Snowdrop Cottage - a beautiful cottage in the heart of Ditchling village

Ditchling is one of Sussex’s prettiest villages; surrounded by a dramatic landscape of rolling Downland hills and patchwork fields below vast, open skies. This beautiful holiday cottage sits in its midst, with floral gardens, a homely and spacious interior and two double bedrooms to sleep four people in complete comfort. The peace and luxury of your surroundings will allow you and your party to fully recharge away from the hubbub of city life.

Ditchling is nestled into the South Downs National Park close to the neighbouring villages of Keymer and Hassocks and just 8-miles north from the City of Brighton & Hove. The historic County Town of Lewes is just 7-miles east and the coast is just 20-minutes away by car where you’ll find the pleasure beaches at Brighton or the quieter rock-pools and cafes of Rottingdean and Ovingdean.

Directly from Ditchling there are some beautiful countryside walks to be enjoyed with the South Downs Way clearly marked on any map. Scale the beacon to enjoy some of the most spectacular views over the county then walk over the ridge to the Jack & Jill Windmills before taking the gentle path down to the Jack & Jill pub for a hearty roast dinner.

For lovers of fine wine, look no further than Ridgeview Vineyard at Ditchling Common. From guided tours to relaxed wine tastings, or a bite to eat at The Rows and Vine, Ridgeview offers a journey of joyful discovery. Plan your visit to their breath-taking wine estate where their motto that ‘Life is for Celebrating’ truly comes alive.

Visit the nationally renowned Ditchling Museum of Art & Craft which is host to a lively programme of events and exhibitions held throughout the year. Likewise, The Turner Dumbrell workshops are home to many resident artists and craftspeople who open their doors during the Artists’ Open House Trail during the May Brighton Festival. Biannually, a fair has been held in the village since 1312, bringing the whole village together – both residents and visitors alike, to celebrate the rich traditions and keep the stories of Ditchling alive.
From Brighton you sweep into the village down the famous Ditchling Beacon Road with its twists and turns most recognised by those brave enough to take on the hill during the annual London to Brighton Bike Ride. Parking is free on North End or High Street or within the Health Centre Car-park opposite The Bull which has 30-plus spaces and is just four-minutes on foot from Snowdrop Cottage. Hassocks Station is just 5-minutes in a cab for those without personal transport.

If you are lucky enough to be visiting Snowdrop Cottage early in the year, you will be greeted by a field of snowdrops within the front garden of this quaint cottage which takes its name from this seasonal spectacle. Later in the year, but the front and rear gardens are awash with roses and beautiful blooms to welcome you into your holiday home. The lawn offers the ideal spot to sit out in the evening sunshine due to its westerly aspect and it feels remarkably private.

Stepping inside, the cottage is far more spacious than its sweet exterior implies, with a line of sight through the dining room to the gorgeous garden via a wall of bi-folding doors. The sitting room is homely with soft furnishings and a gas-powered stove for warmth and atmosphere during the cooler seasons. There is ample space to cosy up and play games in the evening or watch a moving or streaming service on the wall-mounted, flat screen Smart TV. Complementary WiFi provided as standard.

Moving through to the dining room, a generous table awaits for serving sociable home-cooked meals and drinks which can spill outside during summer. The garden more than doubles the entertaining space and with an open southerly aspect, it receives plenty of sunshine.

If you’re cooking for family or friends, the kitchen is well-equipped with every appliance you could need to whip up a delicious meal to be paired with an English sparkling wine purchased from any one of the local vineyards. There is a good range of crockery, glassware, cutlery, cooking utensils and pans, plus tea, coffee and milk will also be provided. Should you need anything in particular, or have any special dietary requirements, please ask and we will make every effort to accommodate.

Upstairs, there are two comfortable double bedrooms dressed in quality linens. Both rooms have deep hybrid mattress with plump pillows and season appropriate duvets, and once again, it feels deceptively spacious and light up here. Tranquil, leafy views fill each room and there is plenty of clothes storage. Nearby, the bathroom is immaculate with a modern take on a cottage style. A rainfall shower sits over the bath to fully revive you after a long hike over the hills.

The village setting is ultimately peaceful, so whatever time you fall into bed, you can ensure a truly restful night’s sleep.

Public footpaths and bridleways lead directly from the village allowing you to explore the South Downs National Park for a long hike; a simple picnic while drinking in the views or to seek out one of the many country pubs along the way. There are farm shops within walking distance selling local food, drinks and wares, or the City of Brighton & Hove is just 10-minutes by car. Ditchling is host to a number of award-winning foodie-pubs, cafes and shops of its own which will take you a full weekend to experience – so no need to venture too far.

Whether you’re looking for a family holiday, a romantic getaway or a weekend away with friends, this country abode provides the perfect base for your self-catering stay.