Who doesn’t want to feel as if they’re living in a Jane Austen novel, wiling away the hours with a good book in a cosy cottage or tucking into fresh bread (from the Award-wining Cowdray Farm Shop) in a country kitchen or taking (more than a turn) around the huge and incredibly beautiful Cowdray Estate? Well you can do it all at one of the four charming self-catered cottages and lodges just beyond the Cowdray Castle ruins – famed for being the backdrop to the Cowdray Gold Cup polo.

It’s all about taking a retreat from reality at Cowdray and heading into rural relaxation with the tranquility that only nature can offer, correction, that only the West Sussex’s South Downs can offer – not that Muddy Sussex is biased at all.

For your stay, you can choose from Costers Lodge (sleeps 6), Challens Yarde (sleeps 8), Apsley Cottage (sleeps 4) and Benbow Pond Holiday Cottages (sleeps 2-4) and Ambersham House (sleeps 6) – but you’ll be hard pushed to choose.  All of these are beautifully furnished, packed with unique character features, and fully equipped with everything you need for your break. All cottages are dog-friendly and have use of an outdoor barbecue with Apsley Cottage having an outdoor hot tub, angled in position for watching sunset in and no doubt a glass of English sparkling.

The buildings are full of character with pops of personality and colour and everything is in pristine condition so you can have a rainfall shower in a 20th century cottage and dishwasher too (ideal, make that essential, for family breaks)! There are a variety of footpaths on the doorstep, quite literally and there’s be a thoughtful welcome pack of delicious essentials from the nearby award-winning Cowdray Farm Shop.

All of the charms and offerings of the Cowdray Estate are a short drive away from manicured gardens to farm shop and café delicacies, foraging, star gazing and afternoon tea, country pursuits and historic ruins – it’s got it all

Also available on the estate are the luxury treehouse retreats – a stay in the treetops – indulgence on an entirely different level – you’ll never want to leave!

READ MORE: Muddy Reviews the Evening Dining Series at Cowdray Farm Shop Café