Mulberry Mill

Introduction

Like a scene from a delicate watercolour painting, this luxury West Sussex home near Billingshurst is encircled by ancient trees and positioned right upon the gurgling river Arun - intoxicating in its splendour from the moment you push open the gates. Established gardens wrap around the charming old watermill like green velvet ribbons; its weathered red brick and wood-clad exterior hinting at the warm, rustic-luxe interiors to come. Here is a place where summers are best spent sunbathing riverside with a hardback, or cooling off in the canoes provided. Winters, on the other hand, are for rosy-cheeked woodland walks and giant jigsaw puzzles spread out over the coffee table.

Inside

Floral buttoned headboards and heavy puddled curtains bring notes of the garden inside, where chinking chandeliers and beautifully gnarled beams complete the traditional country theme. The house runs over four floors; there is a smart boot room, playroom and atmospheric dining room on the entrance floor, while the main living space unfurls over the old mill pit and provides a separate large kitchen-living area on the first. Three cosy bedrooms are accessed via two staircases on the second floor, followed by a sweet single room nestled under the A-frame roof which invites children to play out fantasies of captive princesses in their imaginary tower.

Outside

The landscaped gardens and orchard flaunt oodles of English country house charm. A stone bridge crosses over the Arun River which wends through the garden, while secret walkways bordered by towering topiary pyramids and a charming old grain barn give a sense of Alice in Wonderland enchantment. Let children while away afternoons playing Pooh Sticks, keeping eyes peeled for a fleeting sight of The White Rabbit, while the older generations indulge in Mad Hatter-style tea parties beneath the tangled vines of the gazebo. As dusk cloaks the day, settle down on the old stone terrace and watch the shimmering millpond reflect the stars as they begin to pinprick the sky like powder spilt over a black marble floor.

• PricingFrom £1,995 per week, £1,450 per short break for up to 6 guests
  An alternative group size of up to 4 guests is available during selected periods at a reflective rate
• FeaturesCanoes for the river, football table, fishing is available year round outside of April and May
• PetsTwo pets are welcome
  Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof
• FamilyChildren and babies are welcome
• PracticalitiesThe country kitchen features a French Bocuse range cooker, microwave, food processor, Nespresso machine, toaster, kettle and integrated Fridge and freezer. The mill is located partly over the river, where young children should be supervised at all times. There is private off-road parking for at least three cars and a public footpath that runs between this property and the next. There are neighbouring properties that are sometimes frequented by their owners, but Mulberry Mill 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

Once a winter foraging site, Billingshurst is brimming with history. Flint tools found in the area are believed to date back to Saxon times and the village comes with an intriguing list of traditions. Today though, this charming West Sussex settlement enjoys a more tranquil scene.

View property location Destination guide

Getting there

• On the map This luxury West Sussex holiday home sits near the village of Billingshurst, encircled by the Surrey Hills and South Downs.
• By car Under two hours drive from central London, and about an hour from south coastal towns including 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 by car, while Heathrow Airport is around an hour away, both with taxis and car hire easily available. Helicopters are welcome to land nearby.