This is the cross-wing of a late medieval timber-framed hall-house, of high quality, the rest of which was pulled down in 1833. It lies by a small stream in a woodland clearing and, curiously enough, is easily accessible by railway, since it is only a 15 minute walk through the wood from Cowden station.

The Hole still has the true feeling of the Weald and of the deep woods in whose drip and shade the forges and furnaces of the Sussex ironmasters were established. This Wealden scene persists despite the great storm of October 1987. The logbook records the events of that night as the wind gathered strength: ‘At about 3.30 we decided to go down to the sitting-room. As we sat with our one candle burning we heard a terrific crash in First floor Ground floor the big room upstairs: a big tree had fallen right on the peak of the roof. As the night went on trees fell one after another all about the house … Mr Dale arrived with a flask of hot water at about 8.30 and a very welcome sight he was.’ New trees have grown up fast, to enclose once again this solitary place, where you may enjoy a sleepy fire, the smell of its smoke and the sound of the stream.

Sleeps: 2+2