New to Vrbo in Summer 2025 - escape to the South Downs National Park and the rural and tranquil hamlet of East Chiltington - home of the award winning gastro pub, the Jolly Sportsman. Just one hour by train from London (Victoria, St Pancras International and London Bridge) and thirty minutes from Gatwick Airport, it couldn’t be easier getting here. There is also a convenient port of entry at Newhaven for international guests. Hut therapy is set among a network of footpaths and bridleways in glorious Sussex countryside - it is a haven for walkers and cyclists. You can approach the historic and picturesque town of Lewes by train from our nearest station at Plumpton, by car (4.1 m), or by foot along the South Downs National Trail or taking in East Chiltington parish and the Sussex Ouse Valley Way (4.8m). From Lewes, Glyndebourne Opera House and Brighton University’s Falmer Campus lie less than a mile and the coast is a short distance by road or train. The spectacular Cuckmere Haven and the Seven Sisters Heritage Coastline is well worth planning into your visit - alight at Seaford (for Seaford Head and walk along the cliff line to Burling Gap) or Eastbourne station and take the bus to Beachy Head and Cuckmere - wonderful for bird spotting and a gentle walk to the beach. Just 14 miles from the accommodation by car. The Heritage Coastline is inspiration for many artists, photographers, filmmakers- images of the Coastguard Cottages and the 7 Sisters are eponymous with this area. If you tire of beautiful scenery, inclusivity and free-thinking are not far away in Brighton, by train or park and ride. You’ll find majestic Regency squares and crescents, the iconic Royal Pavilion and pier and an abundance of independent shops, award-winning restaurants, cafés and bars as well as a buzzing night scene filled with live music and other entertainments. Other local visitor attractions within a 15 mile radius of the accommodation include National Trust properties - Sheffield Park, Monk’s House, Nymans, Standen and the Clergy House; Kew Gardens at Wakehurst Place and the Millenium Seed Bank; Charleston - home and studio of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant (Bloomsbury artists and writers), Farleys House & Gallery - home of photojournalist Lee Miller and surrealist artist Roland Penrose; magnificent gardens - Borde Hill, Leonardslee, Sussex Prairies; step back in time to the golden age of steam travel at the Bluebell Railway and Museum; or get up close to penguins and meerkats at Drusilla’s. Other activities include hang gliding and paragliding at Beddingham, Lewes, canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding at Cuckmere, sea fishing at Brighton, or enjoy a pint and hire a paddle boat along a pretty stretch of the River Ouse at Barcombe.
The accommodation sits in a network of footpaths and bridleways leading south to Blackcap (2m via Wooton & Warningore Farms) and Ditchling Beacon (4m via Long Wood and the Halfmoon pub) on the South Downs Way National Trail, or west to Plumpton Agricultural College (2.1m), the hamlets of Westmeston (3m) and Streat (1.5m) and the pretty artists' village of Ditchling (3.2m). Outside Brighton are other well known South Downs landmarks - the Devil’s Dyke and the Chattri.
For those without a car, your South Downs National Park experience begins as you leave the train at Plumpton, our nearest station - and walk cross country to the accommodation - an easy 20 minute walk - ask for instructions. (Alternatively, pick up a taxi from Lewes or Haywards Heath stations). Hut therapy is a place to unwind with optional WiFi in the hut to facilitate switching off mobiles, computers and other tech. The South Downs National Park is itself an International Dark Sky Reserve, perfect for stargazing.
Nestled under tree cover, the hut is built from re-purposed timbers and roof from an old Sussex barn and has recycled windows and doors. A feature wooden wall, wooden kitchenette with recycled Belfast sink, untreated wood floor, home-made soft furnishings complete the rustic look; there is no denying the grounding feeling you experience once inside. This quirky retreat features a double cabin bed and a firm, extra thick cotton-filled futon - a traditional Japanese mattress which transports you into deeper sleep. On winter nights draw the curtains around the bed and feel warm and cosy under wool and feather-filled duvets. The hut is well insulated and a convection heater warms the cabin in the morning, before climbing out of bed. The heating is simple but "does the job" of keeping you warm. The hut also has its own space-saving shower/wc, indoor seating and simple kitchen facilities including under worktop fridge, kettle and toaster. You will find all basic kitchen equipment required to prepare picnics, cold plates, make porridge oats or scratch cook a 1 pot meal. We take conscious eating seriously so you’ll find a single ceramic hob rather than microwave here. The hut also has a convenient washing machine and a rotary dryer in the garden; drying facilities inside the hosts' house are available outside the summer season by arrangement. The path leading to the hut’s private entrance winds its way through a beautiful garden, shared by hosts and guests. You are welcome to rest, read and chill in the garden. For those opting to switch off WiFi in the hut, you can get the best of worlds with WiFi available on the garden deck and owners' home during sociable day-light hours.
You will find a list of our favourite pubs and restaurants in the hut. But, if you yearn a break from restaurants and pub food, the host is a trained plant-based cook and health coach. Plant-based meals - breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals - are available on site as optional extras or please enquire about our half-board plant-based food option. The host is trained to tailor plant-based food to individual needs including diets prescribed by a doctor, dietician/nutritionist, or macrobiotic counsellor. Please enquire with your dietary needs or plan. Instruction in preparing a balanced plate of plant-based food using the 5 Elements is offered by the host and you are welcome to join her in her own kitchen to share cooking.
