Gildridge Country Estate — A Countryside Retreat for Gatherings, Getaways and Celebrations
Tucked away in the heart of the East Sussex countryside, Gildridge Country Estate is a spacious and welcoming home sleeping up to 20 guests. Perfect for family gatherings, milestone celebrations, or a relaxing weekend with friends, this charming property blends period character with modern comforts — all just 20 minutes from the coast.
Set on a private estate surrounded by rolling hills and walking trails, the house comes with a wealth of entertainment including a tennis court, private hot tub, karaoke machine, croquet, and more. Whether you're soaking in the bubbles or playing games in the garden, there's something for everyone here.
At a Glance
- Accommodates up to 20 guests across 6 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms
- Private hot tub
- Tennis court, croquet, table tennis, darts, karaoke & more
- Parking for 4 cars (plus free parking on nearby lane)
- Dog-friendly – up to 4 dogs welcome
- 100% payment is taken at the time of reservation
- 70% refund if cancelled 60+ days before arrival
Relax and Reconnect
Step inside to discover a home full of charm and character. From the original oak beams and decorative inglenook fireplaces to the large country kitchen and dining space that seats 20, every corner of Gildridge Country Estate is designed for comfort and connection.
The ground floor offers flexible living and socialising space, while the upstairs bedrooms provide a peaceful place to rest after a day of countryside adventures or coastal fun. The house is perfect for marking special occasions or simply spending time with the people you love.
The Bedrooms
There are six individually styled bedrooms
- 2 x king-size rooms
- 2 x king-size rooms with hotel quality sofa bed
- 1 double-size room
- 1 twin room
- 2 hotel quality sofa beds in living room
All bed linen and towels are provided, and we offer additional beds for greater flexibility if needed.
The Kitchen and Dining
The kitchen is fully equipped with everything needed to cater for a large group, including a dishwasher, washing machine, cooking utensils, and a generous fridge. Essentials such as dishwasher tablets, washing pods, coffee pods, instant coffee, tea and sugar are provided to get you started.
The adjoining dining room is made for gathering — comfortably seating up to 20 guests for breakfast, dinner, or a celebration feast.
Outdoor Living and On-Site Fun
The grounds of Gildridge are designed for laid-back outdoor living, whatever the season.
Access too:
- Private Hot Tub
- Tennis court with basketball net
- Football goal
- Brick BBQ
- Children’s climbing frame
- Table tennis, darts and croquet
- Karaoke machine for evening entertainment
Please note: Activities and facilities must be requested at least 48 hours in advance so we can prepare everything for your stay. Some facilities, including the tennis court and climbing frame, are shared with neighbouring properties.
Important Notes
- Due to insurance, log burners are not in use
- Fireworks are not permitted (due to animals nearby)
- Outdoor music is not allowed during quiet hours (9pm to 9am)
Location
Gildridge Country Estate is located near the charming village of Chiddingly, just 1.75 miles away, with its traditional pub, village hall, and real Sussex charm.
Nearby Lewes (8 miles) is perfect for a day out, with cobbled streets, independent shops, and a medieval castle. You’re also close to the coast, with Eastbourne just 12 miles away and Brighton 15 miles — both offering beaches, shops, restaurants and lively seafront scenes.
Walkers and cyclists will find a web of trails in every direction, including routes through the South Downs National Park. After a day exploring, you’ll love returning to the peace and privacy of the estate.
Getting Here
We recommend travelling by car due to the rural setting. There is plenty of parking on-site and good road access. If you don’t drive, local taxi firms such as Lewes District Cars and Streamline Taxis in Brighton are reliable. Uber also operates in Brighton and Eastbourne.
Lewes train station is around 20 minutes away, with direct trains to London, Brighton, and Eastbourne.
Booking and Payment
Full payment is taken at the time of booking to secure your dates. If you cancel at least 60 days before arrival, you’ll receive a 70% refund. Cancellations within 60 days are non-refundable.
Ready to Escape to the Country?
With room for up to 20 guests, dog-friendly grounds, and an unbeatable list of on-site facilities, Gildridge Country Estate offers a truly memorable stay in the Sussex countryside.
Pet Policy:
This cottage only allows (4) pets per stay.
Tennis Courts:
Tennis courts are available year-round and are shared with the two cottages in the grounds.
No pets are allowed in the tennis court.
Tennis court gates should be kept closed at all times for safety.
The courts are for tennis only. No bikes, skates, skateboards, scooters or other activities are permitted on the court at any time.
Children under the age of 10 must be supervised by an adult at all times.
HOT TUB RULES:
NO Pregnant women, children and those with heart disease
ASK your doctor before getting in if you take medicines or have medical condition
Don’t get in tub if you have open sores or wounds, or cuts, or diarrhea
SHOWER off particles, oils, fake tan, cosmetics, hair gels, etc…before getting in. Wearing of fake tan is not allowed as it will spoil the water for your stay and clog the filters. Charge for extra cleaning is a minimum of £100 as we would have to empty the tub, clean filters, clean hot tub, refill and reheat.
No drugs or alcohol. No food or drink.
Pets not allowed in the tub.
Keep your head, arms and upper chest out of the water to avoid overheating
Stay hydrated before getting into the hot tub
Get out if you feel dizzy, overheated, nauseous, or unwell
Close the lid when you are not using the tub to keep water temperature from falling.
Do Not sit, lay or stand on the hot tub cover. Damaged cover will be charged at £750.
Be careful when getting out so you don’t slip and fall. We accept no liability to anyone using the hot tub.
*Park at your own risk as management assumes no responsibility for any damage, theft, or loss that may occur while the vehicle is parked. Maximum 4 cars allowed to park on site. Extra cars are charged at £25 per night. There is plenty of free on street parking in Whitesmith Lane.
*Caution should be exercised when walking the grounds as there are several ponds on the property.
*Caution should be exercised as there are a lot of low oak beams in main house. Parts of which are over 400 years old.
Extra guests over 16 are charged at £70 per person per night.
