Terrarium
Bosham, Chichester, West Sussex, UK
An eco-home clad in silvered timber and cocooned by a regenerative garden, Terrarium happens where net zero ambitions meet award-winning design in the Chichester Harbour AONB. Floating over a crystalline natural pool that starts where the sleek interior ends, this luxury Grand Designs house in West Sussex is wellness architecture embodied; a lesson in biophilic design that feels like a laid-back corner of the highfalutin Hamptons.
Introduction
As featured on Grand Designs, Terrarium is a glass-fronted tonic nestled within the coastal pastures of charming Bosham, the Bayeaux Tapestry-featured village that’s West Sussex’s answer to Venice. If you’ve ever dreamed of swan-diving into the dazzling blue while the morning coffee brews and the dog slumbers in a sun-spot, this is the place. Inspired by the boulder-weaving forest spas of Thailand, but plotted on a marshen outcrop on one of the last remaining undeveloped shorelines in southern England, what awaits at this luxury self-catering home is an entanglement of linen, rattan, bamboo, and all that’s bespoke.
Inside
Inside-out wood cladding, a suspended spiral staircase that reaches for a glass-topped atrium, and blush-chalked walls that bounce the light between them. At this nature-filled family retreat, where every square inch has been pored over by its award-winning architect and interior designer creators, all around are soul-stirring vistas that have the life-giving force of genteel Japanese gardens. What’s on the cards beyond the five bedrooms is a Narnia-esque playroom for little ones and a minimalist health club experience for grown-ups, with all the warmth that drop lighting, real fires and flocculent rugs underfoot can bring.
Outside
Spilling succulents that nod to vertical forests and wise old olive trees bringing breezy Mediterranean energy; that’s just what’s inside. Outside, a miniature English jungle bursts in a kaleidoscope of jade and gold, framing a self-purifying pool that’s kept translucent by its hoards of wild pond plants. If you can tear your troop away from these spa-like grounds, complete with wood-fired hot tub and open fire, there’s bushels of exploration spots close by; pop to the Norman market town of Chichester to pick up supper from one of its Aladdin’s cave delicatessens, or pack a picnic for a great British seaside escape to West Wittering.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 10 guests (6 adults and 4 children)
From £6,995 per week, £5,295 per short break - Bedrooms and bathroomsThere are five bedrooms at this luxury West Sussex sanctuary; one with a king-size bed (including en suite with freestanding bath and walk-in shower), one with a double bed (sharing the family bathroom with freestanding bath and shower), one bunk bed room with an additional trundle bed (with en suite shower room), one twin room (with en suite shower room), and one double on the second floor (including adjoining WC, but sharing the family bathroom). Downstairs is another shower room off the boot room.
View bedrooms - FeaturesNatural swimming pond (unheated, chemical-free water), wood-fired hot tub, tennis court, Indian canoe and paddleboard.
- PetsTwo well behaved dogs are welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Day: Friday or MondayArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyYes, children and babies are very welcome. One cot and one highchair are available.
- PracticalitiesThere is ample parking for five cars on the private drive. The kitchen has an electric oven, hob, Delonghi coffee machine, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, toaster and kettle. There is a plant room with washing machine and dryer. Underfloor heating features throughout. The natural pool is unfenced, so please exercise due diligence if you are holidaying with children or dogs and never leave them unattended; the doors to the area can be locked, but the decking overhangs the pool which is deep in areas.
- Homestay includesA welcome hamper of local produce, iPad, superfast broadband internet, a Smart TV (and second TV concealed in the living room), Bose Bluetooth speaker, books, toys and board games, luxury linens, towels and fluffy bathrobes, and logs and kindling to get you started.House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more little luxuries
- Private cateringDiscover your options for private dining and fully catered breaks.
- Additional extrasA handpicked selection of unique experiences are available at this property.
- Eco-friendlySolar panels, ground source heat pump, carbon neutral passive house design, bio diverse garden design, water harvesting technology.
