Peaceful 18th C Country House In The Heart Of A Nature Reserve, Near Chichester
The property was built in the 18th Century by the groom to the bedchamber of George II as a smallpox isolation hospital (and featured on the BBC's House Detectives) but is now a large comfortable family home - plenty of space for multi-generational families and ideal for reunions. The large garden has mature flower beds, fruit trees and a large pond (fenced) with an island. The property itself is set in the middle of a wood in the Kingley Vale Nature Reserve within South Downs National Park but is only a 20 minute drive from Chichester and the market town of Petersfield. The property is 15 minutes drive from Goodwood and 30 minutes drive from West Wittering beach. There is a cancellation/refund policy. It is a birdwatcher's paradise - we recorded over 43 different birds in the garden within the space of 1 day. It is a truly magical, tranquil place - an oasis in the middle of the forest with footpaths and cycle routes going straight from the property into the woods and beyond to the Devil's Humps where there are views of the Isle of Wight and Solent.
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Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
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Any charges imposed by HomeAway for using the on line payment system will be the responsibility of the traveller.
The owner has a more flexible cancellation policy than shown above contained in the booking conditions that the owner will email to the traveller
The owner's booking conditions apply to all bookings which are emailed to the traveller
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Please arrange direct with the owner
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
Property # 8126588
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Chichester
Located in Chichester, this holiday home is in a rural area and near the beach. Weald and Downland Open Air Museum and Chichester Festival Theatre are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Goodwood Golf Club and Ashling Park Estate. Travelling with kids? Consider West Sussex Falconry, or check out an event or a game at Goodwood Motor Circuit. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Farmer, Butcher, Chef Restaurant and Bar - 16 min drive
The Kennels - 14 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Peaceful 18th C Country House In The Heart Of A Nature Reserve, Near Chichester pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 3 total).
How much is parking at Peaceful 18th C Country House In The Heart Of A Nature Reserve, Near Chichester?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Peaceful 18th C Country House In The Heart Of A Nature Reserve, Near Chichester?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Peaceful 18th C Country House In The Heart Of A Nature Reserve, Near Chichester?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Peaceful 18th C Country House In The Heart Of A Nature Reserve, Near Chichester located?
This family-friendly Chichester holiday home is located by the sea, 3.1 mi (5 km) from Kingley Vale, and within 6 mi (10 km) of West Sussex Falconry and Uppark. Sky Park Farm and Bishop's Palace Gardens are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Fantastic stay! Rachel was a delight to work with. The home is in a very peaceful location and is so pretty! Its history is really amazing and we enjoyed reading the extensive folder Rachel created with historical details about the house. We would definitely stay here again!
We enjoyed our stay, it is well off the beaten track and a very stiff gate at the entrance made us doubt if we were in the right place. The house is lovely if in need of some serious TLC, especially with the plumbing. Lots of games, books and adventures for our grand children who loved the drum kit and piano and we loved kitchen. A good location for everything once the driveway had been negotiated.
Perfect house for a relaxing weekend in beautiful countryside. As a relaxing escape from busy lives we felt immersed in nature. There was plenty of space with options for 8 adults to read, cook, play music & games, dine - both indoors and outside, without feeling crowded. The history of the house interested some of us and we really liked the comfortable style of the furnishings and decor. The owner Rachel, was very helpful with communicating directions and ‘things to know’. We’d very happily stay again.
New kitchen was lovely although the work surfaces are impractical.Open fires good, although unable to use the one in the dining room (because of bees), A pity no logs were provided.The gates are not easy to manoeuvre, and the garden access for vehicles is tricky. The very lengthy drive could have been cut back more to avoid scratching cars.The shower head in the en suite bathroom was full of lime scale.The entrance porch has a huge cupboard for muddy boots but no hooks to hang wet coats, we had to use doors.We would have liked better quality bed linen and towels.A welcome pack would have been welcome.
