A tastefully-converted American schoolbus provides the grown-up glamping at Latchetts Lake in the Sussex countryside. Although it’s a big old bus in a big old field, this place is just for two; the ideal vehicle for a romantic getaway. The emphasis is firmly on the outdoors – but you don’t have to be out in the elements to enjoy it. The large bus windows ensure panoramic views from the comfort of your bed or sofa – and, don’t doubt it, they are very comfortable indeed.
This isn’t the only American schoolbus that’s made its way to the English countryside in recent years, but it might be the one that’s had the biggest transformation. Gone is the traditional yellow paint of State-side school buses, replaced by muted colours to better suit the surroundings. Gone too are the rows of seats which once carried New York school kids, in favour of an interior that wouldn’t look out of place in a house.
This is not a rustic glamping pad using reclaimed materials but a rather more mature take on the art of outdoor living. We’re talking wallpaper, wood panelling and pictures on the walls. There are tiles in the bathroom and houseplants on the shelves, not to mention a poured-concrete worksurface in the kitchenette which you might like to have at home. The folk behind this refurbishment (surprisingly, four 20-something friends) spared no expense in transforming this bus into a comfortable space that might well attract the sort of people who are more used to hotel rooms or traditional self catering stays; the sort of people who will appreciate the grown-up attractions nearby.
The Bluebell Vineyard is a walkable distance away and the National Trust’s Sheffield Park and Gardens are within a couple of miles. There are walks from site to great pubs serving good food and into lovely bluebell woodlands. There are quirky villages and towns to explore and you can even swap your historic bus for a heritage train with a ride on the Bluebell Railway from a station just down the road.
As seen on Discovery+ and QuestTV! A unique American school bus holiday retreat, helping our guests reconnect with the wild nature in the Sussex countryside. Aimed towards couples to provide high end luxury in nature. The bus consists of a bedroom with a double bed, an ensuite, a spacious open living area with huge window and a fully functioning kitchen which offers an induction hob, microwave/oven combi and fridge/freezer. Lovely outdoor area with fire pit, BBQ and furniture.Guests can fish at Latchett’s Lake (day ticket and rod license required) and you can walk around the lakeside and into the wider Sussex countryside including the nearby Sheffield Forest directly from site. You can also head, on foot, just five minutes to the adventure golf course, Cow Putts, that’s part of Heaven Farm, just over the road. A little further away (but not far, at under two miles) are The Bluebell Vineyard, the National Trust’s Sheffield Park and Gardens and the Sheffield Park station on the Bluebell Railway where you can jump aboard heritage trains to travel through the Sussex countryside. The site is within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, not far from the Ashdown Forest and the South Downs National Park, both great places to walk, cycle and horse ride. The quirky town of Lewes is 12 miles from site and bustling Brighton and the south coast is less than 20 miles away.
A 10-minute walk from where the bus is parked up, The Stable Tea Rooms (01825 790888) at Heaven Farm offers a place for a coffee and cake, cream teas and lunches. It’s also home to Latchett’s Farm Ice Cream Parlour (07542 853842) which makes ice cream using milk from the farm’s dairy herd. It’s not much further (just over a mile) to the closest pub, The Coach and Horses (01825 740369) which has a reputation for good food, serves local beers, wines and ciders and has a lovely garden. The Sloop Inn (01444 831219) in Scaynes Hill is a similar distance and The Crown (01825 791609) in Horsted Keynes and The Red Lion at Chelwood Gate are other good options within five miles. The Bluebell Vineyard, which produces English sparkling wine and offers tours and tastings, is within walking distance (just a mile away).
