The Cottage at Tovey Lodge, Ditchling

About this property

Stay at the foot of Ditchling Beacon and enjoy views directly to the South Downs

Ditchling Beacon is one of the well known landmarks in Sussex and the Cottage at Tovey Lodge is in the enviable position of being tucked away at the foot of the Beacon along the appropriately named Underhill Lane. It is a location that money just can't buy! This pretty cottage sits in the three acre grounds of Tovey Lodge the owner's own home and has incomparable views of the South Downs. It offers comfortable accommodation with an L shaped living and dining room with Freeview TV and a DVD player. The bedroom is a double, and has Freeview TV and comes with full ensuite facilities. The kitchen is fully equipped and guests are welcome to enjoy the grounds around Tovey Lodge.

Ditchling and beyond

The small and picturesque village of Ditchling lies at the foot of the South Downs half a mile north from the cottage. Its heart forms a crossroads which links with other nearby villages such as Hassocks and Keymer that also nestle at the foot of the Downs. Ditchling has remained unspoilt over the centuries and has many examples of period Tudor buildings. Wings Place is a fine Tudor building across the road from St Margarets church, once known as "Anne of Cleves House". The reason for this title is due to the house and its estates supposedly being given as part of the divorce settlement by King Henry viii to his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves although it is doubtful whether she ever stayed there. The house looks particularly imposing when viewed from the church with the backdrop of the downs immediately behind making a striking photograph. The village has kept the period tradition well and tea rooms such as Dolly's Pantry and Chesterton's the village deli fit so perfectly into these traditional village surroundings.

Ditchling Beacon is a short but testing climb from the cottage should you choose to walk it! At 248 metres (814 feet) it is the third highest point along the South Downs and offers fantastic views both along the Downs and north across the Sussex Weald. The South Downs Way passes through the Beacon giving you the opportunity to walk both east and west along this national trail virtually from your doorstep.

Head south over Ditchling Beacon and the Downs gradually slope away towards Brighton. It is a vibrant city with much to offer. It is lively and bustling with a lot of culture and many say it is quite unique. One of its most famous landmarks is the Royal Pavilion the spectacular seaside palace of the Prince Regent, (George 1V) and the Regency heritage of this period is much in evidence in the city.

Seven miles east, Lewes is the county town of East Sussex. Its castle overlooks the town and is open to visitors, as is the Barbican Museum opposite. In such an historic town there is much to see. Lewes is famous for its bonfire celebrations and each year these are attended by thousands of visitors. Visiting on the first Saturday of the month is recommended when a thriving Farmers' Market takes place with lots of delicious fare on offer.

Glyndebourne the world famous and world class opera house is a further three miles east from Lewes. Glyndebourne restarted and reinvigorated country house opera in England and today it offers unique presentations in the Sussex countryside attracting world leading performers. We provide a link into Glyndebourne from under our “What's On” heading should you want more information.

Places to Visit

Lewes Castle

Royal Pavillion Brighton

Sea Life Centre

What's On

Brighton Festivities - May

Lewes Bonfire Societies - November

Local shop — Ditchling 1/2 mile

Nearest supermarket — Hassocks 2 miles

Nearest restaurant — Ditchling 1/2 mile

Local pub — Ditchling 1/2 mile

Rail service — Hassocks service to London Victoria, London Bridge and Brighton

Gatwick Airport — 30 miles