Anyone remotely aware of Winnie-the-Pooh should know that Ashdown Forest is an Enchanted Place.

It is where A. A. Milne set the stories about his son Christopher Robin and his toys, Eeyore, Piglet, Tigger and Pooh bear.

The bridge where they played Poohsticks, built in 1907, survives, at least in replica — the wood it was made with had rotted by 1999.

It’s not the only Winnie-the-Pooh site, though. Official booklets on Pooh Walks cover Roo’s Sandy Pit, the North Pole, Eeyore’s Sad And Gloomy Place, Galleon’s Lap and the Heffalump Trap.

This magical corner of East Sussex, between East Grinstead and Crowborough, is teeming with unusual wildlife. 

‘Forest’ is a misleading term since much of the landscape is heathland. It has international classification as a Special Protection Area for wild birds, such as the nightjar, which comes from Africa to breed here. There are also butterflies galore.

Although the South-East of England is one of the most densely populated areas of Europe, this remains a place of open vistas, where you can walk and wonder.

Forests were important during the Middle Ages, when wood was used to make tools, ships, furniture and houses. Ashdown Forest was given to Edward III’s son, John of Gaunt, for hunting.

It remained a royal forest into the 17th century. Due to its supply of wood combined with deposits of iron ore, Ashdown Forest supported an iron industry in Roman and Tudor times — in 1496 England’s first blast furnace was built at Newbridge.

Within walking distance of Friend’s Clump car park is Nutley Windmill, a 300-year-old open-trestle post mill, in full working order.

Pause for a moment at Airman’s Grave, a memorial to the six-man crew of a Wellington Bomber of the 142 Squadron, which crashed in the forest on July 31, 1941, as part of a 100-plane bombing raid on its way to Cologne.

And while Groombridge Place, a moated manor house built in 1662, is currently closed for refurbishment, you can still visit the nearby Spa Valley Railway to watch steam trains pass by. You could even hop on board and take a trip along the track to Eridge or Tunbridge Wells.

It’s technically outside Ashdown Forest but is close to Pooh Corner.

Since the Victorian period, the forest has attracted city dwellers in need of a spiritual lift, including A. A.Milne. His home, Cotchford Farm, is available on Airbnb, with six bedrooms; guests can sleep in Christopher Robin’s room.

Among the villages is the aptly named Forest Row, recently dubbed one of the poshest in England by a national newspaper.

It is a centre of alternative lifestyles. Delicious organic/vegan fare is served at The Seasons Kitchen.

Venture six miles west, into the High Weald, and you’ll find The Cat Inn, a 16th-century freehouse with oak beams and real ales, in the valley of West Hoathly. I think it’s the best pub in England.

How would you like to spend a night in a converted windmill, or a futuristic ‘alien‘ mansion or perhaps a treehouse in the branches of an ancient oak in the heart of the Dorset Woodland?

These weird and whacky properties may sound familiar. They are just some of the homes that featured in George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. And now you can stay in them.

But be warned, renting some of these bizarre homes does not come cheap.

So here are the most amazing stays in the UK that blew the architect away, and how much it’ll cost you to rent one out… 

Red Kite Tree Tents – Powys, Wales

The Red Kite Tree Tents are two unique treehouse glamping pods suspended in the forest canopy. 

The original green Red Kite Tree Tent, named Ynys Affalon, became the UK’s first tree tent glamping hotel in 2012 and featured on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. 

Along with its sibling, the Dragon’s Egg, both offer luxury wilderness glamping in space-age pods. 

Both pods were designed using techniques inspired by the aviation industry. Their hybrid aluminium and steam-bent ash static airframes are covered in thick canvas and are fully insulated.

They are accessible via a private bridge, and once you enter the spherical tent you are greeted with a magical view of the forest below.

The interior design comfortably accommodates two adults and even has a (fully fire-proofed) log burning stove. A stay in the green pod sleeps two people as there is a double bed inside that can even fold away to make a sofa.

And if you’re worried about toilet facilities, there is a private WC in a little wooden cabin a short walk away in the woods. 

It costs around £360.00 for two nights stay. 

The Windmill Suffolk – Bury St Edmunds

The Windmill Suffolk, near Bury St Edmunds, featured on Channel 4’s George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces in 2020.

This is one of the most unique and luxurious self-catering holiday accommodations.

Couple Natalie and Steve Roberts spent two years transforming it into a luxury holiday home.

The 18m windmill, which was built in 1891, sleeps four people and offers guests incredible panoramic views of the surrounding Suffolk countryside.

The curved shape of the home meant that everything had to be bespoke and handmade – from the velvet sofas to the marble kitchen surfaces and beds. 

To stay here, you will need to splash out a whopping £995 for two nights.

Melin Mabes – Templeton, Pembrokeshire

This UFO glamping pod will certainly wow any alien lover.  

