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Gildridge House

Heathfield, Sussex
holidaycottages.co.uk logo

This property is managed by holidaycottages.co.uk info_outline

Sleeps 12
Bedrooms 5
Bathrooms 5
Change Fri
Dogs welcome 2
5 star
Parking on site / nearby
Highchair available
Travel Cot available
Towels included
Swimming pool
Family friendly
Luxury
Games / Play facilities
Internet access
Working farm
Open fire / wood burner
Downstairs bedroom
Downstairs bathroom
Spa facilities
Country houses
15 more

At a glance

  • Characterful, spacious house with grand furnishings in a rural setting with countryside views
  • Lavish living spaces include features like ceiling beams and inglenook fireplace
  • Generous facilities including a covered swimming pool, sauna, BBQ, table football and table tennis

Property code: OC-SX942

Gildridge House is a unique property, in the stunning Sussex countryside, set on a 300 acre working sheep and cattle farm. Located at the end of a long, private driveway, the detached house dates back in part to the 17th century with later extensions offering a more modern living space. Gildridge House offers a long Hall Room with vaulted ceiling flowing into the dining room with a tall south facing window and is beautifully styled and is in keeping with the character of the property. It is ideal for families or groups of friends with 3 large family bedrooms plus 1 double bedroom and has been cleverly designed with lots of additional spaces for entertaining children and young adults. Shop: 2 miles  Pub: 2 miles  Coast: 10 miles

The house boasts a covered swimming pool.The pool is governed by an air source heat pump and it is available from May to the end of October and with graduated entry for children. The water temperature depends on the ambient air temperature so cooler in cool weather. The pool is adjacent to the large, bright conservatory along with a sauna, full sized table tennis and a small football table. From both floors of the house, there are lovely views of the garden and extensive views across the farm to the South Downs. 

Entrance Porch: 2 chaise longue and a quiet spot away from it all
Hall Room: A large 8m (25') room; set up as a tv room and sitting area and suitable as a dining/celebration room
Sitting Room: is dual aspect with large inglenook fireplace. 3 sofas with soft cushions and fur throw on the leather sofa; 6 armchairs and footstools, side tables and lamps. There is a TV hidden behind oak panelling. Perfect space for comfortable evenings for large or small groups. Connecting through to...
Bar Area: with sink, dishwasher and a collection of crystal glassware. Connecting with...
Dining Room: with mahogany table for 8/10. Additional table for 6 close by. Sideboard, TV and bookshelves. Flexible area, can be arranged so that the furniture in the Hall Room and the dining room are switched over depending on requirements
Kitchen: equipped for large groups with fitted cupboards and tiled worktops. There is a central island with 3 high stools, a larder, 2 large fridges, dishwasher, 2 kettles, coffee machine, microwave, oil fired 4 oven Aga and Belling triple oven Range. The Aga is turned off in summer months unless requested to be in use. Stable doors to...
Conservatory: tiled with fitted window seating and cushions, large table with seating for 8, indoor child's football table and easy access to covered swimming pool 
Utility: with twin butler sink, large freezer with complimentary ice bags; two washing machines and 2 dryers. Space for coats and boots and door to driveway and garage
Sauna: One hour timer; please bring your own towels for pool and sauna use 
Shower Room: fully tiled with heated floor/towel rail washbasin and w.c.

Ground floor:

Family Room 1: (accessed by 1 step) Thick fitted carpet, two singles made as super king with extra single. Fitted hanging rail in alcove. One step back down to large En-suite quadrant shower room with a privacy curtain from the Hall Room

First Floor:
Carpeted oak staircase to mezzanine landing to...

