Christian Funnell picture by Alun Callender
Open House picture by Alun Callender
Christian & Rhoda
Christian Funnell is a Sussex sculptor whose public art can be seen all over Sussex, not to mention lots of other counties, schools and in private gardens. Moving to The Old Forge in 2004, we started to open our home & garden as part of Brighton Festival Artist Open Houses & Artwave Festival.
The beautiful studio in the garden is available for people to stay in. Also the house, studio and garden for book & magazine shoots. Scroll down for prices and availability. Prices start at £90 per night for a 2 person stay. Minimum 2 night stays.
Guardian Travel: 17.10.20
10 of the best cosy holiday cabins in the UK
The Old Forge, South Heighton, South Downs
This studio is at the bottom of Rhoda and Christian Funnell’s wild garden, which is filled with his bold modern sculptures. It feels wonderfully secluded and cosy, with a logburner and lots of thick blankets, but also has a touch of luxury – the soft down duvet, towels and walk-in shower are five-star-hotel quality. And the couple’s impeccable arty aesthetic is visible in everything, from the mid-century furniture to the old record player (with eclectic vinyl collection), bold printed cushions and art magazines scattered about. There’s a G&T honesty bar, with local Ditchling Gin and Folkington’s tonic, which can be enjoyed on the small terrace overlooking the River Ouse. The South Downs national park is a minute from the doorstep, so there are walks aplenty (there are guidebooks and an OS map in the cabin), including an 1½-hour stroll to the Ram Inn, a rambling, 500-year-old pub with an open fire in the pretty village of Firle. Or it’s a short drive to Lewes, Glyndebourne and the Seven Sisters white cliffs on the south coast.
• £110 a night (two-night minimum, reduced rate for single occupancy), including organic breakfast of eggs, juice, muesli, berries and bread, theoldforgeopenhouse.com
See www.christianfunnell.com for more of his work
EXHIBITIONS
ARTWAVE 2024
Open as part of Artwave Festival
plus Newhaven Festival
3 weekends
September 07/08, 14/15, 21/22
22 artists & makers showing their professional work in the house and the large wild garden on the Downs.
Mamoosh artisan deli flatbreads & hummus. Honey, wild flowers and plants.
Card payments taken. Payments can be taken remotely.
Awards
Nominated for Best Open House 2016
Best Open House (of 240 houses) as part of Brighton Festival Artist Open Houses- 2010
Accommodation
The studio is available for rent. On a 2 night minimum basis, you are welcome to hunker down in this lovely space. Sleeps 2.
Mid century style and a luxurious bathroom plus a log burner for any chilly weather. Logs are included as well as some breakfast foods.
The Old Forge is right on the South Downs, near to Lewes, Seaford, Glyndebourne, Charleston, Firle, Cuckmere Haven, Hope Gap and the Newhaven ferry. One hour 20 mins from London.
The Old Forge, Heighton Road, South Heighton, Newhaven,
East Sussex BN9 0JH
Studio - £110 per night for 2 people
Location Shoots
Includes use of house, garden, studio and any props we have.
Call: 077 99 23 88 68
email: theoldforgeopenhouse@gmail.com