We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
Situated in the heart of Sussex, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Horncombe Stables is set within the 50 acres of Horncombe, a 14th-century hunting lodge. This first floor apartment is set at the end of a long drive overlooking fields and woodland that are a haven for wildlife, including herds of deer. There are footpaths leading from the doorstep which lead you through the owners 50 acres of woodland, and across the stream. In a peaceful rural area, on the outskirts of Ardingly in mid Sussex, the property is conveniently located for attending events taking place at the South of England Showground, including the international antiques and collectors fair. There is also clay pigeon shooting and horse riding, which can be arranged locally.
Wakehurst Place, ’Kew in the Country’ is cl...Situated in the heart of Sussex, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Horncombe Stables is set within the 50 acres of Horncombe, a 14th-century hunting lodge. This first floor apartment is set at the end of a long drive overlooking fields and woodland that are a haven for wildlife, including herds of deer. There are footpaths leading from the doorstep which lead you through the owners 50 acres of woodland, and across the stream. In a peaceful rural area, on the outskirts of Ardingly in mid Sussex, the property is conveniently located for attending events taking place at the South of England Showground, including the international antiques and collectors fair. There is also clay pigeon shooting and horse riding, which can be arranged locally.
Wakehurst Place, ’Kew in the Country’ is close by and home to the Millennium Seed Bank, the largest wild plant seed bank in the world. Birdwatchers, fishermen, nature lovers and those who enjoy water sports will love Ardingly Reservoir and designated a nature reserve. Take a step back in time and hop aboard the steam train at the Bluebell Railway, which travels 11 miles along the border between east and west Sussex. Ashdown Forest is close by, home of Winnie the Pooh, The Hundred Acre Wood and Pooh Bridge. Gatwick is also nearby, with easy access to London via the Gatwick Express. Beach 23 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
External open-tread stairs to entrance. All on the first floor.
Sloping ceilings throughout.
Open plan living space.
Living area: With 42' Freeview TV and DVD player.
Dining area.
Kitchen area: With electric oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge/freezer and dishwasher.
Bedroom 1: With king size bed, z-bed (for child) or cot and en-suite with shower cubicle, toilet and heated towel rail.
Bedroom 2: With kingsize bed and en-suite with shower cubicle, toilet and heated towel rail.
Oil central heating, gas, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Travel cot and highchair. Welcome pack. External utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer. Terrace with garden furniture and barbecue. 50-acre grounds with woodland and farmland (shared with owner). Private parking for 2 cars. No smoking. Please note: There are two external sets of stairs, one opening to the kitchen and one opening into bedroom 1. There are sloping banks in the garden and an unfenced stream, 100 yards away.
House Rules
Pet-friendlyKid friendlyNo smoking
No parties
Bedrooms
2 Queens1 Twin1 Crib
Bathrooms
2 Attached (ensuite)
Meet the host
Ronnie D
Hosting since July 2017
Languages spoken: English
Response Rate: 80%
Response Time: Within a day
Interaction with guests:Â We live in the main house on site and we will greet you on arrival. We will be available at any time should you need us
The apartment was comfortable and beautifully situated in peaceful country surroundings. the hosts has provided everything possible -plus a few extra goodies, which we certainly had not expected.
We were able to visit all the places we wanted to get to easily - Horsham, Lingfield and Wisley Garden. Wakehurst with the Millennium Seed Bank was on the doorstep and a wonderfully interesting place to go.
We needed more time this time to visit other places which are within reach, and we will certainly go again as soon as we are able. If we lived nearer we would go as often as possible.
Visited June 2022
Written August 14, 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
799ronnie
Thank you for this lovely review. It was a pleasure to welcome you to Horncombe and we are so pleased you enjoyed your stay with us. We look forward to welcoming you back in June.
Ronnie and Martin
Written August 20, 2022. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nicola J
1 contribution
Outstanding accommodation
Probably the most tranquil and peaceful place we have ever stayed. Beautiful surroundings with wild deer walking past the window. Very well appointed accommodation which was clean and comfortable. lovely welcome pack with lots of extra's which we really enjoyed and beautiful flowers as well. Lots of lovely walks nearby including Ashdown forest. We visited Sheffield park and Wakehurst gardens which were very close by. We hope to visit again as soon as we can.
