A Woodland Wellness Revolution in Sussex
Nestled deep within the ancient landscape of the High Weald in East Sussex, a unique architectural retreat is challenging British weather conventions and converting even the most ardent sauna sceptics. The Drying Shed, a Japanese-inspired sauna, and its accompanying Hill Cabin offer a compelling blend of extreme heat and crisp, cold woodland immersion that is capturing the nation's growing appetite for wild wellness.
The Drying Shed: Japanese Design Meets Forest Therapy
Perched beside a secluded copse where deer and kingfishers are frequent visitors, the Drying Shed stands as a rust-coloured temple to heat. Its design, influenced by traditional Japanese buildings, features a large picture window that frames the forest, allowing bathers to scan for wildlife from the comfort of a bench made from a fallen silver birch. On a chilly day, one visitor reported sitting stock-still, sweating profusely while watching a cheerful robin flit through the undergrowth.
The experience is authentically wood-fired, fuelled by logs from sustainably managed local woodlands. Sessions last three hours, encompassing the time needed to light the stove and allow the room to reach its blistering average temperature of 85C, though it can range from 60-100C. Detailed instructions are provided for fire-lighting, making the process accessible even to those whose experience is limited to barbecues. The key, it seems, is patience – allowing the heat to build steadily without overloading the stove.
The ritual of alternating between extreme heat and cold proved transformative for one visiting couple. Even a self-professed sauna sceptic found himself captivated, spending the full duration moving between the sizzling interior and the invigorating cold-water tub or icy shower. The breathtaking view almost provided a form of sauna by stealth, with the bracing effects of thermal contrast only belatedly noticed.
Hill Cabin: Scandi Comfort with Breathtaking Views
A mere five-minute walk from the sauna lies Hill Cabin, a former farm building that has been given a contemporary Scandi-style update. With its black cladding, lime-washed wooden floors, and vintage furniture, the cabin is a masterclass in cosy minimalism. The space is warmed by a log-burner, scented tea lights, and an abundance of rugs and throws.
Yet, as with the sauna, the true star is the view. Perched on a rise, the cabin overlooks a sweeping valley where friendly sheep, horses, and Mavis the donkey graze in the foreground. Rolling fields and a distant village complete the dreamy backdrop, best enjoyed from the wood-fired hot tub on the outdoor patio, where faces glow pink from the cold while bodies remain toasty warm.
Hill Cabin is one of two existing rentals on Great Park Farm, a 10-hectare family farm in Catsfield, near Battle. The other, Cabin X, offers a similar style tucked away in the woods. The project is the brainchild of farmer's son Will Gowland, an architect whose practice, Built Works, designed and constructed the Drying Shed.
The Future of Sustainable Forest Retreats
Will Gowland's vision extends far beyond the current offerings. He provided a tour of two new cabins under construction, set to open in spring, which represent a significant scaling up of ambition and luxury. Yogi's Cabin will feature a natural swimming pond and a dedicated yoga studio, while Bather's Cabin will include an expansive indoor-outdoor private spa that flows onto a roof terrace.
These will be followed by Musician's, Chef's, and Explorer's cabins, all handmade from sustainable materials like local larch and British hemp for insulation. This commitment to genuine sustainability comes at a cost – Gowland admits it is five times more expensive to build this way. As a certified Passive House designer and a member of the Association for Environment Conscious Building, his commitment to eco-credentials is unwavering.
The growing popularity of such retreats is part of a national trend. According to the British Sauna Society, the number of wild saunas in the UK doubled from 104 in May 2024 to 213 in May 2025, indicating a significant post-lockdown shift in how Brits seek wellness and connection with nature, even in the depths of winter.
The trip was provided by Architects Holiday. Cabins sleep two, starting from £242 a night B&B (or three nights for the price of two until the end of March). A three-hour sauna session at the Drying Shed costs £45 for up to four people, with discounts and extended opening hours for cabin guests.
