A charming and picturesque cottage set in the South Downs National Park in a perfect village location for walkers just minutes from the South Downs Way. Martins Cottage is a picturesque 17th-century, thatched cottage bursting with character and is set in the gardens of the owners’ residence. The living/dining room has an open wood fire at the centre, and a Freeview television and books provide evening entertainment. A compact kitchen, welcoming bedroom and bathroom complete the accommodation. Outside, guests have access to the gorgeous shared gardens with views over the pond to the lovely countryside beyond.
Bury is the perfect English village with the River Arun passing close by the 13th-century church at the old ferry wharf, and the South Downs Way stretching out on either side. It is one of four very picturesque villages that sit below the slope of the South Downs close to Bury Hill. West Burton is a mile to the west with Bignor and Sutton villages just a couple of miles further west. There are fine local pubs to be found, and footpaths climb to the Downs from West Burton. However, if you are feeling less energetic, there is a car park at Whiteways by Bury Hill or you can take the lane to the Downs from Bignor village and park at the top beside the South Downs Way. This is where Stane Street the Roman road crosses the South Downs en route towards Eartham and Chichester. From here there is a choice of good walking east west or south.
Arundel, 3 miles to the south, is dominated by its castle and the rising spire of the cathedral. It offers a plethora of craft and antique shops as well as restaurants and tearooms. It’s a great place to wander and just enjoy its hospitality. Arundel Castle, seat of the Dukes of Norfolk and set in 40 acres of sweeping grounds and gardens, has been seasonally open to visitors for nearly 200 years. It is one of the great treasure houses of England and is home to priceless works of art in stunning rooms. Climbing the 131 steps to the keep, which dates from the 11th century, you can take in the views over Arundel and the South Downs.
The picturesque village of Amberley is a lovely walk from Bury and is a village that has managed to retain its character and appeal over the centuries and is noted for its many thatched cottages. This is also the location of the Amberley Museum a 36-acre open air museum set into a chalk quarry and dedicated to the industrial heritage of South East England. Depending on the timing of your visit, there are many themed events.
The historic market town of Petworth is a 10-minute drive from Martins Cottage and is best known as the location of the stately home Petworth House and deer park which was landscaped by Capability Brown. The house and its grounds are now owned and maintained by the National Trust. The magnificent country house contains an internationally renowned art collection with numerous works by Turner. Petworth itself was immortalised in his paintings, and is full of quaint houses and cottages, many within their own courtyard settings and are interspersed with antique shops pubs and restaurants.
The Sussex coast is less than 10 miles’ drive from the cottage, with both Climping Beach and Littlehampton’s West Beach providing a lovely day out. Other attractions in the area include events at the Goodwood Estate, such as the Festival of Speed Goodwood Revival and of course ‘Glorious Goodwood’ horse racing.
A trip to nearby Chichester is also a delight with its magnificent 12th-century cathedral and host of independent shops, stylish restaurants and pavement cafés. Situated in the centre of Chichester is Pallant House Gallery which holds one of the best collections of 20th-century British art in the country. There is an extensive exhibition programme and a lively events education and outreach programme.
With easy access to Portsmouth, you can also take the opportunity to visit the historic dockyard, which is situated within a working naval base and is the only place in the world to see the Royal Navy past present and future, something to see for anyone visiting the south of England. Shop 400 yards, pub and restaurant 500 yards.