Courtlands Nurseries is a two acre walled kitchen garden, bungalow and nursery with glasshouses in a quiet, peaceful old Sussex country estate, ideally placed for visiting Ashdown Forest numerous National Trust properties and other gardens nearby as well as the Bluebell Steam Railway.
In the 16 years that the owners have been at Courtlands they have lovingly restored the walled garden and nursery creating colourful borders full of shrubs, roses, bulbs and herbs as well as extensive vegetable and soft fruit areas. These thrive in well mulched soil, everything grown on organic principles. Over 50 varieties of trained fruit cover the walls - apples, pears, plums and cherries - whilst free range chickens contribute towards a healthy wholesome breakfast. They are enthusiastic gardeners, virtually self-sufficient in fruit and vegetables and seek to be environmentally friendly with both solar hot water and solar electricity panels installed.
As a member of the Ashdown Forest Tourist Association, they encourage visitors to explore and respect the Ashdown Forest which is right on the doorstep, offering free maps showing places to walk and visit. There are many National Trust properties within 20 miles, Sheffield Park, Standen, Nymans, Chartwell, Batemans to name a few as well as the Royal Botanic Gardens "Wakehurst Place", Hever Castle, Penshurst Place and Groombridge Place. Under the National Garden Scheme there are many privately owned gardens well worth a visit. The Priest House - a medieval timber framed museum run by Sussex Archaeological Society which often hosts exhibitions - is on the doorstep in West Hoathly and St Margaret's Church - parts of which are 912 years old - lies opposite. Birdwatchers can take a very short drive to Weirwood Reservoir (1 mile away) as well as Ardingly Reservoir to spot a variety of waders, sparrowhawks, buzzards and other wildfowl.
Enquire about a stay at Courtland Nurseries