What a slice of heaven we have found! After two glorious days, we couldn't wait to get home and share this gem with you. Charming, tranquil and, well, just perfect. Keep reading for our Glamp in Style Review...
Nestled at the bottom of a long (and bumpy) track, just past the cute little village of Netherfield, you find Netherfield Place Farm. In one of their fields sits the resplendent Ark - a lovingly converted horsebox. Even on a wet, windy and muddy day, we could tell that we had happened upon something special. We were welcomed and shown around by the delightful Becky who could not have been more helpful. It was clear from the first moments of our meeting that Becky (and her partner Dean) are dedicated and passionate about sharing their love of restoring old vehicles, sustainable living and the outdoors. It was lovely to arrive to a personal introduction and the perfect welcome treats of madeleines and Sussex Crisp Co crisps. The shelves were well stocked with tea, sugar (normal and brown coconut sugar), ground coffee, oil and salt and pepper.
The Ark has everything you could wish for, and more. Everywhere you look there is a feast for your eyes - cleverly repurposed kitchen units and dresser, beautiful objects, decorations and trinkets. I'm in love with the wallpaper choices and origami birds!
There is a double bed above the cab and three bunk beds. Unusually for quirky glamping experiences, the mattresses were amazing! They were so comfy and the scamps slept like logs. In a great design idea, if you are scamp-free and wanted to stay a little longer, the bunk beds fold away and that area functions as an office - free wifi so you are all set up!
Super warm shower, fluffy towels and an indoor toilet for nighttime wees - with an outdoor compost loo for the daytime - you are so secluded that there is no need to shut the door - what a view for a poo (sorry, TMI!!). The kitchen boasts a gas cooker, stove, fridge freezer, Alexa, Moroccan lighting, sofa and wood burner. Bring your laptop as there is also a projector and roll-down screen for cosying up for a movie night once you've finished your evening meal and fire.
Outside is a decking area out from the sitting area double doors, bean bags, camp chairs and on the ground is a fire pit. Most respendently around the back of the horsebox is a fabulous outdoor bath and hammock. I mean, what else is needed?
Did I mention the cows? No sooner had Becky left us to it when a herd of young cows arrived to say hello. Fear not, there is an unobtrusive electric fence to keep them away from you, but it was beautiful to see. They are friendly enough for a gentle stroke. After they had said their moos, they sat with us for a while, before collectively deciding that it was time to gallop (do cows gallop?) across the field and like that, they were gone. Surreal, but wonderful. They were literally the only company we had for our two-day stay.
In the height of season, Becky and Dean also have Renzo a converted expedition truck, but he was still tucked up when we stayed. They are also working on a fourth member of their vehicle menagerie - a bus that is currently in the mechanic's yard, with the third being their own 1973 Norwegian Bus (aka Toad - not currently available to rent and was home to Becky and Dean until relatively recently).
Set in 400 acres, there is plenty to do and explore onsite - beautiful woodlands and lots of walks. We took a 20 minute or so stroll through the lanes and fields to the Cafe in Netherfield for a delicious lunch before heading back to slow cook a beef brisket - quite a feat in pretty strong winds, but it was a triumph and the recipe will be up soon!
If you are looking for sparkily, pristine, glitzy and glam, then keep searching. If you are looking for an honest, authentic glamping experience, click on the link below and book yourself in - you won't regret it.
People have said to us, with raised eyebrows, "a horsebox?". Yes, a horsebox. But what a horsebox!
Thanks Becky and Dean!
Website: Glamp in Style
Cost £125 per night
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