- Cottages
- England
- South East
- West Sussex
- Houghton
- The Observatory
The Observatory Houghton
Sleeps 2
1 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
0 Pets
The Observatory - Facilities
- Electricty / Utilities Included
- Patio / Garden
- TV
- WiFi / Internet Access
- Bedding / Towels Included
- Luxury Property
- Washing Machine
- Open Plan
- Accessible Features
- Walk In Shower / Bath
- On Site Parking
- Shower
- Unique
The Observatory
The Observatory sits at the head of the Arun Valley with views south over Arundel Park and across to the River Arun. There is no artificial lighting here making it a perfect location to enjoy dark skies from this elevated setting. On the edge of the village of Houghton in the South Downs National Park, it is an ideal bolthole for two, offering studio accommodation in a lovely bright setting. The terrace makes an ideal outdoor living space on glorious summer days and evenings with space to relax or even to dine outdoors. With an added bird feeder on the terrace, you will find yourself joined by a variety of birdlife which are fascinating to watch.
The main room has a king sized bed with two tub chairs along with a wall mounted Smart TV. Behind the main room is a small kitchen area with a fridge with ice box, a two ring ceramic hob and a combi microwave oven. There is also a washer/dryer. A shower room is next to the kitchen area offering a walk-in shower cubicle. Guests are provided with two bathrobes as well. The shower room has a sun tunnel to provide gentle light.
Set right in the heart of the South Downs and where the South Downs Way crosses the River Arun this is an exceptionally beautiful area. Houghton Bridge less than a mile away is also home to the Amberley Museum, a museum that celebrates our industrial heritage. It is a 36 acre site created around the old lime burning kilns that are within a chalk quarry. It is worthwhile visiting since it will interest many. The Observatory is well placed for those who enjoy walking. In addition to the South Downs Way there are wonderful river walks as well as walks south over the Downs to Burpham village, giving great views to Arundel and the coast along the way. There is also a most interesting walk across the West Sussex Gurkha Suspension Bridge that links the villages of North Stoke and South Stoke by footpath giving a manageable walk to Arundel passing the Wildfowl and Wetland Centre on the way.
Arundel, which is four miles south from Houghton, is dominated by the symbolic 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 is the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk and is set in 40 acres of sweeping grounds and gardens. The castle 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 to take in the views over Arundel and The South Downs is definitely worth the effort.
