Sandy Balls Estate has become a haven for visitors seeking the quiet escape to country living since its owners, the Westlake Family, welcomed their first guest over 75 years ago.

Bought by Ernest Westlake in 1919, the family’s connection with Sandy Balls continues to this day. Ernest’s purchase of the estate was designed to both conserve its natural woodland and make it accessible to lovers of natural beauty – a motivation which is still at the heart of the centre’s operation today.

The holiday centre itself was founded by Dr Aubrey Westlake and has grown and adapted down the years - from its origins as a beautiful retreat for camping to the introduction of the first chalets in 1934 and the post war arrival of caravans.

The centre’s quirky name has an even longer history – it can be traced as far as the reign of Henry VII when it appeared on maps and documents as ‘Sandyballas’ – a description given to the dome-shaped sand and gravel outcrops on the centre’s western boundary.

The outcrops were formed in the Eocene era as the great ‘Eocene river’ – running at about 100 feet above its present level – slackened and deposited sand of considerable depth.

Today’s holiday centre is named after those gravel outcrops, many of which remain, the best examples being Good Friday Hill and Giant’s Grave.

The story of Sandy Balls and the Westlake family is an intriguing one, and Jean Westlake, Ernest’s granddaughter has written and illustrated a number of books recording the rich and varied history of the family and the centre itself. Copies of:

• A Handbook for Sandy Balls
• 70 Years A-Growing
• Sandy Balls for All Seasons
• Gipsy Caravan

Can all be found on sale in the Sandy Balls Gift Shop.

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