Looking Glass Lodge

A Biophilic Getaway in an East Sussex Nature Reserve

The owners of this stunning little lodge—a veritable window on the dense green world around it—have called this bio-rich natural reserve their home for years. In creating this sustainable retreat, an intensely private modern perch at the foot of an epic redwood tree, they delight in sharing their glorious world with others via thoughtful biophilic architecture.

Biophilic architecture is increasingly capturing the spotlight in sustainable construction circles, and this seamless woodland retreat stands as a prime example of this new breed of green building. Biophilic means "the love of life or of living things", which in architecture translates as the creation of spaces designed out of a deeply ingrained love of nature.

Created by 2022 RIBA-award-winning Michael Kendrick Architects, the minimalist lodge stands as a next generation eco-retreat, offering deep immersion in nature. As its name implies, the space was created to be a looking glass on the natural world. Perhaps most notable are the lodge’s full height, electrochromic windows that allow for complete transparency on the woodland from the fully open-plan residence, yet provide total intimacy once within.

Unobtrusive, constructed on site by local labor and cantilevered atop a steel structure to minimize damage to any trees or natural life on its lot, the raw timber clad lodge is a space created for leaving the stresses of modern life behind. Treehouse-like, it hugs the trunks and turf of its clearing and stands elevated over a natural embankment overlooking an ancient redwood. Its crisp, modern interiors are furnished eco-consciously, with unfinished western red cedar lining, birch plywood partitions and cabinetry, an indulgent, freestanding stone pebble bathtub, and simple linens and furniture. 

A periscope-styled contemporary woodburning fireplace takes pride of place in the living area, alongside a Hans Wegner lounge chair which is perfect for reading by the fire and taking in views of the giant redwood and larch trees that surround the lodge. Recommended reading: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. Recommended soundtrack: "Simple Things" by Zero 7.

AROUND

This secluded cabin for rent in England stands elevated over a natural embankment in an old growth woodland in the fern-tufted High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, an hour south of London. Guests can indulge in customized woodland yoga sessions in the trees or an in-lodge massage. Wonder Wanders and restorative forest-bathing are on offer with a local psychotherapist and outdoors guide, and the lodge and its surrounding enchanted forest make an excellent location for professional photo shoots. 

Homecooked or custom prepared take-out meals are available via a local deli, and several nearby vineyards on the south coast offer tours and tastings. Take in panoramic coastal views only five minutes away from the lodge on the Hastings Country Park trails, or stroll the Pett-Level beach nearby with its fossilized forest and sandstone cliffs. Rye Harbour Nature Reserve offers one of England’s most important wetland habitats, and Hastings' Old Town offers picturesque fish-smoking huts, cobbled streets, and an award-winning pier and arts district in St. Leonard’s on Sea, complete with an original Banksy.

LOCATION

Fairlight, Hastings, East Sussex, UK. Nearest airport: London Gatwick (35 miles)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year round. Although the best weather is generally from May to September, this is a great home to cozy up in during the winter months.