Behind the high hedgerows of the Sussex country lanes lies an unexpected treat. Because as you leave the road and make your way down a windy drive heavy with greenery, you come to the 19 th century grey stone façade of the Ashdown Park Hotel. Already you begin to have an idea of what lies beyond, but it's only when you walk through the door into the galleried entrance smelling of lilies that you realise this is truly a traditional retreat. For Ashdown Park is everything you would expect of an English country house hotel. And what's interesting is that although it started life as a manor house, it's also been an American university, a convent and management training centre for a bank. But today this historic house sits comfortably as part of the independent hotel group, Elite Hotels.

The hotel sits in Ashdown forest, hence its name, and is set in 186 acres of manicured lawns, secret gardens, lakes, streams and woodland trails. There's even a golf course and tennis courts for the actively minded. Or you could choose the Country Club with its fitness studio, pool, health and beauty treatments. If you really want to feel part of the English country experience you can play croquet on the lawns that sit below the terrace and run down to the lake.

Accommodation is in the main building and the suites adjacent to the Country Club, which are a short five minute walk to the hotel or a quick buggy ride away. Rooms are big, comfortable and traditionally decorated with heavy swathed curtains from ceiling to floor. And the best thing is when you look out across the countryside you can spot wild deer grazing in the hotel grounds.

This is the perfect spot for a wedding which was the case when we visited. A carriage and white horses were waiting for the bride and groom. But you don't have to travel far to seal the knot as there is the little Church of St Richard de Wych in the grounds, which was built in 1886.

Guests with energy might want to visit local sites of interest such as the 13 th century Hever Castle or Pooh Corner, the inspiration for A.A.Milne's Winnie the Pooh stories. And Lingfield Park is a must for those who enjoy the races. But if you want to relax closer to home the hotel is running an Artist Workshop Weekend on the 3 rd to 5 th October. It's an opportunity to try your hand at pastel sketching, drawing on the hotel's surroundings. The two day course is taught by local artist Juliet Murray, who's run similar events for the National Trust. She brings her passion for the local landscape to her work and has had a number of exhibitions. What you get is the opportunity to immortalise your break on paper.

Before leaving we wandered down to the lake with its fountain sparkling in the sunlight. Looking into the water from a small jetty we were greeted by inquisitive carp, of different colours, mouthing into the air. Moorhens scooted across the lawns as we enjoyed the view with a glass of wine in hand and listened to sound of birdsong. When the hotel manager came by she suggested we call reception on our mobiles if we wanted another glass of wine and they'd bring it down. Now that's what I call service.

Rooms at the Ashdown Park Hotel start at £150 a single and £180 a double a night. For more information call 01342 824988 or visit www.ashdownpark.com

The Artist Workshop Weekend 3rd to 5th October costs £465 per person based on single occupancy in a deluxe room. The package includes the two day course, all meals and membership of the Country Club throughout the stay. Double or twin occupancy rate is available on request.

By Michele Nevard