Family Room 2: Large carpeted room with king size bed, a daybed (optional extra child); large built in wardrobe . T.V. Through to En-suite tiled bathroom with overhead shower and screen. Adjacent comfortable area with two single beds and privacy curtain
Family Room 3 has a fabulous view over the garden: Super king bed with built in wardrobes and hanging/shelving. En-suite mosaic tiled semi-circular bathroom with drench head, and unique in-shower seating. Shared with bedroom 4

Bedroom 4: twin beds

Bedroom 5: accessed by original spiral stairs with rope handrail connecting through from the sitting room. Carpeted with super king size bed; built in wardrobe and en-suite shower room.

All the bedrooms have fitted wardrobes or hanging areas, side tables and lamps, mirrors, chest of drawers and chairs, many with over bed reading lights. Curtains or roman blinds in all and daylight blinds in most.
The 5 shower rooms (one bath in Family room 2) are all equipped with heated towel rails; basins and w.c.; shaving points and mirrors; 3 with underfloor heating.

Garden: Sweeping driveway, large lawned grounds with 2 unfenced ponds and ancient oaks. South facing terraced area near the pool with plenty of garden furniture; 10 sun loungers and a charcoal barbeque. Outside table tennis in the open garage.
Heating: Oil fired central heating; inglenook with large container of wood to get you started (further supplies can be easily purchased from the farmer).
Pets: 2 dogs are welcome but must be kept on their leads outside due to the nature of the farm. 
Parking: Ample parking next to the property.
Notes: Plenty of space for storage of own bicycles. There are two stair gates in place.  WiFi with boosters available; 2 bluetooth Hi-Fi systems and a CD player. 4 smart T.V.'s. If Hall Room dining is required for a special occasion, please let the owner know in advance. Enclosed air source heated pool from (May-October), just outside conservatory. Graduated entry for children.

Out and About:
Herstmonceux Science centre and  Knockhatch children's adventure are closeby.
Drucillas; Eastbourne Marina and seafront, Charleston, Michelham Priory, Firle Place, Glyndbourne 
Mount Caburn for paragliding! - less than half an hour
Brighton and Newhaven is 40 minutes depending on time or travel. Rye in the other direction about the same
Batemans; Ashdown Forest and Tunbridge Wells and  Beachy Head - half an hour
Battle Abbey 20 minutes  
The Gun at Chidingly for good food, specialising in pizzas with fantastic outdoor seating (special menu days)
Great Park Farm Nursery, Catsfield; for delicious lunches, coffee and cakes and all you need for extra supplies
Plenty of local pubs and restaurants: The Brewer's Arms in Herstmonceux; Merrie Harriers in Cowbeech; The Ash at Ashburnham; The Lamb at Wartling is 5 miles 
Hailsham 2 miles away: Waitrose, Tesco, Asda. A large Neptune to wander around (with free coffee!) 
Arlington car racing.  Cuckoo trail runs from Polegate through Hailsham to Heathfield 11 miles of family friendly track (old train line)

At the end of the drive:  
A seven mile quiet country lane to cycle along to Pevensey Castle and Normans Bay. (Sustrans Route 2)
Two footpaths cross the farm and interconnect with many miles of beautiful country walks.

  • 5 bedrooms - 1 family room with 1 super-king-sized bed and 1 single bed; 1 family room with 1 king-size bed, 1 day bed for a child; 2 super-king-size; 1 twin
  • 5 bathrooms - 1 en-suite with bath, shower and WC, 1 shower room with WC, 3 en-suite shower rooms with WCs
  • 2 large fridges, dishwasher, 2 kettles, coffee machine, microwave, oil-fired 4-oven Aga and Belling triple Range oven
  • Note: the Aga is turned off in the summer months unless requested to be in use
  • 2 sinks, large freezer with complimentary ice bags, 2 washing machines, 2 tumble dryers and space for outdoor clothing in the utility room
  • Welcome pack
  • 2 Bluetooth Hi-Fi systems, a CD player, 4 Smart TVs
  • Inglenook - first basket of wood supplied, further supplies can be purchased from the farmer
  • Travel cot, highchair and stairgate
  • Storage for bicycles
  • Towels not provided for pool and sauna
  • Note: If Hall Room dining is required for a special occasion, please let the owner know in advance
  • Swimming pool - enclosed air source heated pool (May-October) with a graduated entry for children; the water temperature depends on the ambient air temperature so it is cooler in cool weather
  • Sauna - one-hour timer
  • Games room
  • Dogs must be kept on leads outside due to the nature of the farm
  • Large, lawned garden with 2 unfenced ponds; terrace area with garden furniture and charcoal BBQ; open garage with table tennis; children should be supervised outside at all times
  • Private parking
  • Pub and shop 2 miles, beach 10 miles
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00
  • 2 dogs allowed. Additional charges may apply

