Byre Cottage 4

Why you’ll love staying here

Situated in the South Downs National Park, Byre Cottage 4 is a traditional, single-storey Victorian barn conversion on a mixed working beef and arable farm. The barn was originally built to house cart horses, and has been thoughtfully restored retaining exposed timber beams, vaulted ceilings, and flint walls. Comfortably furnished and well equipped for a self catering holiday, it’s ideal for a family looking to explore the Sussex countryside and coast.

Part of a small complex of cottages centred around a courtyard alongside a Grade II listed 15th century tithe barn, one of the oldest in the county, Byre Cottage 4 benefits from its own enclosed patio with a barbecue, as well as a shared lawned garden with picnic benches, festooned with lights.

There are also an excellent range of facilities on site including an outdoor heated swimming pool, tennis court, table tennis, and outdoor toys for children.

The farm is thought to date back at least a thousand years, with records showing that in the last 800 years it has been in the hands of just six owners, although there have been many more tenant farmers. This continuity means that the landscape is largely unspoilt, and today’s owners, who have farmed the land for three generations, are committed to sustainability and encouraging biodiversity, such as providing feed for overwintering birds and trimming hedges only when necessary

Spanning almost 500 acres of grassland, pasture, and wheat, the farm is home to a herd of cattle cross breeds between Sussex Simmental, and Aberdeen Angus, and as a closed herd, calves are born on the farm. The owners also keep chickens and guests are welcome to help out with feeding each morning and collect fresh eggs for breakfast.

Guests can walk the miles of footpaths and bridleways that run through the farm, as well as a 7 acre ancient woodland. Tucked away on an edge of the farm is St Mary’s Church that dates back to Saxon times and the former manor house, held by the Shelley family from the dissolution of the monasteries until 1789.

The South Downs and surrounding area has a wealth of activities and attractions to suite all tastes and budgets. Cycle the 100 mile South Downs way passing through rolling chalk land, hike the coastal trails at Seven Sisters Country Park, or spend the evening stargazing at Black Down, the park’s highest point. The South Downs is also home to some of England’s finest vineyards where you can book a tour and tasting.

Arundel is well worth a visit with an impressive medieval castle set in beautiful flower gardens, a WWT Wetland Centre, and an excellent range of independent boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, and welcoming pubs.

Byre Cottage 4 is well placed for some of Sussex’s best beaches with the coast around half an hour’s drive away. Popular with windsurfers, Worthing is a vibrant seaside town with a shingle beach, a pier, and one of the oldest cinemas in the country. Nearby Littlehampton has a long sandy beach, promenade, amusements, theme park, and calm waters safe for swimming. No trip to Sussex would be complete without a day in Brighton. Spend some time wandering The Lanes, admire the Royal Pavilion, and enjoy fish and chips on the seafront.

Sullington Manor Farm has a café on site serving breakfast, light lunches, homemade cakes, and ice cream. For more places to eat as well as a good range of shops including a supermarket, Storrington is just over a mile away.