You know those stays that make you pinch yourself because you can’t quite believe you’re really there? The Treehouse at Castle Cottage in West Sussex is one of them. Perched amid the branches of a majestic sweet chestnut tree and set on the grounds of the old Gothic Coates Castle, this little wooden world feels like it came straight from a storybook.
You reach it by climbing a sturdy stairway—nothing overly dramatic, but enough to signal that ordinary life is being left below. At the top, French doors open into a space that breathes forest. The chestnut tree trunk grows smack through the middle, ribs of it pushing through walls and ceiling, branches unfurling around you. The bed sits cozy by the trunk, windows framing green, dappled light, shadows moving slowly across wood.
Inside, the balance between rustic charm and comfort is deliberate. It’s not “roughing it” — far from it. The en suite shower room includes a glass roof, letting you shower under sky’s tease while staying dry when rain falls (yes, the English weather tries). Thoughtful touches: quality linens, subtle lighting, clever use of wood and glass. All made to feel both snug and spacious.
Stepping outside, the wraparound balcony is its own stage. Swing seats, soft wood underfoot, views over woodland and a quiet pond—this is where morning coffee gives your thoughts room to stretch. Birdsong, wind, leaf shimmer. At dusk, lantern light might flicker, fireflies dance in the periphery. It’s easy to find a moment you never want to leave.
The Treehouse accommodates two—perfect for a couples’ escape. There’s no crowd, no bustle. If you're craving privacy and quiet, this is your kind of place. The location in the South Downs National Park adds dimensions: walking trails, heritage landscapes, rhythm of seasons.
Rates begin around €190 per night, with a minimum two-night stay on weekends. Included is a sumptuous breakfast, served in the heated conservatory of the main Castle Cottage. Think warm pastries, local produce, tea or coffee beside windows that look out on garden and treehouse.
Is it worth it? If you appreciate details—the way wood warms skin, how shadows travel, how the line between home and forest can blur—then yes. This is not just a place to sleep. It’s a place to slow, unfold, remember. If I were you, I’d bring good socks, a journal, maybe a bottle of wine. Let the treehouse hold you awhile.
Add a review