Mill of Arun

Introduction

They say an English country pile is the ultimate prize, and this enchanted home on the edge of sought-after Billingshurst makes it easy to see why. Encircled by mature gardens and built right over the river itself, Mill of Arun welcomes the whole family to come together for luxury self-catering escapes within a secluded fold of rural West Sussex. Outside the realms of the pretty gardens, the South Downs are within easy reach. With its twee villages, twinkling coastline and rolling chalk hills, this vast and varied National Park is a city dweller's dream. After days filled with bracing country walks and pub lunches by roaring fires, the millhouse and barn make a welcome resting place for tired souls.

Inside

Rustic on first impressions, the brick and wood-clad exterior of this former mill and grain store stay true to their industrial-agricultural roots. Inside however, it's a different story altogether. Set off the potted courtyard, the honey-beamed barn is double height and flooded with light - perfect for lovebirds or grandparents. In the main house, floral upholstered headboards and puddled curtains echo scenes from the garden, paired with chandeliers and restored timbers to complete the classical country theme. Unfurling over the old mill pit, the lofty living space is more than large enough for the party to come together to share drawn-out suppers and intricate jigsaw puzzles - mulled wine bubbling away on the stove behind.

Outside

Dominated by nature, the river sets the pace in the garden. In summer, water trickles by and afternoons are well spent tucking into cucumber sandwiches in the topiary gazebo before practising your croquet technique on the lawn. When the river levels rise, throw on waterproofs and take to the canoes, or wrap in wool blankets and observe as snowflakes melt into the millpond from the sheltered courtyard. When it comes to the itinerary, there's Petworth House and Park, Goodwood Racecourse and Cowdray Polo Club (boasting some 450 matches a year) all close-by. For those staying during festival season, the holiday wouldn't be complete without an outdoor music performance. If you can get tickets, glamorous Glyndebourne is a must.

• PricingFrom £3,250 per week, £2,395 per short break
• FeaturesHot tub, two kayaks for the river, table football in the games room, fishing is available year round outside of April and May
• PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome
  Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof
• FamilyChildren and babies are welcome
• PracticalitiesThe country kitchen in the main house features a French Bocuse Range cooker, microwave, Nespresso machine, toaster, kettle, integrated fridge and freezer, washing machine and tumble dryer. The smaller open-plan kitchen in the barn is fitted with integrated appliances including an electric cooker with induction hob, a microwave, Nespresso machine, toaster, kettle and fridge-freezer. Due to the age of both buildings, please be aware there are areas of the property with lower ceilings. The grounds offer private off-road parking for up to five cars and the mill is located partly over the river, where young children should be supervised at all times. Please note, there is a public footpath between the two properties. There are neighbouring properties that are sometimes frequented by their owners, but Mill of Arun does not feel overlooked. Due to the historic nature of the property, guests should be aware that ceilings and doorways are low in some places. If arriving by air, helicopters are welcome to land nearby
• Private cateringWhether you're looking for a fully catered stay or a one-off meal for a special occasion, discover your bespoke catering options
  
  Explore private dining

Billingshurst

Equidistant between Guildford and Brighton, this charming old village lies in the beating heart of rural West Sussex within close reach of the Surrey Hills and South Downs National Park.

View property location Destination guide

Getting there

• On the map This large West Sussex family retreat sits near the village of Billingshurst, encircled by the Surrey Hills and South Downs National Park.
• By car The mill and barn are under two hours drive from central London, and about an hour from the south coastal towns of Worthing and Brighton.
• By train The journey time to nearby Billingshurst from London Victoria is just over an hour, with trains running approximately every 30 minutes, followed by a ten-minute taxi to the house.
• By air Gatwick Airport is approximately 30 minutes away by car, while Heathrow Airport is around an hour away, both with taxis and car hire are easily available. Helicopters are welcome to land nearby.