Our Estate

A family Estate nestled in the heart of the High Weald

Borde Hill is a 2,300-acre Estate in West Sussex which has been owned by the Stephenson Clarke Family for 130 years (1893-2023). Thirteen stunning ‘Garden rooms’ surround the House with Grade-II* listed heritage Parkland and ancient Woodland beyond. The backcloth of the wider Estate is made up of many native and exotic champion trees and open farmland.
Sugworth Famhouse, Borde Hill Estate

Estate Rental Properties

Residential and Commercial Properties to Let

The Estate has residential and commercial properties as well as workshops and barns which are available to let. The residential properties range from one bedroom flats to 4 bedroom houses and are let unfurnished. The commercial properties include offices, workshops and storage barns and yards of all sizes and locations.

Use the link below to make an enquiry, providing us with the following details:

    • How many bedrooms/type of property you are looking for
    • Your budget
    • The date you would like to move

The Growers Project

A nature-led approach to growing

Food provenance is incredibly important to us and we are proud to have transformed Sugworth Farm, home to our ‘Grower’s Project’ Market Garden, into a 40-acre biodynamic farm which takes a nature-led approach to growing fruit and vegetables. 

Biodynamic growing is a holistic approach to organic agriculture where we work with nature, giving back to the soil through preparations and following the seven principles of permaculture to produce the most delicious, home grown vegetables. 

 

The Growers Project. Image: Julie Skelton
Stephenson Robert Clarke's initials were carved over the north front door in 1912, the date he added the east wing. Image: John Glover

The Jewel in the Crown

Positioned at the highest point of an east-west ridge which runs across the length of the Estate, Borde Hill Place is flanked by picturesque stone lodges, stable yards and other traditional estate buildings, and has been occupied by the Stephenson Clarke family since 1893.

It was rebuilt in 1598 by Stephen Borde, grandson of Andrew Borde, Herbalist and Physician to Henry VIII and author of the first English medicinal dictionary in 1542, and the words ‘Power of Plants’ are written on the walls of this stunning Grade II* listed House.

Visitors can enjoy views of the House from the South Lawn, looking towards the heritage listed landscape of the South Park beyond, while the north facing side of the House offers magnificent views of the Ouse Valley Viaduct and across the High Weald.

The Wider Estate

Four farms lie across the wider Estate, with a mixed farming approach of livestock, arable and Woodland management. We work closely with our farming partners to safeguard the land for future generations, following sustainable and environmentally friendly principles.

Our ancient Woodland is home to notable collections of native and exotic species of trees and is carefully maintained by our Woodland Management Team.

The Growers Project at Borde Hill

Our History

Plants and in particular the medicinal power of plants have been in our DNA since 1598 when Stephen Borde, the grandson of Henry VIll’s private herbalist and physician Andrew Borde, rebuilt the picturesque Elizabethan Mansion House at the core of our Estate.

Our Future

Future plans for Borde Hill include a new field to fork restaurant launching at the Stables in 2024 and an important community-led project in the South Park. Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund it holds sustainability, outdoor learning and wellbeing at its core. 

The Stables at Borde Hill. Image Julie Skelton

Volunteer with Us

Gardening is good for mental and physical wellbeing. Join our Garden Team in digging, planting and weeding, to reap the benefits of being in the great outdoors at one of the most celebrated Sussex gardens. 

 

We have a range of other volunteering roles available including Tour Guides, Event Assistants and Office Volunteers.

Reinventing Borde Hill

Reinventing Borde Hill forms a key part of our wider future vision to connect communities with the restorative power of nature, helping local communities feel mentally and physically replenished, and inspiring future generations through outdoor learning.

Discover the Possibilities

A family next to the water feature in the Rose Garden at Borde Hill during summer.

Become a Member

Membership is your ticket to enjoy unlimited access to the Garden, Parkland and Woodland throughout the open season. Our members also receive free entry to a number of exciting events, from live music in the Garden to Specialist Plant Fairs and much more. Family Membership provides unlimited access to the Adventure Playground and free school holiday trails.

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Italian Garden at Borde Hill. Image: Molly Hollman

Our Garden & Grounds

Set within 383 acres of heritage listed Parkland, our formal Garden captivates and delights visitors with a series of intimate 'Garden rooms'. Beyond the formal Garden you can explore Woodland walks, the South Park and our lakes with outstanding views across the Sussex High Weald.

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A misty atmospheric view of trees in North Park at Borde Hill with cows in the distance.

Support Us

As a small, independent Garden Charity, we rely on your kind generosity to help fund our projects and to continue to grow sustainably, protecting our natural heritage for generations to come. 'Reinventing Borde Hill' is our most ambitious project to date and your support will help us to achieve exciting plans to benefit our local community.

It would make a huge difference if you would consider supporting us by making a donation – thank you.

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Testimonials

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