A cosy woodland hideaway – Treehouse Retreats at Cowdray

Picture this – it’s the week before Christmas, you’re feeling festively frazzled and just about ready to set your out of office, retreat from the world and inhale some fizz and platter of canapés. What could be better than escaping to a cosy woodland hideaway for a bit of R&R. With a twinkly Christmas tree, a steaming outdoor bath, a hamper of treats, a huge super king bed, and perhaps a new book in your hands, you’re finally ready to unwind and breathe a sigh of relief. I can’t think of a better Christmas present to be honest?!

Welcome to Treehouse Retreats, home to four luxurious cabins nestled within an ancient beech woodland on the Cowdray Estate in West Sussex. Surrounded by the South Downs, all you can hear is the soft sway of the branches or the odd chirp from a bird. The setting is peaceful and remote, and a world away from the bustle of everyday life; this is somewhere where you can truly switch off. You won’t even be interrupted by the beep beep of a car – you’re provided with an electric buggy to get quietly around, or just from the welcome suite to your treehouse.

[Ad – this was a press stay, hosted by Treehouse Retreats. I stayed in Griffin]

I’ve been very lucky to stay in some very lovely places and what I’ve learnt is that’s its the little details that make all the difference. Like when you step into your bedroom for the night and the lamps are on, the radio is playing soothing classical music and you instantly feel cosy and at home.

The team behind Treehouse Retreats have thought of every detail to make a stay comfortable, so you don’t even need to leave your cabin if you don’t want to. Although the treehouses are self-catered, you’ll find fresh bread, milk, orange juice and snacks on arrival. It made my soul sing that there was a wreath on the door, a REAL Christmas tree and homemade mince pies too! I felt like I had walked into the set of a festive rom com and all I had to do was sit back, put my feet up and enjoy.

Just like a remote Nordic cabin, the interiors have a Scandi Rustic vibe, with rough and ready wood panelling, vintage stools, sheepskin rugs and tactile textures. I really appreciated the smaller touches, such as the Roberts radio, the Tala lamp and the soft Secret Linen Store bedding, not to mention the cosy underfloor heating, which is supplied via an air-sourced heat pump. There’s also a well equipped kitchen to prepare meals, with Le Creuset kitchenware and Smeg appliances. With baskets of blankets, yoga mats and games, you literally couldn’t need for anything else.

The treehouses each have a wraparound terrace from which you can watch the world go by. The best bit? The wooden outdoor bath tubs, which take the idea of forest bathing to a whole new level. Forest bathing, also known as Shinrin-Yoku in Japan, is the meditative practice of finding peace and calm in nature. It’s not enough just to be in a forest or walk amongst some trees, the benefits can really be found when you slow down, calm your breathing and notice all the little details that might otherwise pass you by. Forest bathing is said to reduce stress and boost your wellbeing, so I’m pretty sure a two night stay at Treehouse Retreats has the same effect!

Find out more about Treehouse Retreats and book your stay here.