Outstanding in the Field

Outstanding in the Field: East Sussex

They don't go around awarding the AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) title out to parts of the UK willy-nilly and the sweeping views from this contemporary cottage deep within the High Weald show that this region is truly deserving of the honour.

As you would hope from an address with such a bucolic vista, there's a lot to do outside here. Warm afternoons will whizz by with the swimming pool, kids' playground and large fenced garden at guests' disposal, while evenings can be filled with meals fresh from the pizza oven and sessions in the hot tub.

If this makes it sound like a home is only right for a summer break, that's simply not the case. The private sauna with a beautiful view of the countryside will keep you toasty during the colder months, as will the pair of wood-burning stoves in the communal spaces. We're truly smitten by the bright and airy design and wouldn't be cross if spells of rain consigned us indoors – not too cross, anyway.

However, when the skies are clear, you won't be short of things to see and do in this corner of East Sussex, whether you're following local walking routes, visiting historic attractions or even taking a jaunt to the seaside. The town of Crowborough is only five minutes' drive away whenever you need supplies, too.

Home truths:
*Five of the bedrooms are in the single-level main house and there's a day bed which converts to a super-king bed in an annexe with an ensuite shower room
*The swimming pool is available and heated between May and September – it is closed for the rest of the year
*There's free parking and an electric vehicle charging point available on the premises
*Construction work may be taking place at a neighbour's property during your stay, but the host doesn't expect this to bother guests