Holidays and staycations are going to be all about finding somewhere that little bit different this year. So, when I came across the Garden House near Petworth and their stunning Sussex retreats, I was smitten. The Garden House offers everything you might imagine when trying to conjure up the dream country holiday. It’s set in the South Downs for a start, so you’re guaranteed beautiful walks and trails, and wonderful views. But the Garden House keeps getting better.
Escape to Mongolia
Mention boho-chic and you have my attention. Mention luxury and a boho chic Mongolian yurt and you have my kind of holiday. Hopelessly romantic, and equally beautiful, this yurt has a true sense of zen. The owners describe it as “sumptuous and cosy, with Mongolian wool cushions, Mongolian artifacts, historic family furniture, antique rugs, and soft bedding to snuggle up”. I describe it as perfect. Set within a walled garden, and wrapped up in a blanket of tranquillity, pull up a chair and just breathe.
My name is Ruby
Who isn’t craving a bit of adventure? And does a road trip get more stylish and cool than in an authentic 1978 VW camper van? I’m a girl of the 70s and I grew up with a friend whose family would chuck all of us kids into one of these and take to the roads. I loved it so much that I still drive a VW van today (just not a camper). Ruby is a Type 2 Westphalia, LHD, converted camper that carries up to five people and sleeps four, with an extendable roof. In bright red, Ruby spent her early years “cruising in the sun-drenched highways of California listening to the Eagles”.
She’s been fully refurbished since with a brand new flat 4, air-cooled engine, and lots of mod cons; power steering, 3-way fridge, gas cooker and of course an awesome stereo system.
Shepherd’s Hut
The Hut is a luxurious shepherd’s hut with a king-sized bed hidden in a 7-acre meadow and surrounded by historic woodland. It’s in a conservation area and is the perfect secret romantic retreat.
The Bothy
Last but by no means least of these Sussex retreats at the Garden House, is The Bothy, believed to date back to 1820 and with many original features. You’ll find it within a beautiful Grade II Listed walled garden. Again, Garden House is all about making sure you have both beauty and luxury so you can expect high standards and all the home comforts you need.
Fittleworth and beyond
For those that don’t know the area of Fittleworth, there’s a lot to explore. Within easy reach are the historic towns of Petworth, Midhurst, Arundel and Chichester. There is Goodwood and Cowdray Park, Amberley and a dozen or more local museums. That’s all of course if you can tear yourself away from long South Downs walks and fine local fodder at the nearby The Horse Guards Inn (formerly a stopping-off point for the House Cavalry in the 1840s) or riverside dining at the Badgers.
And the good people of the Garden House
The good people of the Garden House are all about style. You can also hire a chauffeur-driven, 1952 Bentley Mark VI 4.5 Big Bore, or hire a 1962 Jaguar Mk II finished in Ecurie Ecosse Blue. Or for the more practical souls amongst you, opt for a more traditional motorhome.
If the summer of 2021 is all about making memories, doing something different, or finding somewhere really special, then the summer of 2021 is all about staying at the Garden House.
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