Rooms

The cabin has a most appealing shabby-chic vibe with decor and design deliberately reminiscent of a beach house. Its A-frame layout allows for a large open-plan living/dining/kitchen on the ground floor, with wooden floors and white-washed planking on three walls, rustic timbers vertically positioned on the rear in contrast. There's a comfy sofa and some vintage velvet armchairs for cosying up around the wood-burning stove. A retro sideboard, antique fishing nets and open shelving with board games and books complete the lovely, lived-in look.

Up the open-sided stairs is the light-filled master bedroom which has an emperor-sized bed, a sink, and a cool double-ended roll-top bath overlooking the lake through triangular picture windows. The loo is tucked under the stairs, and there is also a hot outdoor shower for sluicing off after a lake swim.

If you're a larger group of friends or family, you can bring and pitch a small tent in the garden for up to two people on request.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Bluetooth sound system
• Hairdryer
• WiFi

Eating

As you'd expect the kitchen is set up for convivial cooking. The hand-built units and open shelves, Belfast sink, fridge and cooker are along the west wall of cabin, with a table for eight demarcating the kitchen-diner side of the open-plan living room. It's all here: coffee machine, fetching mismatched crockery, pots and pans, a small dishwasher, a microwave. Teas, coffee pods, hot chocolate and salt and pepper are supplied.

Outside on the deck by the water's edge is a lovely weathered table and benches, which seat up to 12 in comfort. We loved sitting here with sundowners drinking in the views of the lake beside us. In keeping with the inside-outside vibe there's a gas barbecue (fuel supplied) and a BBQ kitchen cleverly sited in a cupboard on the side of the house, as well as a fire pit in the garden for toasting marshmallows.

The nearest large supermarkets are in Burgess Hill with express supermarkets in Hassocks (both are about 2 miles away). We suggest making the most of the excellent local produce hereabouts including eggs from Mac's in Ditchling. For eating out the owners recommend the Bull and White Horse in Ditchling, the Ginger Fox in Albourne, and the Jolly Sportsman in East Chiltington.

Features include:

• Barbecue
• Coffee maker
• Dishwasher
• Fridge
• Full kitchen
• Hob or stove
• Microwave
• Oven
• Toaster

Activities

• The lake is brilliant for wild swimming (wetsuits are supplied or bring your own), and there's a rowing boat, raft, kayak and paddle board to try not falling in from, pleasingly the cabin has a hot outdoor shower to enhance that post-lake glow
  
• You're in the heart of The South Downs National Park which has wonderful walks and is great for cycling and horse riding too; the owners have a useful list of local activities including fishing
  
• The Downs consist of a rich mosaic of habitats including chalk streams which support a great array of wildlife and plant species from rare butterflies to otters to skylarks and brown trout
  
• Enjoy a day trip to Brighton's beach, eateries and shopping in Brighton
  
• There are vineyards to visit in Ditchling or Albourne
  
• Ditchling has a fascinating Museum of Art + Craft, a homage to the artists and craftspeople of the early 20th-century who put the village on the map creatively
  
• Stargaze after dinner on the deck

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Cycling

Kids

This is a glorious lakeside retreat for families with children who love wild swimming and trying out watersports. There are water craft and wetsuits to borrow. We don't recommend the cabin for those with toddlers or small children who can't swim as the deck gives right onto the lake and is not fenced.

Best for:

Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

The bunk beds are in a cupboard-like compartment in the open plan living room. If you're a larger family party you can bring your own tent and bedding, and pitch it in the garden for an additional charge.

Distances:

• Airport: 35 minutes
• Hospital: 20 minutes
• Shops: 5 minutes

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

The Lakeside Cabin is in the heart of the South Downs National Park in East Sussex. The nearest small town is Hassocks, and the nearest village Ditchling; it's about 25 minutes' drive from Brighton.

By Car:
You'll most likely have a car to get out and about. If you want to hire a car, see our recommendations. There's parking at the top of the path for 2 cars. Note you will have to bring your gear down the path (5 minutes) to the cabin.

By Train:
The nearest railway station, Hassocks, is on the main London-Brighton line and is a 10-minute drive. You can get a taxi from the station.

By Air:
London Gatwick (35 minutes' drive) is the closest; otherwise try London Heathrow (an hour).

Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.