A dreamy summer stay at Little Oak Treehouse

The hideaway was wonderfully easy to find, with the gated entrance opening onto a charming drive lined with sculptures. We passed three beautiful shepherd’s huts (Cala Lily, Douglas Fir, and Isla Rose) before arriving at our own personal parking space, where a wheelbarrow waited to help us carry our belongings to the hideaway (packing light has never been a strong suit). 

As soon as we opened the gate and started along the tree-lined pathway to the treehouse, festoon lighting twinkling overhead, we felt our worries float away on the fresh Sussex air. This is a place of quiet wonder, where every tangled corner of woodland sparks the imagination. And with nothing but the rustling trees and grass-topped fields for company, it’s a beautifully secluded oasis to step into. A few moments later, we emerged in the dappled clearing, with Little Oak Treehouse standing proudly beneath the swaying cover of an ancient oak tree.

The treehouse is pure magic. Flickering LED candles peppered the hideaway, inviting us to climb the wooden steps to the gorgeous balcony where the rugged trunk of the oak tree rose through the floor.

Arriving on the cusp of spring and summer, the woodland setting was alive with vibrant greens, with the golden rays of the setting sun casting the hideaway in a gilded glow. Pouring ourselves a glass of wine, we quickly settled into a moment of utter tranquillity as the sun dipped behind the trees at our back and the field ahead slowly sank into the peaceful cover of dusk. Climbing the stairs to our oh-so-cosy bedroom, we fell asleep to the delicate pitter-patter of rain falling on the woodland floor while Winnie dozed in the corner.

After a deeply restorative night in the sumptuous bed, we rose to find the hideaway dipped in a golden glow as the sun slowly climbed above the trees in the distance. Coffee in hand, it was the perfect way to start our first full day in Sussex. A breakfast of toasted crumpets and jam devoured, we set about planning our day. A wonderfully detailed book outlined the many fabulous things to see and do in the area, from fascinating castles and beautiful estates to the undulating South Downs National Park and its many breathtaking walks. After a long drive the day before, we quickly settled on stretching our legs with a climb to the famous Chanctonbury Ring.

It was a beautiful 10-minute drive to the car park at the base of the walk, with winding lanes and dappled drives building our excitement for the views to come. The walk up was surprisingly easy, with pretty woods inviting Winnie to put her nose to the test. A memorable moment was the discovery of an ancient tree, whose gnarled roots had been uncovered, leaving a very Tolkien-esque setting for a photo.

As we emerged from the woodland portion of our walk, we found ourselves high above the rolling hills of West Sussex and the South Downs National Park. The views were simply spectacular, covering miles upon miles of rural landscapes peppered with pretty farms and gatherings of trees.

A short walk later, we found ourselves approaching the fascinating Chanctonbury Ring. A prehistoric hill fort cloaked in a tangle of trees, the Ring has an air of the fantastical around it - not to mention the panoramic views that wrap around the hill. So high up, and visiting on a rather windy day, we were buffeted every which way on our walk around the copse of trees, driving us to join the other wind-ruffled visitors in taking shelter on the western side, where we paused in the grass for a cup of tea and a pork pie.

We passed many beautiful pubs on our way back, and as tempting as it was to dip in for a refreshing pint, Little Oak was calling us home. As soon as we sank into the comfy sofa with a glass of wine in one hand and a book in the other - and Winnie snoozing at our feet - we knew we had made the right choice. The afternoon light filtered through the trees in a dancing display, creating a most serene setting for some holiday reading. The downstairs living area is an utter dream, with every detail thoughtfully considered - we almost wished we had visited in the cooler months to give us an excuse to turn on the lovely gas heater and cast the space in flickering warmth.

Before long, our tummies started to rumble, and while our stuffed peppers and vine leaves were a tasty treat, the promise of a wood-fired dinner was hard to ignore. Although we make our own homemade pizza on a weekly basis, this was our first time using a pizza oven and boy, it did not disappoint. There were plenty of logs and kindling to help us get started, and before long, the flames were roaring and the pizza was in.

Feeling like a true chef, the pizza came out of the oven bubbling, and it took every ounce of self-control to let the mozzarella cool before tucking in. Oh. My. Goodness. From the lightly charred crust to the perfectly stringy cheese, every single bite sparked a display of flavours, all amplified by the woodsy smokiness from the oven. Safe to say, the pizza oven was a roaring success - even Winnie got to enjoy some crispy bites!

The next morning, it was nearly time to bid farewell to our pocket paradise. Determined to wring every last luxury from our stay, we enjoyed a leisurely morning soaking up the rural setting with some tabletop games and a bit of painting, trying (and failing) to capture the quiet beauty of our oasis. 

A storybook stay through and through, our time at Little Oak Treehouse was pure magic. Birdsong became the soundtrack to our peaceful adventure, crafting a melodious rhapsody that perfectly encapsulated the picturesque setting. While we brought books and games to occupy ourselves, we found most moments simply blending into one another as we sat and watched the local wildlife dip and dart across the field, the long grass swaying and dancing in the breeze.

As we drove away from Little Oak Treehouse, our thoughts immediately turned to future visits. From autumn’s russet hues to the promise of bluebells covering the woodland floor, there are many beautiful seasons yet to be experienced at this spellbinding hideaway, and we cannot wait to return.