- RestrictionsNo stag or hen groups are permitted. The property welcomes family bookings only.
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsEV charger locationsCheck mobile signalRecommend to a friend
Prices & Availability
Bosham
A little Roman, a touch Anglo-Saxon, a hint Norman; Bosham (pronounced ´Bozzum´) is a charming village with Medieval foundations and more green spaces and waterfront abodes than you can shake an oar at.
Getting there
- On the Map Terrarium is located in the Chichester Harbour AONB, just three minutes by car from Bosham village and approximately two hours south-west of London.
- By Car From London, take the A3(M) towards Portsmouth, and the B2149, B2148, and A259 to Bosham, and follow the directions provided. The journey time is around two hours.
- By Train You can take a train from London Victoria to Chichester in one-and-a-half hours. Terrarium is ten minutes by road. The closest train station is Bosham, which is two miles away.
- By Air Southampton Airport is half-an-hour away, and London Gatwick is just over one hour away by car.
From the owner
“As soon as you step into Terrarium, you are immediately immersed in nature and filled with a sense of calm. The natural swimming pond is serene, the sunlight dances through the house from the water reflections, and you feel part of the wild space that surrounds you.”
We are Daniel and Nina, an architect and interior, lighting, and furniture designer respectively; we designed and built the house from scratch, and were featured on Grand Designs. The property is set in one and a half acres surrounded by peaceful fields. It's a stone's throw from Bosham harbour with the most incredible coastal walks stretching for miles.
Our favourite part of the house is the pool, which comes right up to the kitchen; you can open up the glass sliding doors and dive straight in! It's unheated, which makes it incredibly invigorating year-round. It has no chemicals, and is naturally filtered, making it the most nourishing swim you can have (both for body and soul). In warmer months, it’s surrounded by beautiful lily pads, dragonflies, and butterflies, and rare breeds of birds will come to wash their wings in the shallow beach areas of the pond.
When you need to warm up, the wood-fired hot tub is on hand; nothing beats cold to hot water therapy, followed by gazing up at the stars. We love sitting on the kitchen sofa at sunset with a glass of wine, with the sliding doors open, and soaking up the pink reflections that dance over the pond. Swallows come darting down to, and there’s the occasional shy deer with its young.
Daniel and Nina
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Bosham with an insider’s perspective.
To Eat
The Ivy Brasserie, Chichester
Sip on a coupe of Spitfire Smash made from Chichester Harbour Gin and sup on twice-baked stilton soufflé at The Ivy, where all-day British dining meets international classics.
To Do
Goodwood Festival of Speed, Westhampnett
One motorsports festival to rule them all; noise, thrill, and atmosphere combine at Goodwood, the iconic British car-fest that´s become the linchpin of historic racing and classics culture.
To Do
Boating, Itchenor
With Itchenor Boat Hire just minutes away, you can plan for a day among the sailors and fishermen on the waterways, stopping at the waterside villages of Dell Quay and Emsworth.
To Eat
Crate Café and Bar, Bosham
An upcycled shipping container that´s had a second life as a Bali-style café, this laid-back yet vibrant spot serving up sweet waffles and cortados is committed to sustainability.
Unique extras
Enhance your stay with a unique experience from one of our preferred suppliers. From professional in-house chefs to luxury at-home spa therapists and wine delivered to the door, see what’s on offer for your bespoke escape.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Terrarium and Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
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What´s in store for 2023 staycations?
The Telegraph
February 2023Southern England´s Hamptons
The Telegraph
January 2023Cool cottages for spring
The Times
March 2023Inside The Fable x The White Company
House & Garden
March 2023The best summer party villas
The Times
February 2023How to maximise travels in 2023
The Telegraph
February 2023The best beach villas
The Times
February 2023Idyllic Valentine´s Day cottages
House & Garden
February 2023
Collections > Family-Friendly Self-Catering > UK > West Sussex > Chichester > Terrarium
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Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.