Visited May 2021
Written June 8, 2021. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
799ronnie
Thank you so much for your great review. We really appreciate your comments and hope you will come to stay again soon.
Written July 6, 2021. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Thomas B
5 contributions
A comfortable place to stay with delightful birdsong all around
Our visit to the Horncombe stables was our first stay away from home for several months, and our first meeting with one of daughters. The accommodation was ideal, especially because we had both developed an interest in bird song during the lockdown. During our visit we visited Knepp twice - where we heard cuckoos and nightingales, and also admired the storks. We also visited Nymans, where the azaleas and rhododendrons were in full flower. Allin all, we had a wonderful time in this beautiful part of England, despite some very unseasonal stormy weather.
Visited May 2021
Written May 27, 2021. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
799ronnie
Hi Thomas
Thank you for your lovely review. We are so pleased you enjoyed your stay with us. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Ronnie and Martin
Written July 6, 2021. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
VB
West Midlands, United Kingdom1 contribution
Idyllic weekend getaway
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Horncombe Stables, the family who run it made us feel so very welcome right from the outset. The top floor gives wonderful views to the woods and across the fields where the deer roam, and it has all the amenities you could wish for. My 9 year old daughter enjoyed patting the ponies and the freedom to play outside in the wood and we all enjoyed the happy co-incidence of arriving on the day of the local duck race! We booked owing to the properties close proximity to Wakehurst Place, but left feeling that it didn't matter what was nearby, it would be nice just to go back to The Stables. Thank you for a lovely stay, we thoroughtly recommend your apartment and hospitality.
Visited May 2021
Written May 7, 2021. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
799ronnie
Thank you very much for your great review. We really appreciate your comments and hope you will come to stay with us again soon.
Ronnie and Martin
Written July 6, 2021. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ruth H
3 contributions
Lovely
What an amazing place, beautiful location very uplifting. You can walk from the cottage into the woods.
Visited August 2020
Written August 31, 2020. This review is the subjective opinion of an individual traveler and not of Tripadvisor LLC nor of its partners. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
799ronnie
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. Take care.
Ronnie and Martin
Written May 8, 2021. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
edwinaelliott
Chelmsford, United Kingdom1 contribution
Idyllic stay in the country
My daughter, dog and I arrived for our 3 night stay. The place was spotless, comfy and spacious.
So many little but appreciated extras like a dog bed and bowls for Bella, a very generous welcome basket full of goodies, even fresh eggs and milk! The beautiful vase of fresh flowers was a lovely touch and we were warmly welcomed by our hosts and their two gorgeous dogs.
So many places to visit and take walks that we will definitely return to this area and look forward to staying here again, waking to the sight of deer and horses grazing nearby.
Visited August 2020
Written August 28, 2020. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
799ronnie
Thank you, Edwina, for your lovely review. We enjoyed having you stay and hope to welcome you back to Horncombe soon.
Written May 8, 2021. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Go363982
1 contribution
An idyllic retreat in the beautiful West Sussex caountryside
Horncombe stables is a charming retreat in the beautiful West Sussex countryside and owners Ronnie and Martin make every effort to ensure an enjoyable stay. There is nothing to break the tranquillity but the cackling of pheasants and the screeching of owls in the night.
The apartment is spacious, airy and well equipped. If you insist on self catering you have all the facilities, if you want to barbecue it's no problem and if you want to venture out in search of good food or a good pint there's a choice of typically lovely British pubs within a few minutes drive.
The description of the property and the local amenities are accurately presented in the advertisement. I can happily recommend Horncombe Stables.
Visited June 2019
Written January 28, 2020. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
799ronnie
Thank you so much for this lovely review. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your stay with us. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Best wishes
Ronnie and Martin
Written May 8, 2021. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sjcjrd13
2 contributions
Fantastic
Fabulous stay in a wonderful environment with very welcoming hosts. Beautiful scenery and spotlessly clean, comfortable accommodation. I would highly recommend!
Visited August 2019
Written August 15, 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of an individual traveler and not of Tripadvisor LLC nor of its partners. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
799ronnie
Dear Jane,
Thank you so much for this great review. We really appreciate your comments. Hope the exam results were good! Best wishes to you all.
