Nestled deep in the heart of Winnie-The-Pooh’s old stomping ground, it’s easy to see why in a former life Ashdown Park Hotel was the perfect site for a convent.

The rambling hotel is perfectly isolated away from traffic noise, with the only disturbance being the sound of birdsong.

And its 186 acres of grounds are so extensive it is easy to crash around without seeing another soul, other than the occasional deer straying on to the grassland.

Remnants of the hotel’s former life can still be seen, from the beautiful 1927 deconsecrated grey stone chapel – one of many different locations available for weddings – to the stained-glass windows in the hallways and common areas, all emblazoned with the Sisters Of Notre Dame’s French motto.

The luxurious rooms could never be compared to nun’s cells – with the hotel priding itself on the fact no two are the same.

Our suite, Chestnut, offered two rooms packed with modern amenities, including a DVD player and two widescreen digital televisions, plus an ensuite bathroom with power shower and jet spa bath.

The neighbouring country club has its own par-three golf course, indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym. Entry is complimentary to hotel guests. And the grounds contain tennis courts, a croquet lawn, beautifully kept rose garden and lakes, and 3km of woodland jogging trails winding around the estate.

If all that weren’t enough, young explorers will enjoy traipsing around the woods surrounding the hotel. Ashdown Forest Visitor Centre is directly opposite the hotel entrance offering maps of trails and directions to the locations featured in AA Milne’s classic books – with Pooh Sticks Bridge and Roo’s Sandy Place a hike or short drive away.

Following a day of woodland activities, the hotel’s Anderida Restaurant is a perfect place to unwind, with beautiful views of the grounds from the huge windows on two sides of the dining room.

Lining the walls on the entrance to the restaurant are the results of executive chef Andrew Wilson’s hard work and superior skills over the past two years, with two AA Rosettes, TripAdvisor top ratings and 2013 Condé Nast Johansens Awards For Excellence for value for money and the champagne list.

The dinner menu offers three courses for £39.50, augmented with a few treats from the chef’s table.

The menu combines British favourites, including Beef Wellington and roasted John Dory as mains, with twists on continental dishes such as the wild mushroom ravioli and starter of pressed curried lamb.

Similarly the desserts provide a new take on a few old favourites, such as the white chocolate and raspberry crème brûlée, or the chef’s take on the Double Decker chocolate bar.

Service, as with everywhere in the hotel, is friendly and attentive – one need not even raise a hand to pour a glass of wine.

Although the dining veers towards the formal – with male diners asked to wear a jacket or tie in the evenings – it is by no means stuffy, with a pianist playing popular favourites as the food is served.

It may have been part of the Elite Hotels group for 20 years now – also home to Eastbourne’s Grand Hotel – but Ashdown Park Hotel still looks as grand as when it first opened its doors, with the estate’s rich 200-year history sitting comfortably alongside an expert level of service.

  • Duncan Hall was a guest of Ashdown Park Hotel, Wych Cross, near Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JR. Call 01342 824988 for more details
  • Rooms start from £230 with a breakfast buffet included
  • The hotel has 16 fully equipped suites for corporate events, and a variety of wedding options, ranging from two spaces within the decon- secrated chapel to an outside summer house or more intimate celebration