A Barn and The Observatory at South Downs Stay
Come and explore the South Downs and stay in this beautiful, stunning barn, complete with unspoilt views and walks to inspire everyone. The beautiful Downs and Arun Valley landscape is full of wildlife which makes this a downland delight!
A BARN
Our rooms 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 relaxing. This is a very unique timber barn conversion with many unusual touches 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
An addition at South Downs Stay, The Observatory, is a detached studio that sits in an elevated position above the A Barn. The ethos here is simple – to offer the opportunity to foster an appreciation for the natural environment of the South Downs from this comfortable studio.
It adjoins a grassland meadow and is a perfect place for birdwatching, photography and viewing the night skies. 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!
With well-equipped self-catering facilities, this studio is an ideal base for a week-long holiday for one or two guests or any lenght of stay from the minimum 2 nights.
” 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!
Spring is a great time to visit with the milder temperatures, the longer days and shorter nights. Spring flowers bloom, tree buds break open and it is the nesting season for birds. There is a warm wind in the spring season in the air and that brings the Cuckoo here in April. 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 and connect with nature! 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, pubs and interesting properties around every corner. From the village you can also explore the Amberley Wildbrooks an SSSI and Ramsar Site.
From all of our bedrooms you can gaze the views 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, squirrels and hedgehogs 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. £25 per stay.