A Georgian Retreat

A Georgian Retreat: West Sussex

Far from the madding crowd, this exquisite Georgian home is set deep within the South Downs National Park. The curious will be rewarded with a few welcome surprises on arrival. Outside in the established gardens, you'll find a vast pool area, complete with elegant terraces for dining and lounging, and your very own charming shepherd's hut. The kids will love to cosy up in here after splashing around in the pool before getting acquainted with the resident highland cattle, Edith and Morag, in the nearby field. Inside, the home's handsome proportions have been masterfully reworked for seamless, modern living, with a refined mix of antique and contemporary. Stretched out across three floors, there's plenty of space to all come together here. Relish long, lazy mealtimes in the light-filled orangery dining room, flowing through to the family room and kitchen. Crash out in the elegant drawing room, with deep sofas to sink into, a crackling fire, and a piano for the virtuosos amongst you, or put your feet up in the movie room. There are cosy nooks to hunt out too for some 'you time' – the study with storybook armchair and the obligatory wood burner has our vote. When the great outdoors finally calls, you'll find a world of unspoiled natural beauty awaits in the South Downs, with rambling walks right on your doorstep. Despite its secluded location, you're just five miles from the perfectly preserved market town of Petworth – lined with charming cafes, classic pubs and plenty of antique shops. In fact, it's been crowned 'Best Antiques Town' and draws interior designers and serious collectors from all over the country, so you better start clearing some space.

Home truths:
*You'll want a car – there's plenty of parking available around the property
*This home is spread out across three levels, so it may not be suitable for those with limited mobility
*This home can accommodate up to twelve guests, but two will be sleeping on a sofa bed within one of the bedrooms
*Two of the bedrooms are usually inhabited by your host's teenaged children and decorated accordingly
*Your host often stays in the separate on-site studio and tends to the garden – she’s happy to leave the garden completely private if prefered
* Child-friendly amenities such as a cot are available upon request
* Four friendly dogs live in this home – though they won't be present during your stay, it may not be ideal for allergy sufferers