Woodpecker Barn is an elegantly converted 17th Century timber framed-building situated about 5 miles south of the spa town of Tunbridge Wells. The Barn is one of 5 properties which originally formed Wickhurst Farm and although all of the buildings are now converted for residential use, the surrounding fields are still farmed. It lays well back from the nearest country road in a beautiful and tranquil position and Martin, a retired musician and Halla, his Icelandic wife, are keen for others to share the relaxing atmosphere of Woodpecker Barn.
Within striking distance are excellent opportunities for walking, cycling and even rock climbing for the adventurous.
Kent and East Sussex are blessed with a multitude of country houses to visit, castles and some splendid gardens. There are also many lovely villages to discover (Goudhurst and Mayfield to name but two) and some hidden gems such as the tiny church at Tudely with stained glass windows by Chagall, and Finchcocks, the keybord instruments museum near Goudhurst.
Being in the heart of the High Weald, Woodpecker Barn is surrounded by some lovely countryside - gentle rolling hills so typical of the area, dotted with oast houses and timber-framed barns and plenty of farmed land. There is a wealth of excellent walking in the vicinity, some of it immediately outside of Woodpecker Barn - a circular walk of 5 miles to the local pub in Cousley Wood takes you across fields, a couple of farms and hamlets. There are several variations to try on this walk to make it shorter or longer and also an extension down to the shores of Bewl Water reservoir. Martin & Halla, who are keen walkers, can offer advice if need be and there is also a collection of books and pamphlets on walking in Kent and East Sussex at the Barn. Nearby Bedgebury Pinetum has bikes for hire and courses that wind there way through the wonderful trees that make up the Pinetum. If it's road cycling you want then Martin (an enthusiastic but ageing cyclist) can recommend some routes around the countryside avoiding most of the busier roads and the worst of the hills!
If looking for local produce, be it fruit, vegetables or cheese or wine from the vineyards, then they will guide you to the farm shops and farmers markets.
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