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The tent by the pond at Swallowtail Hill - Rye, Sussex
Sleeps 2 to 4: 1 double bed. 2 single beds can be added if needed. Kids of all ages are welcome at Swallowtail Hill, but pets are not allowed.
The Tent by the Pond and the Tent by the Wood at Swallowtail Hill share a wide-open space at the bottom of a secluded and naturally bowl-shaped field. Whichever you choose you'll be surrounded by wildlife on the outside and beautiful craftwork on the inside. There are double beds made by a local craftsman with a design that follows the natural shape of the timber, old apple crates turned into bedside tables, organic cotton sheets and duvets, a chunky antique chest for storage and extra single beds for families and groups of four. Each tent has its own deck chairs for lounging around and there's a small dinghy for pottering about on the pond.
Both tents are mounted on decks, and there's a separate covered cooking and food storage area, as well as a covered dining area to share. Each tent also has its own fire pit with beautiful 'Bon-Fire' tripods for cooking over wood or charcoal. A welcome pack of groceries in a large cool box with ice packs will be waiting for you on arrival. In the next field there are two compost loos, and an outdoor gas fired shower next to another pond.
On the farm you can learn woodcraft skills or take up traditional longbow archery. Kids can become Swallowtail Hill Junior farmers and join in with what has proven to be the most popular activity – feeding the animals. Pigs, goats, chickens, rabbits, sheep and ducks all live up near the farmhouse and are more than happy to see you. If you're feeling particularly ambitious you can also arrange to have a tractor-driving lesson. Or you can just relax and enjoy the scenery and wildlife. On just forty acres, there are wildflower meadows, traditionally coppiced woodland, ponds, reed beds, and hedge lined walks everywhere.
Away from the hillside farm is the sea at Camber, the ancient hilltop town of Rye, and Bodiam Castle, reached by boat or steam train. And all this is only an hour and three quarters from central London.
New for 2012 – the Woodcutter's Cottage – a crooked cottage on wheels deep in the wood.
Family friendly
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Our guests say...
“Would love to have stayed longer. Sarah and Chris couldn't have been better hosts. The kids loved it there, beautiful farm to be on.”
Tim, 09/08/2011
“Perfect, quiet, tranquil and generally very relaxing, just what we required. We were made to feel very welcome. Best thing was the BBQ facilities and the relaxed environment.”
Adam, 11/08/2011
“The best thing was the space and freedom. My two girls really enjoyed staying on a working farm, feeding the animals, riding on a tractor... The worst thing, leaving.”
Tara, 18/08/2010