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The Cider House - Ardingly

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Your own little country cottage

The lovely, lovely Cider House is the ultimate escape for world-weary urbanites. Sitting in the garden of a 16th century farmhouse, in the midst of rolling Sussex countryside, it’s B&B with a difference - you’re totally on your own in your own little cottage, with a deliciously fresh cooked or continental breakfast appearing magically in the morning - and all just 30 miles from London.

Light and airy, with views of the garden and the countryside beyond, the house has a gorgeous, vaulted bedroom, with squidgy kingsize bed, down duvet and pillows and crisp and cotton sheets. A lovely, mosaic-ed bathroom has a big bath to luxuriate in and a powerful shower, while the sitting room has a sofa just crying out for afternoon napping. It’s all very stylish, with neutral colour-schemes and chic fixtures and fittings, but still super-cosy and romantic. A fabulous breakfast, including bread and pastries from the local bakery or uber-fresh local eggs and bacon and delivered by owners Lawrence and Christina, can be eaten in the house’ little dining area, or out on the terrace (or in bed if you’re feeling so inclined...). Bliss.

Where is it?

You’ll find The Cider House down a windy country lane, pretty much in the middle of nowhere. The pretty villages of Ardingly and West Hoathly, with its fantastic pubs, are a scenic walk away, while the famous Bluebell Steam Railway (www.bluebell-railway.co.uk Tel: 01825 720825) at Horsted Keynes is a stroll across beautiful countryside. Gorgeous Lindfield - an Area of Outstanding Beauty - with its mix of half-timbered and Georgian buildings and glorious position on the upper reaches of the River Ouse, is also within walking distance.

Ardingly is best-known for its enormous showground (www.seas.org.uk), home to county shows and antiques fairs throughout the year. June’s huge, 3-day South of England Show is the star attraction, and a great event to work your weekend around. Stunning Wakehurst Place (www.nationaltrust.org.uk Tel: 01444 894066) is also just outside Ardingly - a grand Elizabethan house, with 170 acres of world-famous gardens. Managed by Kew Gardens, the huge collection of stunning walled and water gardens, woodland, lawns, trails and wetland conservation areas are brilliant for an afternoon’s aimless wandering and perfect for a picnic.

If that’s still not enough to satisfy your fresh air quotas, Ashdown Forest (www.ashdownforest.co.uk) - aka A HUNDRED ACRE WOOD!! - is less than 10 miles from The Cider House. The inspiration for Winnie the Pooh’s home, it’s a bit of a mecca for Pooh fans where you can still play Poohsticks at the original Pooh Bridge and see the hole where a honey-filled Pooh got stuck. If you want the full experience, visit pretty Hartfield - the home of AA Milne and The Pooh Corner Shop (www.pooh-country.co.uk Tel: 01892 770456), where a young Christopher Robin used to buy his sweets. Apart from the Pooh excitement, the forest has miles of trails and paths - great for walking and cycling or horse riding. East View Riding Centre (www.ridinginsussex.co.uk Tel: 01825 740 240), 4 miles from The Cider House, organises treks through the forest.

Where can I eat?

This is real pub grub country, and there’s some lovely places within walking distance (or lazy driving distance) from The Cider House. The Cat Inn (Tel: 01342 810369) in West Hoathly is cosy and friendly, with great food and real ales, while The Ardingly Inn (Tel: 01444 892214) in Ardingley is also a good pub-grub option.

For a posher pub, The Witch Inn (www.thewitchinn.co.uk Tel: 01444 414504) in Lindfield offers mouthwatering, way-above-average pub food all made from local producers (fact fans - it’s owned by former international footballer Gerry Ryan...). Light and airy Limes Restaurant (www.limesoflindfield.co.uk Tel: 01444 487 858), also in Lindfield, is a relaxing and stylish little bistro, with a vibrant and unpretentious menu using local and seasonal ingredients.

For fine dining, try Jeremy’s at Borde Hill (www.homeofgoodfood.co.uk Tel: 01444 441102) in Balcombe, 3 miles from The Cider House. This gorgeous restaurant in a converted stable block, surrounded by beautiful gardens, serves vibrant and award-winning modern European dishes. A great six-course tasting menu, complete with lovingly-matched wines is particularly fabulous, while the puddings are to die for. Summer dining outside amongst the camelias and azaleas is really, really special.

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A country B&B with a lovely difference - you’re totally on your own in your own little cottage, with a deliciously fresh cooked or continental breakfast appearing magically in the morning - and all just 30 miles from London.