Lakeside Retreat (3 at Wonderland Festival Retreat)
UK England South East England West Sussex Wonderland Festival Retreat
Step into our dreamy holiday destination to escape & discover. 2 quirky spaces, a rustic barn conversion or colourful Tiny House, joined by a beautifully lit courtyard complete with outdoor speakers, dining area, pizza oven, bbq, ping pong & cosy firebowl lounge, sleeps 12
The Owner Says
All set in breath-taking lakeside gardens with treehouse & hammocks with boats to enjoy the lake, wild swimming, a lakeside Spa Area with Hot Tub, Sauna and pontoon. Available to book separately is a Night Club style party-barn!
The Lake House is a gorgeous rustic barn conversion with a dining table to accommodate 12 people, full kitchen and sleeping accommodation across two double bedrooms, a twin and a single bedroom. Extra guests above the maximum on the listing are possible within this space.
The Wendy House next door is a cute designer cabin with fresh, colourful decor sleeping 4 - 6 people in two double mezzanine bedrooms and a pull-out sofa-bed downstairs, a mini kitchen and shower bathroom. Both look out across a stunning lake in the West Sussex countryside with views out to the Downs, and joined by a large entertaining courtyard between them. The courtyard is your private outdoor entertaining space during your stay and contains a number of amenities which can be used or added to your stay. A large dining table for 20 people is available to use, a seating area with a firebowl (we can supply bags of logs for £15 each), and a pizza oven (bookable for £30 per use and with the option of adding dough, sauce and cheese too), and a gas BBQ which can be added for £20. There is also a ping-pong table you're welcome to use, and outdoor speakers connected via Bluetooth.Down on the lakeside is a Spa deck containing lots of outdoor seating and a pontoon next to it also with seating on it, plus a Hot Tub and Sauna. This is available for 2 hour sessions for your guests to use for £20 per guest.
In another area nearby there is a evening party space with a sound system, bar and dance floor which can be seperately booked which can be added to your stay for £25 per person. The Lake House has a large kitchen with electric and gas range, large lounge with lake views, & dining for 12 - 20 guests (with an extension) down one long table.
Across the two houses there are 3 bathrooms - one downstairs in the Lake House with a Bath, a bathroom with a shower in the Wendy House and a toilet upstairs in the Lake House and a bath in the master bedroom.There is also Wifi, an American fridge-freezer, Sonos music system across the spaces, a TV in the Wendy House and projector in the Lake House.
Staying at Wonderland is like having your own private wildlife park to enjoy for your stay and there are wandering peacocks, chickens, ducks, geese, the occasional swan, pheasant and resident kingfisher. Nature is all around you - there are no human sounds – only birds and animals. There is so much relaxed enjoyment for you, from reclining in a hammock, swimming or boating on the lake (you’re also welcome to fish on the lake if you have your own rod), ball games on the field, having a game of giant chess on the Spa deck, a picnic in the treehouse, roasting marshmallows around a firebowl or going for some of the glorious and numerous footpath walks around the area.
Please respect the peace and tranquility so no fireworks or loud noises and be mindful of voice levels, refrain from shouting and any loud noise outside, especially at night when noise really travels. Guests are welcome to enjoy the courtyard garden next to the House, and the lake in front of it. Boats are available to use. The House has a view directly onto the lake, and in front of it is a tree with a double-decker tree-house which makes for a lovely viewing spot over the South Downs.
Spa and Pamper services are available to arrange locally too.The village of Henfield is a 20 minute walk away, and the South Downs way (5 minute walk) is an ideal cycle track, taking you towards Partridge Green in one direction and Steyning in the other.
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About Wonderland Festival Retreat
Suitable For
Suitable for romantic retreats for 2 in the Dome, Shepherds hut and Airstream, groups of 4 in the Wendy House, and Big groups of 12 – 16 – 55 for parties and weddings. No age restrictions and we allow dogs with special permission.Nearby
A walk around the area is a great way to get a sense of the landscape and scenery. There is an excellent walk featuring our property (Rye Farm) on this website link that can be done straight from the house;https://horshammuseum.org/learn/heritage-trails/trails/henfield-river-heritage-trail
Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens are 20 minutes away
You can see their herd of Wallabies, walk the stunning gardens, enjoy afternoon tea or dinner in their Michelin starred restaurant, and see an incredible miniature world at the Dolls House Museum.
Knepp Wildland is 15 minutes away and open all year round and is a pioneering conservation project that is an incredible success story attracting visitors globally who hope to see one of the pairs of nesting storks or the beavers that have reintroduced themselves into this wetland nature paradise.
A fun way to learn more about the estate's unique landscape and rewilding project is to go on a vehicle-based safari trip or a guided walking tour. visit kneppsafaris.co.uk for more info.
Cider tap room near Cowfold called Wobblegate.
Mannings Heath wine tasting was recommended to me by some recent guests. You get a tour of the vineyard by golf buggy and 5 wines to taste for £20.
Food & Drink
The Royal Oak is a traditional oak beamed pub – fantastic Sunday lunches – in Wineham also a ten-minute drive towards Haywards Heath.
For the best gastro pub head to the Ginger Fox. Only ten minutes away it is by far the yummiest in the area. However, do book first as it's popular!
The Wheatsheaf is newly refurbished, laid-back but still nicely styled and does excellent Brazilian food (thanks to the Brazillian Chef)!
West Sussex is growing in reputation for its vineyards - especially for sparkling wine. Bolney Winery and Café is open every day and you can arrange a tour, or book one of their food and wine evenings - check their website for details and be sure to book for the tours (drop-in for the cafe).
POST OFFICE CAFE - High Street, Henfield BN5 9DD
From yummy filling Breakfasts, to lovely Lunches and Afternoon Tea. Also licensed for a glass of wine with lunch or fizz with breakfast!THE BULL INN - The Bull Inn, Mock Bridge, London Road, Henfield, West Sussex, BN5 9AD
A traditional family inn, with longer opening hours than other pubs, situated just north of Henfield, known for its wide range of freshly baked gourmet (and very unusual flavoured - onion bahji and poppodum!) pizzas and spacious beer garden.THE OLD RAILWAY - Upper Station Road, Henfield, BN5 9PJ
The closest pub from your stay, and a 10 minute walk away