Melin Mabes is in the midst of rural Pembrokeshire, on the four-acre site of a 16th century watermill.

The surprisingly unique pod once featured on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, with the programme airing on on February 15th 2018. 

In February 2017, hosts Martin and Carol-Anne started the construction of Spodnic and after much hard work end up with a truly amazing glamping experience. 

And now, this luxurious and immaculate pod is packed with cutting-edge fixtures and fittings worthy of a sci-fi classic – including a hydraulic door. 

The pod also has space blanket-insulated walls, a sliding automatic door and a Perspex roof that masquerades as a cockpit. 

The Spodnic UFO sleeps four people, and even has a handmade sofa bunk bed.

And for those who are looking for a more down-to-Earth stay, they can opt to sleep in a beautiful 150 year-old gypsy caravan called Mabel.

This accommodation is much smaller – it only sleeps two people – but it includes a private hot tub.

The Mabel Gypsy Caravan costs £100 per night.

Meanwhile the Spodnic UFO pod will set you back £400 for two nights.

The Majestic Bus – Hay-on-Wye, Wales 

If you’ve ever wanted to live out your childhood dreams and sleep on a bus, now you can.

The owners of the stunning B&B Rob and Layla Robinson haven’t looked back since buying the 1968 bus from a Llanelli bus yard.

The 1970s Bedford Panorama bus has been lovingly restored and decorated to an impeccable finish. 

And since 2013, the retro bus has been delighting holidaymakers – and even appeared on George Clarke’s amazing spaces. 

The vintage bus contains two double beds, one of which fold up into a sofa, and a kitchen diner.

And to help guests ease into their relaxing stay, the hosts provide bed linen, towels and quilts. It also has a wood-burning stove, a huge roll top bath and epic views of the surrounding countryside. 

However, there is no toilet inside, but it can be found on a block nearby.

The bus sleeps four people, but it can accommodate another four people camping outside.

Prices vary from £90 – £145 per night depending on time of year. 

Futuro House – Marston Park, Frome

Now this is what we’re talking about!

Designed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen, the Futuro’s stunning space-age interior is instantly inviting – and totally looks like it belong on the set of The Day the Earth Stood Still.

After having landed in Marston Park in 2021, the spaceship has continued to wow its guests. 

It has a flexible living space that comes complete with a kitchenette area, vintage lighting, round table and reclining chairs upholstered in a mustard colour.

It also contains two cosy, curtained-off sleeping cabins with double beds and private bathroom facilities, including a hot shower. 

And for that extra bit of luxury, it comes complete with its own private facilities, set in a leafy glade with lake views – and you’ll never want to leave.

And what’s better is that the spaceship has its own secluded glade with lake views, outdoor seating and a fire pit.

Prices start from £600 a night. 

The Woodsman’s Treehouse – Holditch, Dorset

The Woodsman’s Treehouse lies in the heart of the Dorset Woodland. 

This skilfully crafted treehouse is perched high in the branches of an ancient oak. 

A treetop utopia like no other – it has been built on long stilts and reaching in excess of 30ft high, the treehouse sits aloft among the branches of three oak trees, yet is not actually affixed to the trees themselves. 

The incredible home is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and is just a short drive away from the stunning Jurassic Coastline.

It falls nothing short of a spectacular stay as it is complete with some jaw-droppingly furniture – including a bespoke kitchen which includes a wood-fired pizza oven, leather armchairs and a king-size mattress, which sleeps two.

At the heart of the treehouse lies a circular room with a rotating wood burner, around which there is the bed, and roll-top bath. 

For those looking for a romantic getaway, it comes complete with two sensational deck, an open-air hot tub and private sauna. 

Featuring on both George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces and Grand Designs House of the Year, you’ll definitely want to stay here.

If you want to book out the stay for yourself nd your other half, you’ll be looking at spending from £495 per night.

The Glamping Orchard – Gloucestershire

Surrounded by the Cotswolds, this incredible property is ideally located in the heart of the picturesque Severn Vale.

The Glamping Orchard takes you back to nature, as it sits in the heart of the beautiful countryside.

But if you’re feeling a bit thirsty after becoming one with the trees, this home is within close proximity to great pubs, market towns and delightful villages.

The Glamping Orchard is found on a family-run smallholding that is surrounded by farm animals.

This makes the stay perfect for couples and families alike, as you can make memories by tending to the animals or collecting fresh eggs for your breakfast.

The home can sleep up to two adults and two children, plus one infant. 

It is also fitted with a log burner that will keep you nice and snug inside if you are visiting during the cold winter months.

The kitchen has plenty of work surface and includes a gas cooker, hob and grill and fridge as well as all the utensils and crockery you need.

Since you’re living among the wild things, there is a private wood fired shower, a sink cabin on wheels – which is located just 25 meters away – and a private compost loo.

Prices start from £95 – £145 per night, and a 30% deposit is required when booking.