A Barn and The Observatory at South Downs Stay
This is a unique, characterful and stunning barn, complete with unspoilt views to inspire a feeling of being at one with the landscape! If it’s time to slow things down, stay curious, while connecting with nature in this downland delight!
A BARN
Our rooms inspire romance, togetherness, calm and restfulness. The bedrooms and mezzanine lounges are a lovely mix of simple style with modern elegance. The blend of old and new creates an inviting atmosphere that is both comfortable and yet really relaxing. It is truly a very unique timber barn conversion with many unusual touches to ignite your inspiration, plus the added bonus of uninterrupted views of the South Downs Arundel Park and River Arun Valley.
Sink into a roll top, double ended bath with bubbles, experience a spacious rain shower and then relax overlooking the stunning landscape.
This is a walker’s paradise, full of trails and paths from short strolls to long hikes. Only a stones throw away from historic Arundel, Chichester, Petworth, The Knepp Rewilding Estate and Goodwood. We welcome you to enjoy the magnificent landscape of the South Down National Park from every window of the property.
If you are looking for a family staycation or pre-wedding venue or just want exclusive use of the whole property, please contact us for details.
THE OBSERVATORY
Our most recent addition at South Downs Stay, The Observatory, is a detached studio that sits in an elevated position above the A Barn. It adjoins a grassland meadow and is a perfect place for birdwatching, photography and viewing the night skies.
With well-equipped self-catering facilities, this studio is an ideal base for a week-long holiday for one or two guests.
Far-reaching, breathtaking and amazing views across three aspects take in the South Downs, Arundel Park and the River Arun Valley. Then as night falls there is something irresistible about gazing up at a vast sky sparkling with stars on a clear night!
It’s a great place to see and hear abundant wildlife in a natural setting especially for those interested in observing birds in their own natural environment. You may even be a budding artists and/or photographer! We welcome you to come and enjoy a stay in this beautiful unique setting!
” Staying at A Barn reminds me of the stunning natural wonders of Switzerland!”
West Sussex is officially the sunniest county in England so there is a good chance the weather will be just right!
Summer and Autumn is a great time to visit here with the changing colours and crimson sunsets. Breathe the fresher air and connect with nature as you wander the valleys and Downs. Feel the sense of timelessness where traders, shepherds, quarrymen and farmers have walked for thousands of years. Our ancestors have farmed here since the 1700’s and now we are up to 8 generations!
The South Downs is the closest and most accessible National Park from London with so many hidden gems and tranquil places to explore including many stately homes with facinating furniture, tapestries and rare collections of paintings by renowned artists.
We welcome walkers/cyclists to this mid-point gateway and most picturesque part of the South Downs Way. Take a break! Stay at least 2 nights to explore the historic town of Arundel with it’s Castle, Cathedral and Artisan Shops. Walk through the meadows to Houghton Bridge where there is boat hire on the River Arun, the Chalkpits Industrial Museum and Amberley Railway Station where the trains could take you to Brighton or Portsmouth. A short stroll along the footpaths will take you to the downland village of Amberley, full of cultural heritage with it’s historic castle walls, shop, tearoom, pub and interesting properties around every corner. From the village you can also explore the Amberley Wildbrooks an SSSI and Ramsar Site.
Here, you can gaze the views from the barn over the beautiful river valley early in the morning when a mist often sits over the river. Observe the red kites gliding on warm thermals of air as they survey the ground below. Glimpse and hear the local owls after dusk. Make the most of the dark evenings and stargaze on clear nights with uninterrupted views of the stars in the dark sky. At dawn open a window and listen to the impressive morning birdsong and view the birds feeding in our wild flower meadow. Even the field rabbits will entertain you!!
For the peace and relaxation of all our guests we can only accommodate children of 5 and over in A Barn but babies in cots are welcome in The Observatory. A dog is welcome in the Swan & River room or The Observatory, but prior booking is essential.
