New five-star glamping site opening just 40 minutes from…

A LUXURY glamping site is set to open in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

The five-star glamping site has opened at Chiddinglye, a private estate in the High Weald Area of outstanding natural beauty.

Situated on the watershed of the Ouse and Medway with 20-mile views in either direction across to the South and North Downs, Chid Pods comprises ten state-of-the-art units, including a luxury bridal suite.

The timber-framed pods all feature under-floor heating, smart TVs, Wi-Fi and modern kitchens and bathrooms as well as south-facing decking to enjoy those long summer evenings.

In addition to the VIP bridal suite, three pods can house up to six guests and another six which can each sleep four people.

Designed by Glampitect, Chid Pods is an hour’s drive from the centre of London and just 40 minutes from Brighton.

“Our land has been a family farm since 1934,” said owner Edmund Limerick.

“When my father passed away 19 years ago, we were a dairy farm, one of only two surviving dairy farms in the parish.

“I took the decision to cease dairy farming and moved to sheep as well as arable farming. We also started a solar farm and woodchip supply business and have hosted the annual ‘Into the Wild Festival’ since August 2018.

“When I looked at diversification I realised our real asset was the fact we’re located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

“On the farm we also have a Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) on account of rare ferns and mosses, lichen and bryophytes, and there’s also an 11-acre garden with rare azaleas and rhododendrons among ancient woodland so it’s a very special place.

“I want people to have a wonderful time exploring the High Weald. Although we’re quite close to London, the area isn’t that well known, partly due to the limited number of places to stay.

“More and more people who visited said that it would great if they could stay so they could enjoy the wonderful foraging walks and nature trails and so much more.

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“We’d had camping for a little while but decided to go for the luxury heated pods which could be used all-year round. What we’re offering is not only a stay in the country but lots of interesting things to do as well.”

Pod visitors will have freedom to access all 320 acres of Chiddinglye except for the private gardens, which are available by arrangement.

Plans for the future involve additional wilding projects including restoring a wild swimming area in a stream, creating a new wildflower meadow and possibly the reintroduction of beavers.

“The introduction of the glamping site is one of the many exciting plans we have,” added Edmund, a former diplomat, lawyer and investment banker who is the 7th Earl of Limerick.

“Ideally we can attract more people to the area while maintaining the atmosphere and feeling of exploration.”

Bookings can be made via the website Chiddinglye.co.uk with a 5% discount available by using the code CHID5.