Opening its doors today – Crafted at Powdermills is inviting guests and locals alike, to step off autopilot and reconnect with the things that matter: nature, food, wellbeing, craft, people, and play…
Set within a Georgian Grade II-listed country house, surrounded by ancient woodland, wildflower pastures, and a seven-acre private lake, Crafted at Powdermills reimagines traditional hospitality with a focus on rest, restoration, and creativity.
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Outside, three beautifully crafted private cottages also await – named Ash and Oak (both with 3 bedrooms) and the spacious Lake House (5 bedrooms) each has a kitchen diner, cosy living space with a stove, and plenty of room to stretch out. The Lake House elevates a stay even further with a private garden, outdoor pool, and a deck onto the water. Perfect for larger groups, company retreats, birthdays, or unforgettable getaways.
Wellness at Crafted
For Crafted at Powdermills, it starts with the lake, a freshwater swim that jumpstarts the system, paddleboarding at sunset, a full-moon kayak to test the balance, or forest yoga under the trees by the water’s edge. Wellness flows naturally, from lakeside saunas and cold-water baths to hands-on moments of making, designing, and creating, Crafted is a space for restoration, creativity, and connection.
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The Craft Barn & Art Studio
Creativity is at the heart of the concept and hiding in the woods, you will find The Craft Barn where workshops and classes run throughout the week including pottery, birdhouse building, dream catcher making, forging and throwing. Sitting by the lake, the Art Studio is a place to look closer and let your creative mind run free. Hosting workshops in printmaking, natural dyeing, and paint, as well as, watercolour classes and sketchbook sessions which will be run by a rotating collection of Artists in Residence.
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Food & Drink
Guests can enjoy seasonal, ingredient-led dining across an all-day restaurant, relaxed pub, cocktail bar, and outdoor grill. Neil Armstrong, Executive Chef and Conor Sheehan, Head of F&B will drive the day-to-day culinary vision, overseen by Chief Operating Officer, Joel Williams.
Crafted’s goal is to reach 75% British provenance across all of its menus. Alongside the opening of the British pub, familiar yet forward-thinking, blending warm, timeless materials with bold contemporary detail. An all-day affair – relaxed and joyful. Expect local English beers and wines, a cocktail list (including no & low options) that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and a menu anchored by an outdoor grill and wood-fired oven turning out seasonal cuts and pizzas.
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Interior Design
At its heart, Crafted is about craftsmanship – the thread that weaves all its values together. Inside, 55 artisan-designed rooms and suites feature handcrafted details by House of Dré, British-made furniture, and locally crafted ceramics inspired by the surrounding landscape. House of Dré has shaped the design philosophy, honouring its industrial heritage while embracing contemporary design and playful colour. Guestrooms feature bespoke British-made furniture created by Seb Cox, locally crafted ceramics, and a rich layering of timeless materials that balance old and new. Each space is a calming, creative sanctuary – an invitation to unwind, reflect, and reconnect with yourself at your own pace. Inspired by the surrounding English woodland, the design embodies a quiet luxury without pretence, offering a sense of home that feels both intentional and effortlessly relaxed. Room options include Cosy, Heritage, Junior Suite, Suite and Cottages.
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Cottages
Outside, three beautifully crafted private cottages await: Ash and Oak (both with three bedrooms) and the spacious Lake House (five bedrooms). Each is complete with a kitchen-diner, cosy living space with a stove and plenty of room to stretch out. The Lake House elevates a stay even further with a private garden, outdoor pool, and a deck onto the water. Perfect for larger groups, company retreats, birthdays, or unforgettable getaways.
Image credit: Crafted at Powdermills
Community
Crafted at Powdermills is redefining what a members’ club can be – no more compromises between wellness, work, good food, and genuine connection. While traditional clubs tend to focus on just one aspect of life, Crafted is designed to offer it all. It’s a space where you can work productively, eat exceptionally well, stay active, and feel part and celebrate a vibrant, local community.
The Crafted Vision
Crafted has been brought to life by Chris King, co-founder of the original award-winning Birch hotel. With Crafted, King is starting a new chapter: one rooted in nature, driven by creativity, and shaped around a simple idea – that people are busy, but not with the things they love; Crafted is here to change that.
Chris King stated: “We’ve created a space where people can truly pause, reconnect, and explore with nature, creativity, and community at the heart of every experience. Crafted at Powdermills is designed as a place to step out of the everyday and into something inspiring. Whether it’s through our workshops, outdoor adventures, or simply relaxing by the lake, we want every guest to leave feeling more connected to nature, to creativity, and to themselves and enjoy the beauty of East Sussex”
Main image credit: Crafted at Powdermills