Our family had a wonderful stay in this idyllic house. The house was quirky and full of history with lots of lovely features. The large dining room was perfect for entertaining a large group and the kitchen was fully equipped and modern. All cleaning equipment was provided. The music room was a real bonus as one of my granddaughters is learning to play piano, and the boys loved the drums.The garden was a favourite too. The children loved exploring and running around, and it was a fabulous place to spend the evenings. We left our cars for the weekend and walked along the various bridleways nearby. Rachel was an excellent host, pleasant, responsive and helpful. We booked this house for an opportunity to spend quality time as a family without the usual distractions and no one wanted to leave.
Debbie M.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
8/10 Good
Anna G.
21 Jun, 2025
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Lovely house
We loved the house and the location. Very unique. Loads of room inside and out for a large family, but the beds are not kings. This is not a property for those wanting a sparkling pristine house. It’s very old which is its charm. The kitchen was new and very nice indeed. But the windows - especially upstairs - were badly in need of a good clean!
We loved the quiet isolation of the house and enjoyed the lovely safe gardens The postcode is not accurate at all but the host gave driving instructions that were very helpful We did not expect the bridleway to be so long and uneven and the drivers in standard cars were very anxious we all arrived safely and in the correct spot but on the leaving day one car got a puncture and needed AA to rescue them The kitchen is new and lovely but I did spend the time following people around and wiping up drips and moving things on to mats to protect the wooden workbench which doesn’t seem fit for the job
The property was chosen because of its location - I have known the area around Bow Hill over 6 decades. Blackbushe House was marvellous for its character, charm and the spacious accommodation. We had a wonderful time socialising and celebrating in the house and garden whilst also enjoying walks to Kingley Vale, the Devils Humps tumuli and to the Hare and Hounds in Stoughton. A huge thank you to our host Rachel for the opportunity to stay in your home.
A perfect place for our annual university friends get together. We’re now all in our fifties and since Covid seven of us get together for a long weekend. This was the perfect location. Great for walks. Great for cooking together and relaxing, and a good pub within a 30mins walk.
Amazing woodland and walks on your doorstep. Beautiful house with lots of character with large quite garden to relax in. Not far from beach, would stay again.
We had a fabulous time celebrating the new year with extended family. The house is very charming and was beautifully decorated for Christmas. Gorgeous countryside and a great walk down to the White Horse pub. Would highly recommend Blackbushe House for a getaway with family or friends.
The history of this beautiful property just made it even more special for the family weekend. Home from home with more space, grandeur and amazing setting. So nice to escape from the world for a bit into absolute quiet with amazing walks.
We had so much fun ! The house has amazing history which is all documented indoors as you enter the house …the setting is utterly beautiful and tranquil ..the pond has ducks which fly in and we heard the deer at night outside… we spent most of our time in the garden .. there are numerous dining spaces and the main lounge has a wonderful ambience .. someone in our group can play the piano so that got used aswell !! (Check out the farm nearby in village of Westbourne about 20 mins drive away that does Alpaca walking .) Rachel the owner went above and beyond to accomodate us .. we all did not want to leave .. stunning location !! Thankyou Rachel
We had a wonderful stay in this lovely old house with its amazing history. Such a treat to be in the middle of nowhere with no traffic noise, clean air, dark skies and no neighbours to upset with the sound of the drums!
The house is both cosy and roomy enough for a group of 10 to relax and have fun. We may well be back.
Eleanor H.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Daniel H.
22 May, 2019
A Weekend Away
This was a fantastic location for friends from Brighton, Bristol & London to catch up with plenty of space and amenities for all. An incredible history behind the house and a very unique location tucked away.
Rachel's communication was superb and only wish we could have stayed longer :)
Wonderful cottage with a lot of history.
Perfect location in countryside, but easy access to Chichester and cosy pubs in the neighbourhood.
Great for walking in the South Downs.
Fits 10 perfectly. Good communication with very helpful owner.
The house was beautiful with plenty of space for 11 adults - the drive is a long way in the dark but worth it when you get there. Be careful if you have very full cars, go very slowly.
Nicola M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
About the host
Hosted by Rachel
Languages:
English, French
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests