Cadence

Introduction

Once a rambling farmhouse, this statuesque Sussex home sits in a hidden valley of the South Downs National Park near Petworth and is a sight to behold for those who appreciate creative modern design. Cadence's backdrop of leafy woodland contrasts with its sleek modernity, wrapped in brick and made from concrete derived from recycled materials. The romance of the surrounding scenery and owners’ futuristic concepts combine to present a luxury self-catering retreat which takes both the environment and aesthetics into consideration. Semicircular details echo the hills and arched windows allow natural light to flood through, in a space that blurs outside and in, fantasy and reality.

Inside

Rendered walls give way to secret stairwells and hidden reading nooks, calling to mind sci-fi themes of dark and light, space and height. White oiled floorboards and sisal carpets create a calming, contemporary interior, adorned with a colourful array of tapestries and ceramics to tell the story of the house as a ‘spiritual journey’. Gourmet cooks can hold court at a central kitchen island while fellow guests chat over drinks on bench tables. Bedrooms have wide windows overlooking the treetops, some with private staircases to en suite bathrooms. Even children, in a scaled-down living zone, have their own sofa, TV and writing desk. Design references come from nearby follies, towers and churches, adding celestial flair throughout.

Outside

The sweeping private drive gives a sense of grandeur before you've even rattled over the two cattlegrids: the setting is rural, with inquisitive sheep your only nosy neighbours. Patios around the circumference of the house make peaceful arenas for lazy lunches and balmy suppers in summer, birds tweeting as glasses clink and children play in the surrounding meadows. Affording access to areas that might otherwise be off-limits, guests are given the key to a private gate leading to the nearby stately pile of Petworth House, where the owner grew up. Marvel at the art collection before exploring the majestic 700-acre deer park and gardens, designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown.

• PricingFrom £5,495 per week
• PetsTwo well-behaved pets are welcome
  Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof
• FamilyChildren and babies are welcome
  
• PracticalitiesThe house has ample parking on its large drive. The kitchen has a microwave, five-ring gas hob, oven, two dishwashers, a double American fridge-freezer with ice and water cooler, a larder, and a cafetière. There is also a utility room with a washing machine and tumble dryer. The garden is not enclosed and there are free-roaming sheep around the grounds, so please exercise due diligence if you are travelling with children or dogs. Kindly be aware that the thick walls may result in weak phone signal. In pursuit of tranquillity, the architect has kept technology to a meditative minimum; however, a small TV can still be found in the children´s laid-back living zone
• 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
• Eco-friendlyThe house is clad in Sussex brick on concrete, 50% of which was made from recycled materials and high thermal mass

Petworth

Think quirky antique shops, cobbled streets and the sweeping South Downs right on your doorstep: Petworth in West Sussex is the perfect base for anyone needing a country break not far from London city.

View property location Destination guide

Getting there

• On the map The house is located between the market busy towns of Chichester and Horsham, in the rolling South Downs of west Sussex.
• By car The house is approximately one and a half hours by car from London, and under an hour from the sparkling south coast.
• By train This rural family home is located close to Haslemere and Pulborough train stations which both have direct lines to London.
• By plane Gatwick Airport is just over an hour by car, while London Heathrow is about an hour and a half.