Jackie Hammond

This property is personally managed by Jackie.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 25 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 stars5
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 5 starsOverall equipment 5 starsOverall equipment 5 starsOverall equipment 5 starsOverall equipment 5 stars5
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 5 starsOverall comfort 5 starsOverall comfort 5 starsOverall comfort 5 starsOverall comfort 5 stars5
Overall location
Overall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 stars4.9

Reviewed by Faye 20th April 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Wonderful week away staying at Gildridge House with family. Amazing house, extremely comfortable with everything that might be needed thought of. The pool and sauna were a real bonus and the surrounding garden and land stunning. Would highly recommend.

Reviewed by Iris 18th March 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Susan 11th March 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

A beautiful house with everything you need for a cosy break

Reviewed by G 28th September 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Gildridge House was such a great find for our multigenerational family holiday. It was extremely comfortable, very well equipped for catering and young children and offered loads of space to congregate together or break out to a separate area for some quiet time. The pool and sauna were a great hit with everyone. The grounds and local walks were exRead morecellent for little ones and older ones to let off some steam. We really enjoyed our time there and would certainly book it again if we were looking to holiday with our extended family in future. Hide

Reviewed by Daniela 17th September 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Your beautiful home brings families and friends, young and old, to celebrate love and togetherness. I wish I could have stayed longer, there was so much in your house to see and appreciate. Each time I looked, I saw something of interest! Thank you very much, I will forever treasure the memories and I am hope to return again.

Reviewed by John 12th September 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Excellent large roomy house comfortable very well equipt a really nice swimming pool plenty of outside space

Reviewed by Jonathan 5th September 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Excellent home with wonderful facilities. Everything was as it should be.

Reviewed by Harry D. 11th August 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Charlie 27th July 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Reviewed by Steven 29th June 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Fantastic property in a lovely location.Owner very approachable and helpful.Swimming pool a great asset.

Reviewed by Sarah 27th June 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Amazing house would highly recommend. Probably one of the cleanest properties weve been to, lovely bedding and towels. Swimming pool was great so big and all our grandchildren loved it especially with the steps in. Adults loved the sauna after swimming. Great welcome pack with a lovely cake. Washing machines, tumble dryers American fridge and largRead moree freezer was great. Will definitely go back one day. Hide

Reviewed by Terence 11th June 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The property was perfect for our family celebration,the location and setting is wonderful. We couldnt have wished for anything more.

Reviewed by Brian 15th May 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Gildridge House, Everything you need is there, The Pool the Grounds, The House all exceeded our expectations', we had a problem with the hot water, called the owner and within an hour or so this was sorted, We stayed for our 30th wedding anniversary with the children and grand children and there was so much space tRead morehat we were not on top of each other and everyone, the rooms were spacious and comfy, the kitchen is well equipped with two large fridges. would defiantly recommend to anyone looking for somewhere to stay without having the need to leave and just relaxing as it is so peaceful there. Hide

Reviewed by Alice & Ed 17th April 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

This house was fantastic for a group of friends and their children. All the rooms were large and the kitchen was really well appointed. So much space for people to chill out separately or all come together in the amazing dining or sun rooms. The owner was lovely and on site if we had any issues. The countryside and farm is beautiful with good walksRead more to good pubs. I cant wait until next time! Hide

Reviewed by Dorothy 6th April 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Lots of equipment and if with family many places to chill out.

