Frances bought Copyhold Hollow in Lindfield in 1993 thinking she would "do it up", create a basis for a garden and then move on. She moved in on 3 September 1993 and on 4 September 1993 knew she would not be leaving, not even in a box. It took three and a half years of hard graft restoring the house before opening it as a bed and breakfast. She did most of the work herself, only handing over to others the plumbing, electrics and specialist repairs to the oak timber frame. The two acre garden had had little done to it since before the 1987 storm and some areas were inaccessible until she spent months with a friend, working with chainsaws, clearing the area. Finally, she put a sign outside advertising B & B and has not looked back.
Copyhold Hollow is run in an environmentally friendly way as possible; nothing is wasted, whether its watering the garden from water butts, switching off lights when not needed or coppicing the woodland to provide firewood.
Frances has always been very active in encouraging her visitors to leave the car at home and is able to provide information on a number of self- guided local walks, including the High Weald Landscape Trail which runs very close to the B & B. Many of these walks take you direct from her door to local pubs and cafes, helping other local businesses. Cycles routes will take you to quiet villages; those wanting to enjoy it at its unearthly best can join Frances during the summer months on a dawn ride, usually for about an hour. It is hilly terrain and visitors will be ready for the breakfast provided on their return.
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