Our Story

Thirty years ago, our parents discovered a remote 17th century farm in the East Sussex countryside. Built from the stones of a nearby 13th century castle, and tucked away in a secluded fold over a mile from the nearest main road, the farmhouse and its land had long been neglected. Seeing its potential, our parents bought the farm and asked our grandmother to be custodian and in her hands, Forstals started to find its way back to life.

Growing up, we spent every weekend at Forstals. Whether we were building hidden dens in the garden and playing games in the pool in the summer or cosying up by the fireplace in the winter, we had a magical and cherished childhood. And as we grew older, Forstals grew alongside us. New gardens took root, old buildings were restored, a vineyard was planted, a treehouse appeared in the woodland, and even a lake was built. Over the course of three decades, the once-neglected Forstals quietly transformed into an extraordinary space for our family that we were able to share with friends. First for sleepovers, then for parties and finally weddings.

After our Grandmother passed away, we have taken on its stewardship and have renovated the property carefully, preserving its heritage but bringing it to a standard that makes it ready to welcome guests as a luxury homestay and events venue. Whether it is an intimate rural escape or a unique and immersive celebration, Forstals provides the perfect template for creating unforgettable experiences.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Stylized handwritten text that reads 'Luxe Kock'.
Group of five people standing in a garden in front of a stone house, dressed in wedding attire and smiling.
A man and four children riding bicycles in front of a brick house with a window. All are wearing helmets, and the children are smiling.
A woman standing in a grassy field with her black dog sitting beside her, with a power line tower and open landscape in the background.