The Drying Shed Sauna
Experience the healing power of wood fired sauna therapy in our award winning, off-grid forest sauna. The perfect way to relax and reconnect with nature in a truly tranquil setting.
Designed by
Built Works
for
Architects Holiday
Book your East Sussex Sauna Experience.
The Drying Shed Sauna is open to external visitors 6 days a week, from:
Tuesday-Sunday.
We run two private sauna sessions daily, for groups up to 4 people:
(Each booking is 3 hours)
10am-1pm & 1pm-4pm
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Cabin guests receive a discount on all sauna sessions, including access to additional availability (7 days a week, 7am-10pm).
Follow the link below using the password provided in your booking confirmation email
How to Book.
Using the booking form above, you can book a private self light sauna session for up to 4 guests.
For cabin guests, the sauna is open between 7am-10pm daily.
The Setting.
Situated by a babbling brook, relax your mind, body and soul while taking in the beauty of the forest and fields beyond through the perfectly framed picture window.
We’ve taken great care to ensure you’ll experience the optimum blend of warmth and ambiance from the wood burning stove, while taking in the fresh forest air.
Wood Burning Stove.
For the most authentic experience we source our logs from local sustainably managed wood sources.
You’ll find all the logs and fire lighting equipment you’ll need inside our Sussex sauna as well as some handy instructions.
Gift someone a sauna experience with our online gift vouchers.
Sauna Guidelines.
Please read before booking. Further information is provided after making a reservation.
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Our East Sussex sauna is hidden away right down in our woods in a secluded spot by the stream. In simple terms down the hill and towards the trees.
Here’s the address to help you find us: Great Park Farm, Catsfield, East Sussex, TN33 9DTFor Cabin Guests - The guide book inside your cabin has a handy map to show you where it is relative to your cabin.
For visitors - We will share a map in the confirmation email of your booking. please remember to check in and out at the farm shop when you arrive and leave.
It takes about 3-4 minutes to walk from Hill Cabin or the farm shop and 1-2 minutes from Cabin X.
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Your reservation lasts for 2 hours but we advise that you break your booked time period into 15 to 20 minutes at a time inside the sauna. Up to 30 minutes can be acceptable to experienced users.
The length of time your body can tolerate will vary from person to person. If you are sensitive to heat, you should start off with a short duration followed by a spell outside the sauna in the shower to cool off.
The sauna will take time to come up to full temperature, please note that this is included in the 2 hour reservation.
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As above remember to take breaks from the heat and refresh outside in the fresh, cooler air, under the cold water shower or in the plunge pool.
Saunas can burn, and too much time in the sauna at a too high temperature can lead to blistering. If your skin starts to sting, you should get out immediately and not renter.
Hydrate whilst using the sauna and drink plenty of water. There is a tap for fresh spring water next to the shower.
Saunas are social experiences so we suggest enjoying the sauna in a pair. It’s always good to have someone on hand if problems do occur.Item description
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The sauna will need some time to light and come up to full temperature. Please click here to see our handy guide on how to start and sustain the wood burner.
Only use dry, seasoned wood provided as fuel. Do not use found damp wood, as it may release harmful substances.
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When using a traditional wood burning sauna you are in control of the temperature. It can be made hotter by adding logs and somewhat made cooler by opening the door and allowing the wood in the burner to be consumed.
Temperature changes can take time, both up and down, so try to be patient before adding wood or allowing too much heat to escape through the open door.
A thermometer is provided on the wall and to help you reference your preferred temperature. The average sauna temperature is about 85C/185F though it can range anywhere between 60C/140F and 100C/210F. Item description
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Please do not use the sauna if you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other substances that impair judgment or coordination.
Do not to go in straight into the sauna after a large meal or strenuous exercise.
Do not stay in the sauna too long or if you start to experience any ill effects such as nausea, headaches or dizziness.
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There is an outdoor shower and plunge pool adjacent to the sauna supplied with cold water only.
Thee is a tap for filling bottles, but please bring your own water bottle or mug which can be refilled at the tap.
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Please leave the sauna in the condition that you found it. Do not add any further logs to the burner and lock the door after you leave.
You should ideally rest for at least 10 minutes afterwards to let your body recuperate and adjust to a normal temperature. Remember to re-hydrate and drink plenty of water. Avoid drinking alcohol until rehydrated and cooled off.
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Although rejuvenating, using the sauna presents some level of risk, especially to people who may be, have a history of, or suffering from the following;
Pregnant
Heart / respiratory problems
High blood pressure
Unwell or have a fever
This list is not extensive and if you have any concerns please consult your doctor before booking a session.
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For Cabin Guests - We’ll leave everything you need in you cabin for you, including, dressing gowns, towels, crocs and a lamp for when it’s dark. Please bring your own water bottle.
For Visitors - Please bring you own towels, gowns and crocs/flip-flops for wearing between the sauna and the shower. Please bring you own water bottle.
Book a Sauna & a Cabin
Looking to make the most of your sauna trip? Why not book an overnight stay in one of our new cabins.
Our wood fired Sussex sauna is surrounded by lush greenery and with views over a babbling brook. It offers complete privacy in a serene setting.
About the Architect.
Architect: Built Works
Team: Will Gowland, Harry Kay, Mike Perkins
Built Works is a RIBA chartered architecture and design practice founded in 2020 with a vision to combine cutting edge technology with environmentalism. Operating across multiple sectors and at a range of scales in both urban and rural locations, the practice has offices in London and the Lake District.
Design Concept.
A word from the architect;
“The project is centered around creating a serene and calming atmosphere through references to traditional Japanese design principles. The stunning woodland setting establishes a tranquil and peaceful environment for guests and the design builds directly from this.
Materials.
What’s it made of?
The cladding is composed of several different wood types, with exterior walls finished in larch and the interior a traditional alder. The floor is covered with a traditional slatted board made bespoke to the project. The only element within, except for the wood burner itself, is a monolithic bench made from windfall off an adjacent tree.
The structural frame is also made from timber and utilises a lightweight space frame to support the roof and create facade accents. Along with the timber construction, a combination of sheep’s wool insulation and recycled plastic insulation has been used throughout to keep the environmental footprint as low as possible for the build.
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