Seven superbly appointed two bedroomed Norwegian Lodges graded to 4 Star by Visit Britain provide a perfect retreat in the heart of the Sussex Weald. Constructed in 2006 the lodges are situated within the magnificent Cottesmore Golf and Country Club and will leave you with a lasting impression of a beautiful and tranquil setting filled with bird song and colour, in particular during the spring when numerous rhododendron bushes provide a wonderful display. Troon, Carnoustie and Turnberry are just three of the famous 'Open' golf course names given to the lodges which will provide the perfect holiday base whether you have a passion for golf or not.

A stay at Cottesmore will allow you to explore the north of the Sussex Weald and St Leonard's Forest, or merely enjoy what the Golf and Country Club has to offer. As a guest you have access at special rates to the Health Club which includes use of the fully equipped gym, the 15 metre swimming pool or to really relax, unwind in the steam room sauna and spa. Outside there are two all weather tennis courts and for the golfer there is the choice of two eighteen hole golf courses, the Griffin and Phoenix. ‘The Griffin' is a mature and testing course that incorporates elevated tees, lakes and woodland. A more forgiving alternative is provided by ‘The Phoenix' course, which has a mature parkland layout.

Take the footpath across the Country Club and you will reach Buchan Country Park which borders onto Cottesmore at Buchan Hill. This is a wonderful opportunity to wander amongst 170 acres of woodland heath and meadow and enjoy the peace that the Sussex countryside provides.

Although there is a wide choice of local pubs in the nearby villages of Pease Pottage and Colgate, where you only want a leisurely walk from the lodge The Challis Restaurant offers a choice of bar snacks lunches and dinners in relaxing surroundings.

Cottesmore and beyond

Pease Pottage less than one mile away gives good access links to Brighton and if your visit is during June or July then the Hickstead Show ground which has the famous Derby Bank is no more than 15 minutes drive away.

The National Trust House and Gardens at Nymans in Handcross is three miles away and is one of the great gardens of the Sussex Weald. It is internationally famous for its beauty and collection of rare plants. It is the achievement of three generations of the Messel family over a period of over a hundred years. The house was struck by fire in 1947 and only a few rooms survived that are now open for public view. A visit to Nymans makes for a relaxing few hours. Cottesmore is situated within St Leonard's Forest which is the most westerly remaining of the large forests which once formed a continuous tract across the central Wealden ridge of Sussex. Iron smelting was carried out in the Weald, and Sussex had the ingredients required - easily obtainable iron ore, timber and water. Water from the 'hammer ponds' drove the hammers and bellows while the trees fed the nearby furnaces. Examples of these ponds can be found at nearby Bucks Head and Mannings Heath close to the market town of Horsham. Today they appear as picturesque lakes within a wooded setting while the forest is now a patchwork of woodlands and heath covering 12 square miles affording many excellent walking opportunities.

The market town of Horsham lies five miles away and the Causeway, a beautiful and calm tree-lined street of medieval houses, is the jewel in Horsham's crown. It links St Mary's with the Carfax, which is at the very heart of the town – once a village green but now a meeting place with open air cafes, bandstand music and street markets.

• Local shop - Pease Pottage 1 mile
• Nearest supermarket - Crawley 3 miles
• Nearest restaurant - at Cottesmore Golf and Country Club
• Local pub - Colgate or Pease Pottage 1 mile
• Rail service at Three Bridges for services to Brighton, London Victoria and London Bridge
• Gatwick Airport 10 miles