Reviewed by Michael 23rd January 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Excellent location, very comfortably furnished and well equipped. Excellent facilities, ideal for families with young children. Close to Knock Hatch adventure park. We used it for a family celebration and had a wonderful time.

Reviewed by Lucy 13th January 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

A beautiful, historic and spacious house in gorgeous Sussex countryside. We stayed with several branches of our family and everyone was very comfortable. Well-equipped kitchen and bar with everything you need for a warm and welcoming family celebration (the reason we booked the house). Living room is comfortable with multiple sofas and chairs. DiniRead moreng room is impressive, double-height, seating ten comfortably with a further large table nearby that could be positioned for extra guests. Plenty of room in the conservatory as well including a table which seats eight. There is even a chess table, which our son and his grandpa enjoyed very much! Games cupboard and plenty of books with local interest. A real country-house feel. Our dog was also very happy here. For the dog-owners: the garden is fenced around the boundary but the driveway entrance is not gated but anyway dogs have to be on the lead outside because of the livestock in the fields. Hide

Reviewed by Andrea 29th October 2023

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

The owners were very helpful and the house is wonderful.

Reviewed by C 3rd October 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Our group of 9 ladies stayed at Gildridge house for our annual weekend away and the property was perfect. There was plenty of room for everyone to have their own space but also plenty of communal space for us to sit and chat. The owner was incredibly helpful and accommodating, from the beautiful welcome basket through to allowing us to leave the caRead morers at the property prior to our check in time in order for us to walk up to our pre booked wine tour at Henners Vineyard. We made great use of the pool, had a wonderful catered meal provided by Fab food for you, and enjoyed a nice (but long) walk to the local pub, The Brewers Arms in Herstmonceuax (the Sunday roast was amazing). We also visited Herstmonceux Castle, which was an absolute delight. The house itself was very well equipped, comfortable and very clean, it was everything we had hoped for and more. Hide

Reviewed by Malcolm 13th September 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We booked Gildridge House for my wifes 70th birthday and took the whole family. What a stunning property, a house that is set amongst the Sussex countryside and fields of animals. Everything was perfect from the en-suite bedrooms, to all the living accommodation (including a magnificent conservatory) and all the other facilities including a lovely Read moreswimming pool, table tennis, sauna and a great selection of toys for the children and games for all ages. In the kitchen, everything was catered for and the welcome basket on arrival was a lovely gesture. We genuinely could not find fault with Gildridge House - it exceeded our expectations and we had the most memorable of times and hope to return again at some point. Hide

Reviewed by Dawn 5th September 2023

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Gildridge House was ideal for our family get together, so much so that we are considering booking it again. There was plenty of space for twelve of us and we liked the fact that most bedrooms have en-suite facilities. The kitchen is very well-equipped and the barbecue we had one evening was great fun. Also, it was so good to have an indoor pool, whRead moreich was a big hit with everyone, especially the children. Hide

Reviewed by Paula 20th August 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

A perfect spacious and well equipped property for our family of 6 adults and 4 children. The swimming pool was a daily delight too.

Reviewed by Barbara 15th August 2023

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Reviewed by Sarah 10th July 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Clean and comfortable, all creature comforts provided for a relaxing and enjoyable stay

Reviewed by Jane 27th May 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

House was as described. Everything and more was provided at the house. Very comfortable, fantastic swimming pool. Great communication from Original cottages, would use again! Thank you.

23 more
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Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
The Travel Chapter Limited trading as Original Cottages is an appointed representative of ITC Compliance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (their registration number is 313486) and which is permitted to advise on and arrange general insurance contracts as an intermediary.
The Travel Chapter Limited trading as Original Cottages | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House Gammaton Road Bideford EX39 4DF Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.