front garden with seating and terrace
  • Enclosed rear deck with furniture, terrace and barbecue
  • Bike storage
  • One well-behaved dog welcome
  • Sorry, no smoking
  • Shop and pub 2.2 miles
  • Note: The property is accessed via an uneven track
  • Note: Dogs must be always kept on a lead when outside
  • Note: Electric vehicle charging point available on site

The property

Balcombe 1.7 miles.

Tucked away in a peaceful spot just outside Balcombe in West Sussex is this pet-friendly lodge, Forest Farm Cottage.

Suiting couples and families alike, the cottage offers a rural retreat surrounded by Sussex countryside, grazing ponies, and supplies high-quality self-catering amenities.

Find off-road parking on arrival for a stress-free welcome to this real gem offering an escape from daily life.

The front terrace offers seating to rest under the trees, before heading inside; the family-friendly lodge offers an open-plan living space and underfloor heating throughout from an eco-friendly biomass boiler.

Admire the high ceilings and wooden beams as you prepare your favourite dishes in the well-appointed kitchen, which offers everything from an electric oven and induction hob to a coffee machine and dishwasher.

Tuck into a hearty breakfast at the dining table for four, whilst the snug sitting room awaits after the day's adventures with a Smart TV and an eco woodburning stove; sure to be your dog's favourite spot to rest their paws!

Spend sunny days in your rear, enclosed garden to rustle up tasty treats on the barbecue to truly enjoy your gorgeous surroundings.

A contemporary bathroom matches rustic wood with blue tiling for you to pour in the bubbles and relax in the bath.

As night falls, choose between two welcoming bedrooms; the first a king-size with stunning exposed stonework, an en-suite shower room and access to the garden, the second a twin with zip/link feature to suit all groups.

If you'd rather stay close to home, pack a picnic and head to the neighbouring field or simply wander your enchanting surroundings; there's an abundance of cycling and walking opportunities in the High Weald AONB, as well as watersports on Ardingly Reservoir!

Balcombe village isn't far by car or take a 1.5-mile footpath through fields and woodlands, where a community-owned pub with a microbrewery, village shop and lovely tearooms greets you.

Wakehurst botanic gardens are also nearby to discover woodland, lakes and formal gardens surrounding a country estate; if that sparks your interest, be sure to visit Standen House, Nymans, High Beeches Gardens, and Borde Hill Gardens!

The National Trust Sheffield Park offers family-friendly days out with the popular, heritage Bluebell Railway.

There are plenty of nearby towns to visit, such as Haywards Heath and Horsham, as well as the picturesque, seaside resort of Brighton.

However, you choose to spend your holiday, an unforgettable stay awaits at Forest Farm Cottage.

View on map

About the location

BALCOMBE

Haywards Heath 6 miles; Horsham 10 miles.

Set amidst lovely Sussex countryside, the small village of Balcombe offers a good range of shops, a pub and tea room. Rail connections leading to a number of towns and cities throughout the South East. The surrounding area boasts great walking opportunities across beautiful South downland and Weald landscape, and with many small villages providing an array of facilities to suit most tastes scattered throughout the countryside, this charming area has something for everyone. Visit the National Trust properties nearby, Nymans, Wakehurst Place or nearby Horsham Museum. A day trip to London is 45 minutes by train, while Brighton beach is just 20 minutes by train. Local attractions include The historic Bluebell railway, Sheffield Park gardens, Nyman’s Gardens and Borde hill gardens.

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
  • Off-season
  • Last minute
  • Christmas