2 Luxury Treehouses in Sussex: For the Perfect Family or Romantic Staycation

The world is a crazy place and we’re surrounded by real-world dramas 24/7 whether it’s via our phones or the TV. So, when you need to get away from the incessant crackle of modern life to somewhere free from crowds (yet not too isolated), and affordable (but with all the comforts of a five-star hotel), we’ve two Sussex treehouses that fit the bill nicely.

Tinkers Treehouse and Oakey Koakey Treehouse in Ticehurst, East Sussex are part of the wonderful Downash Wood family of unique Sussex glamping stays. And both promise a wildly uplifting, safe and slower-paced staycation for couples and families.

Ad: Produced in collaboration with Downash Wood Treehouses

Downash Wood is a private woodland sitting in 33-acres of land in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty brushing the Kent border, just an hour outside of London, in the lovely village of Ticehurst, East Sussex.

It’s here, knitted into 5-acres of remote woods, that you’ll find the two treehouses that make up Downash Wood: Tinker’s Treehouse and The Oakey Koakey Treehouse. Each treehouse rests intimately amongst the Sussex trees in its own remote setting, shielded from the other, whilst the cabin sits secluded in its own grassy nook, sheltered by mature oaks and willow trees.

Also on site, but in private settings of there own, are four sweet cabins for couples: Willow the Wisp Cabin, Coddiwomple Cabin, Hidey-Hole Cabin and Daisy Chain Cabin.

At the end of the field adjoining Downash Wood is Bewl Water Reservoir – a popular country park where you can walk, cycle, kayak and swim. But despite the park being busy, the only noise you’ll hear whilst resting in the treehouses are the sounds of the birds. And the only neighbours you’ll see are deer – or, if you’re lucky, badgers.

Should you wish to branch out from your treehouse stay, the seaside towns of Hastings, Rye and Camber Sands turn the volume up with their salt-air zip and zing. Head north and you’ll reach the elegant town of Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Nearest train stations (both with direct train services from London in just over 1 hour):

Stonegate 3.5 miles away

Wadhurst which is 5 miles away

FIND THE TREEHOUSES: ///notes.teaches.soggy 

Tinker’s Treehouse sleeps 2 adults and was the first treehouse Stephen and Jane opened in 2017. It’s a hideaway resting peacefully amongst large Oaks, Aspen and Silver Birch, set on sturdy legs over wood chipped ground.

Wooden stairs take you up to the secluded sun deck of this Sussex treehouse, whilst glass doors usher you inside. And once inside, the sense of calm is equally abundant. The warm handcrafted wooden interior is neat: it’s a smartly-furnished and cleverly used space, with apartment-like dimensions (6 metres wide, 6 metres long, 4 metres high).

At one end, there’s an airy fitted kitchen with everything you need to dine in, at the other (tucked into a wood-panelled alcove) there’s a downy king-sized bed. There’s also an open-plan living space, complete with fur rug, wool throws and doughy leather sofa, as well as a separate modern bathroom, which floods with sunlight and boasts a waterfall shower.

But don’t just take our word for it, ask the five couples who became engaged here, the 12 honeymooners who chose it for their special celebration, or the lovebirds who keep coming back year after year.

• All Bed linen and towels provided
• Underfloor heating throughout
• 1 king-sized bed
• Oven and hob
• Fridge with freezer compartment
• Kettle and toaster
• We provide teas, instant coffee, freshly ground locally roasted coffee, sugar, fresh milk and juices and cooking oil, salt and pepper
• All cooking utensils, pots, pans and crockery and cutlery provided
• BBQ firepit
• Mains connected flushing toilet
• Rainfall shower
• Sink in bathroom
• Log burner inside
• Breakfast hampers provided on request

The Oakey Koakey Treehouse sleeps up to 4 (2 adults & 2 children) certainly knows how to make an impression on the young at heart. A rope-style walkway leads you up to this cantilevered family retreat in true treehouse fashion. The sprawling sundeck and glass balustrade give you the first ‘wow’ moment – and if you can peel yourself off the comfy sundeck chairs, you’ll get the second when you head indoors.

Inside this Sussex treehouse, Scandinavian-style beauty awaits: distressed Oak wooden walls blend seamlessly with the Oak wood doors and smoked Oak flooring with fresh walls painted with Farrow and Ball. The warm open-plan interior is dressed like a boutique hotel with contemporary furniture, wool throws, fluffy rugs, oak detailing and an oak leaf chandelier.

There is a sense of playfulness here, too. The separate children’s bunk room is hung with bird boxes and a silver birch ladder takes little ones from bottom to top bunk in a few childlike steps. There are colour-changing lights above the beds and there’s even a bluebell backdrop in the bathroom; so you can shower knowing Mother Nature has your back.

Outside, a private meadow swims with grasses and wildflowers making it the ideal playground for the whole family. Then when night falls, you can gather around the outdoor BBQ fire pit, toasting marshmallows and counting your lucky stars.

• One king-size double and two children’s bunks
• All Bed linen and towels provided
• Underfloor heating throughout
• 1 king-sized bed
• Oven and hob
• Fridge with freezer compartment
• Kettle and toaster
• We provide teas, instant coffee, freshly ground locally roasted coffee, sugar, fresh milk and juices and cooking oil, salt and pepper
• All cooking utensils, pots, pans and crockery and cutlery provided
• BBQ firepit
• Mains connected flushing toilet
• Rainfall shower
• Sink in bathroom
• Log burner inside
• TV in children’s room with Freeview
• Breakfast hampers provided on request