Mill Place Farm, Kingscote, East Grinstead, Sussex.

The Farm and Surroundings.
Mill Place Farm is superbly situated in the idyllic and secluded Medway Valey in the hearth of the Sussex Weald, 4 miles south west of East Grinstead. The famous Blue Bell Railway Line (Thomas the Tank engine) runs along the western boundary of the Farm.

Mill Place was first developed by the Romans. Not as a farm, but as an iron smelting works. The area is rich in iron stone, and with the beginnings of the river Medway running through the valley , it was seen as perfect for
the extraction of iron from the many sandstone seams running through the land. Infact, even today, we occasionally come accross Roman artifacts in the ground, such as stone sling shots of various guages, and the footings of various structures built for smelting. We have an archealogical society that gathers once a year to carefully explore various parts of the farm. The iron-workings continued in the valley until the end of the English Civil war, by this time they had worked their way up to producing the cannons used in this war. We haven't found one of those, yet! That's how the farm became known as  Mill Place.

From the fields around the farm you have beautiful views over the Weir Wood Reservoir. In Ashdown Forest (the home of Winnie the Pooh and the Hundred Acre Wood) , the western end of this reservoir, is a Local Nature Reserve. The rest is used for fishing and water sports. The reservoir has a breeding colony of great crested grebes and migrating Ospreys in Spring and Autumn. There is a hide and a feeding station for wild birds, and many footpaths around the area.

The farm land itself is dug one mile into the very best of an undulating English countryside. A hidden valley, where you can roam freely all day. Along the way, discover the crystal clear natural springs hidden around the farm. Far better than that bottled stuff. Currently designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty, Mill Place has a protection area of scientific interest where rare orchids can be seen at the right time of year. The farm and it's immediate area is under consideration to be elevated to an even higher status of protection, such is the quality of countryside to be found here.

Kingscote station is walking distance from the Farm and is a country station with Thomas the Tank engine running on
the Blue Bell Railway. It is currently the northern terminus of this historic line. Running a few times per day for railway enthusiasts. There is a small goods yard with two wagons. Kingscote station is the best place on this railway that has retained the sleepy atmosphere of this historic line. Kingscote Staion is a quiet spot where the visitor to the line can escape the crowds on a busy day.

Mill Place Farm is situated very close to London; Gatwick Airport and the M25 & M23 are reached within 30 minutes.

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Mill Place Farm
Mill Place farm house is believed to be one of the oldest houses in the county of Sussex, dating back to 1320. It is a very origional example of a Iron Master's hall house. Under the now tiled elevations of the old hall are well preserved paintings of local  hunting scenes in the style of crude cave drawings. Hidden but beautifully preserved. So it was not until the 17th century that the land actually became agricultural as it's focus. Since this time, the farm has produced various crops. But for the last 30 years or so has been layed to grass. In the seventies it supported a diary
herd, then a prize winning beef herd, and now supports sheep and horses. The Farm has 130 acres of rolling pasture and gently undulates around the Medway Valley with the River Medway meandering through the centre of the Farm There are numerous hedges, copses and areas of woodland throughout the farm adding greatly to the rural charm and character of Mills Place Farm. The Farm also have double bank fishing rights on the infant River Medway. Fishing arrangements are available.

Specials on Mill Place
Far away from the outside world. It makes up part of the 1000 acre Gravetyre estate donated to the country in 1930 by the famous horticulturist William Roberston. Indeed, Gravetyre Manor hotel, with it's fine dining and beautiful gardens displaying Robertson's genius for landscaping is a mere 5 minute drive through the estate's private tracks by landrover. The majority of the estate's well established and untouched broad leaf forest of over 600 acres is available to guests to wander and explore along it's many public footpaths. Connecting directly to the farm's bridle ways and paths so you never have to cross a road all day if you can keep going that long! Alternatively, you can hack out on horseback along many of the trails, and enjoy a more elevated view of everything there is to see.
The old diary building these days, is a 20 stable livery yard and riding school complete with sand school . Which can be enjoyed during your stay.

Dogs Welcome
Guests are welcome to bring their well-behaved dogs – kept on leads in the areas of animals and other guests.

The Location of Feather Down Farm Tents
Because the Gravetyre estate has been held in trust by the forestry commission since the 30's, little has changed at MillPlace in this time. Thus orgional field plans and hedgerows plus no modern argicultural practises even today have created a haven for flora and fauna. Sitting out the front of your tent, looking out over the banks of the Medway and fishing lakes beyond, with their swans, canada geese and other wild fowl,you can experience the inspiring sight of wild deer migrating through the farm most evenings. The tents are located between hedges, trees and shrubs overlook the green meadows. The surrounding farmland isgreat for children to roam around safely. Sitting in front of your tent it is easy to unwinde and settle in to the pace of country life.

The Mill Place Farm Family
Mark Bellisio and his partner Ruth McInnes (occasionaly also Mark's brother Hugh puts in a helping hand) run Mills Place Farm. They are keen to tell you all about the farm’s history and the wildlife and flora you can find here. Marks partner Ruth is a qualified riding instructor and lover of both small and large animals. Mark is an expert on Wildlife & Fishing.

Things to do at Mill Place:

  • Catch the electric blue flash of Kingfisher hunting the river banks.
  • Try your hand at teasing out a brown trout for your tea, or set crayfish traps overnight for lunch.
  • Catch a glimpse of otters recently reintroduced to our waterways.
  • During the day you can wander the extent of the farm collecting the nuts and berries that are abundant in season in and amongst the hedgerows.
  • Or maybe climb to the top of the farm and stretch out on the rocky outcrops of Saint's Hill overlooking the little white sails of the boats on Wier Wood Reservoir and to Ashdown forest beyond.
  • At night, sit quitely and watch the badgers and foxes move around the land, before settling down to the best night's sleep you've ever had..

Trips in the Area

  • This area of Sussex is at the heartland of some of the most beautiful countryside in England and includes parts of the spectacular South Downs Way.

  • The unique pair of Jack & Jill Windmills sits happily on the South Downs overlooking the ancient routes and paths that criss-cross this green and pleasant land.

  • Great Gardens of Sussex - gardens that are linked by plant hunters, design, and a rich Weald soil providing the ultimate growing conditions for a range of exotic and unusual plants.

  • The three market towns of Burgess Hill, East Grinstead and Haywards Heath offer speciality shopping and a place to enjoy a bite to eat, whilst antique shops, galleries and local crafts can be found in many of the villages.

 

>> Click here to make a reservation at Mills Place Farm.