Ronnie and Martin
Written August 15, 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Martin B
Felixstowe, United Kingdom367 contributions
Beautiful Horncombe Stables
We stayed at Horncombe Stables last August with a couple of friends (sorry for the late review!). It's a lovely place to stay, with deer roaming the grounds and two adorable donkeys in the field outside. Very clean accommodation with good sized en suite bedrooms. The owners live one minute's walk away in a picturesque house and their daughter lives on the ground floor of the holiday cottage. They were all very friendly without being intrusive, and both owned lovely friendly dogs. It is situated off the main road down a winding country lane and is very secluded so it's a very peaceful place to stay and the coast is only about half an hour's drive away. We would highly recommend this property and would certainly stay here again if visiting the area.
Visited August 2018
Written February 19, 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
799ronnie
Thank you so much for this great review. We really appreciate you taking the time. We all loved having you stay and look forward to welcoming you back to Horncombe soon.
Ronnie, Martin, Mandy and Jenson
Written February 20, 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Maxine10
84 contributions
Nature Paradise
We booked this holiday let direct with the owners - Martin & Ronnie whom we found via their website.
On arrival we we stunned by the fantastic setting and the herd of around 100 deer just sitting in the field along the owners drive. We knew their website mentioned deer, but we really didnt expect to see so many and so easily!
Martin met us and showed up to the Stables. The photos do not do this place justice. Its well finished with quality, comfy, fittings and well equipped. Yes there are some sloping ceilings, but we had no issues what so ever.
We stayed here as we were working in the area, but we really enjoyed the time we had off and loved watching the masses of nature around the property. The deer can be seen at least every day and we also had a daily visit from a large buzzard. There are masses of birds, squirrels, pheasants & ducks too. The shetlands are gorgeous and we loved the visits from the labradors as well.
We hope to return again next year.
Visited January 2019
Written January 26, 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
799ronnie
Dear Fiona and Tim,
We really appreciate you taking time in your busy life to write this great review. It was lovely to have you come and stay and that you loved Horncombe as much as we do. We will certainly take more photos of the wildlife which we tend to take for granted!.
Hope you had a successful show and that you will come back and see us next year.
Take care
Ronnie and Martin
Written January 29, 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Stables are situated in a lovely valley surrounded by woods and fields. It is a secluded escape to the country but not far from pubs and in driving distance to a couple of nice villages/towns. The beautiful gardens at Wakehurst Place, Standen, Nymans, Sheffield Park and the steam trains at the Bluebell Railway are located nearby and Ashdown Forest is within a 30 minute drive. For walkers and cyclists there is also the Worth Way, the Forest Way and Deers Leap Park for mountain biking. Tunbridge Wells and Brighton are both approx an hour's drive away.
Getting around
A car is necessary. There is a train station at Haywards Heath about 15 minutes away and the Gatwick Express to London about 30 minute away.
Buses run from Ardingly to Brighton and Crawley.
Please contact us if you would like us to find out any details.
Access
Car required
How to get there
Travelling South on the M23 take the exit after the Gatwick exit and follow the signs to Wakehurst. On reaching Wakehurst carry straight on and you will see the South of England Showground on the right. Between the 30 mph sign and the Ardingly sign turn left into Cob Lane go down the very steep hill and over the little bridge at the bottom turn left into Horncombe's drive. You will find the Stables at the end of the drive.
100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).
50% refund* if you cancel at least 4 weeks before check-in
25% refund* if you cancel at least 2 weeks before check-in
No refund available if you cancel thereafter
*Booking fee is excluded from refund amount
About this property
First, check the Availability tab on this page to see if your dates are available. If they are, contact the owner via the Tripadvisor Rental Inbox to confirm availability.
Initially, you may contact the owner via the Tripadvisor Rental Inbox. This inbox is created after you send your first message or booking request to the owner. After you've made your first payment, you'll be able to see the owner's contact information.
This owner will contact you via the Tripadvisor Rental Inbox.
You can send another message via the Tripadvisor Rental Inbox to ask if the property is still available.
For this property, please use a credit card to pay via the Tripadvisor Rental Inbox. Once the owner approves your stay, he or she will send you a quote, which will include payment instructions.
Yes. Payments made via the Tripadvisor inbox are covered by our Payment Protection.
All bookings are direct with the owner 